Let's talk....YEAST/CANDIDA!!

[Moving On]

[COLOR="Purple"]Thanks, Lisa! I had one just open up next to me but haven't been there yet ~ I'll check it out![/COLOR]

[fawn]

So did we determine JJ that you are in fact looking for grapefruit seed extract? I'm confused now.

It's a shame this was moved out of the ML. Everyone suffers some form of yeast whether they think they've passed a spit test or not. Everyone could benefit from this thread and it answers so many questions for so many people.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by fawn

So did we determine JJ that you are in fact looking for grapefruit seed extract? I'm confused now.

It's a shame this was moved out of the ML. Everyone suffers some form of yeast whether they think they've passed a spit test or not. Everyone could benefit from this thread and it answers so many questions for so many people.

Fawn, I totally agree! They actually moved us in the Women's Health Room first!

She is looking for Grapefruit seed.:blush:

[fawn]

Newbies/even folks who just hang in the ML don't go to the other threads. They feel intimidated. This is too huge to be hidden.

JJ: Nutribiotic does make pills of GSE. That's the most popular brand out there and in my opinion trust worthy with their claims. You can also order them on line. nutri team is the site.

[Kris T.]

I just wanted to say I'm so grateful to Tooter for starting this thread and for everyone else who have shared their experiences and tips so far.

I'm really thinking eliminating all dairy will be the key for me. This is what I've done so far, just small changes.

Yesterday:
-added in about 1T of AVC in some water with a splash of SF syrup.

-No dairy products. I made my usual egg custard with coconut cream and it turned out splendid! I'm very excited to know that it worked. I'll have to see what else I can re-create from my usual dairy favorites.

This morning:
-Coffee with coconut cream (instead of my usual heavy cream) and about 1T of coco. oil.

-Yogurt about 1/2 c, the good kind..It's some local brand here, organic with no sugar or anything weird. I was out of Fage and just had to grab what I could find last night at the Indian grocers.

-Iced tea with about 1 T of ACV on the way to my workout.

For the first time in a long time, I was able to run for 30 minutes straight. This never happens. I usually run for 10, walk for 5.

I also noticed for the first time in years that I didn't wake up with my usual stuffy nose or headache. And this is after 1 day. I don't know if it's a placebo effect or what, but I'll gladly take it. I haven't felt this good in years.

My kids, meanwhile, are getting spoiled rotten. I gave them some half-n-half that I had just bought (for me) on their cereal. Now I just have to slowly use up the 5 bricks of cream cheese that I just bought!

p.s. DH is furious about the thought about giving up beer. But once he saw his tentacles he had second thoughts. The thought of "bugs" as he calls it, living in his body sent him over the edge. He's very Monk-like.

[Moving On]

Originally Posted by fawn

Newbies/even folks who just hang in the ML don't go to the other threads. They feel intimidated. This is too huge to be hidden.

JJ: Nutribiotic does make pills of GSE. That's the most popular brand out there and in my opinion trust worthy with their claims. You can also order them on line. nutri team is the site.

[COLOR="Purple"]Thank you, as always, Fawn!!!! I've been wanting to try this for awhile! [/COLOR]

[SLynnB]

Fawn, you are so right. I rarely come to this forum, so if the thread had not of been started in the ML, I would not be so aware of the yeast issue and how it can really affect one. Wouldn't have even thought that hubby and DD and DS also have yeast issues. Hubby did not pass the spit test, will do DD tomorrow morning. DS no longer lives at home but said he would look up information online about yeast infections.

One thing I was thinking about last night is how so many people feel miserable when they start Atkins and is normally referred to as carb withdrawal. That should probably be referred as "not feeding the yeast."

Perhaps there is a way to retitle the thread to keep it in the main lobby.

And, still trying to determine if the boric acid powder I want is the same that is used for roach control.

Sheryl

[TinaBina]

Originally Posted by Tooter

Induction levels or lower. I believe that Prozak is much lower then I am. She was posting in the Zero Carb thread. It really isn't Zero, but closer to that then induction levels.

Why? I always felt better on stricter atkins.

Prozak found she couldn't lose well, unless she went lower.

Then we started (and came into) this thread, and realized that it really could be the Yeast issue. That maybe the Dairy really is a "trigger" food because of the Yeast.

I had limited my cheese to just a little bit in salads.

Although I did well on strict low carb (and didn't have symptoms) I still had the yeast issue.

There are 3 steps in dealing with yeast:

1. Stop feeding the yeast (which is what I did)
2. Take things that will kill the yeast (I was taking CO and AVC)
3. Recolonize your gut with probiotics (good Bacteria) Yogurt and Kefir isn't enough to do this.

So, although I had symptoms under control...I wasn't doing what I should be doing and if I tried to up my carbs or have nuts etc...It was like going backwards.

How do I eat now?

I'm not eating any nuts or cheese, sour cream etc.

I have Fage yogurt in the Morning. Usually a Protein and a salad (with ACV) for lunch and dinner.

I drink tea with coconut oil in it and drinks with AVC/water/Stevia or Xylitol.


I am also taking a probiotic.


In a few days or weeks, I will UP my protocol by taking another supplement to kill yeast (Oil of Oregano or Grapefruit seed extract, etc) and then I will rotate those. I'll also rotate the probiotics too.

This is just my "Plan" for now. To kill more yeast, re-colonize my gut and not go through intense die off. I am easing into it.


Just make changes, one step at a time. Don't try and do everything all at once.

Thanks Tooter! I am doing the above 3 steps as well as taking something called Candid-Away by DaVinci Laboratories, I got this from my accupuncturist - I've had trouble with these in the past so I am trying a lower dose. I've also tried Tanalbit. I am on a low dose of steroid daily, I just hope that I can get this under control. I know I have had this issue for quite some time, but after being hospitalized in July with Diverticulitis I know it is out of control now.

[Margot 65]

Yes Tooter is right.. I keep my carbs around 10-15 a day, rarely getting 20 and never more than 20 or I feel like crap.

Cutting out dairy is a HUGE step and yesterday was NOT a good day without it (ask my family I was a mess.....)

I have never been so hungry in my entire life as I was last night, and I was craving WHITE BREAD, FRUIT JUICE (omg!) and get this.... WINE (I rarely drink, and it is even rarer I choose wine)

I have a lot of issues today, mainly the zits on my face (I never get zits....) and the brain fog to the point where I can hardly focus my eyes sometimes.

Out of curiosity I did the spit test this am, and it pretty much landed in the water with strings, I did not have to wait.

Considering I do not eat nuts (at all....) VERY little cheese and rarely do I have something like pickles or mustard/ketchup, this tells me the yeast I have are gonna be fighters and not go without a fight.

I was very emotional last night.. LOST it on my poor DD's about something that was entirely MY thing and not theirs.... and I had to leave an open house at the school last night because I was about to tackle the next kid who walked by sucking on a juice box or eating a hotdog with a bun and OMG KETCHUP?!?!? I do not even LIKE ketchup on my hotdogs?!?!?!

I am now taking a B complex vitamin to help deal with some stress issues (yeast loves cortisol....) and some l-glutamine to help heal the intestinal damage done. As well as the ACV and coconut milk and lots more coconut oil than usual. In a 10 days or so I will add the grapefruit seed extract (my sister has some so it is out there...) and the oil of oregano (which is terrible so this time I am getting the pills...) I am not eating much but did have the egg cream with coconut milk earlier and shared an organic turkey patty with DD1 for lunch (cooked in CO and sprinkled with nutritional yeast it was yummy). Food and weight loss are the last thing on my mind right now so I am fine with that.

It is not easy.. but I have decided that this is what needs to be done if I want to not only get slim, but to keep my mind and body functioning so I can enjoy my slimmer physique.

Keep it up ladies, it is a fight worth fighting.

And I woke up feeling like I had actually drank that bottle of imaginary wine.

[Su11]

I found a bit of information on de-molding almonds, but since I'm at work I can't really get back to the source I found. Basically you rinse them with grapefruit seed extract in the water and then roast them.
I'll look into it further. I got it from an allergy site.

[SLynnB]

Okay, just throwing this one out there. I have issues with daytime sleepiness (already using an auto CPAP), so know that is not the entire issue (although it has helped) and I know that it can also be related to foods (i.e., high carb foods and I fall asleep), not doing that either. It just seems to me that since I started with the ACV it has been worse (like several times a day at work). So just wondering if anyone had any information on that might correlate the 2. and yes, I have an e-mail to my specialist to let him know I'm still having the sleep problem, so probably more tests for narcalepsy, etc.

Feeling really bad today, tummy is bloated and belching is worse (if that's possible). so think some die off is happening.

Sheryl

[Pinot]

Originally Posted by Tooter

At 16 I went on Antibiotics for Acne for 2 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of coarse I got yeast infections. The doctor just told me to eat yogurt for a week. That's it.

At this point I actually thought I had mono and had the Doctor test me. I was so tired all the time. The doctor tested me. Nope, it must be all in your head.

OMG, Tooter, this is exactly the same thing my 19 y/o DD went through and has been dealing with for the last three years. She's now trying to eat as anti-yeast as she can (she's a college kid, so it can be difficult). She's taking her coconut oil every day and also taking the Udo Super Choice 8 Probiotic, the same one someone mentioned upthread. She's doing much better, although the acne can still be a problem.

Thanks so much for starting this thread. Now back to reading!

[lisabinil]

Foods to Eat

Veggies - beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, green pepper, peas, parsley, radish, onion, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes (not canned)

Raw garlic and onions act as natural anti-fungal substances and should be eaten as much as possible

Complex carbohydrates in small quantities only - rice, beans, millet, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat

Yogurts help replenish intestinal bacteria

Lemons and lime - very acidic, however, when broken down become alkaline in the body and help to balance your pH level

Fruit - Once you've eliminated the current Candida infection, you can eat fruits with moderate amounts of sugar - apples, grapefruit, melon, strawberries

Free-range organic beef, chicken - they contain no antibiotics

[lisabinil]

Also don't forget smoked meats such as bacon, sausages and salami products such as pepperoni have added sugar and should be cut out of your diet.

[lisabinil]

Prozak check your B vitamins-look what I found out.
Don not use B–complex vitamins and selenium products, unless labeled “yeast–free”

Also be careful with Almond Breeze-it is a processed nut milk.

[Margot 65]

ooooooooh thanks lisa, I checked and it is yeast (& sugar, wheat, egg, alcohol, dairy and common allergen) free!

whew!

[Margot 65]

I think L-glutamine is a MUST have guys and gals:

LGlutamine

[duece49424]

Lisa - thanks on the info of Almond Breeze..my list is getting smaller.....What about sugarfree soy milk?

[SLynnB]

I know what you mean about that list getting smaller. Did not see zucchini on the list, sure hoping that was an oversight and not that I cannot eat it. It has become a staple in my life.

Sheryl

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by duece49424

Lisa - thanks on the info of Almond Breeze..my list is getting smaller.....What about sugarfree soy milk?

I think thats ok.

[NarcissisticFairy]

and came across this thread!

Have just had a look at the list of symptons, and I have most of them!

Originally Posted by Tooter

Medical Library and Physician's Directory, Health Information - Yeast Syndrome

Symptoms of Yeast Syndrome

No one individual will have all of the following symptoms. However, the presence of only a few which cannot be explained in another way should raise the index of suspicion for for "yeast syndrome" to a high level.
* Fatigue or lethargy
* Feeling of being drained
* Depression or manic depression
* Numbness, burning, or tingling
* Headaches
* Muscle Aches
* Muscle weakness or paralysis
* Pain and/or swelling in joints
* Abdominal Pain
* Constipation and/or diarrhea
* Bloating, belching or intestinal gas
* Troublesome vaginal burning, itching or discharge in women
* Prostatitis in men
* Impotence
* Loss of sexual desire or feeling
* Endometriosis or infertility
* Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities
* Premenstrual tension
* Attacks of anxiety or crying
* Cold hands or feet, low body temperature
* Hypothyroidism
* Shaking or irritable when hungry
* Cystitis or interstitial cystitis
* Drowsiness
* Irritability
* Poor coordination
* Frequent mood swings
* Insomnia
* Dizziness/loss of balance
* Pressure above ears...feeling of head swelling
* Sinus problems...tenderness of cheekbones or forehead
* Tendency to bruise easy
* Eczema, itching eyes
* Psoriasis
* Chronic hives (urticaria)
* Indigestion or heartburn
* Sensitivity to milk, wheat, corn or other common foods
* Mucous in stools
* Rectal itching
* Dry mouth or throat
* Mouth rashes including white tongue
* Bad breath
* Foot, hair, or body odor not relieved by washing
* Nasal congestion or post nasal drip
* Nasal itching
* Sore throat
* Laryngitis, loss of voice
* Cough or recurrent bronchitis
* Pain or tightness in chest
* Wheezing or shortness of breath
* Urinary frequency or urgency
* Burning on urination
* Spots in front of eyes or erratic vision
* Burning or tearing eyes
* Recurrent infections or fluid in ears
* Ear pain or deafness
* Inability to concentrate
* Skin problems (hives, athlete's foot, fungus infection of the nails, jock itch, psoriasis (including of the scalp) or other chronic skin rashes)
* Gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, or bloating)
* Symptoms involving the reproductive organs
* Muscular and nervous system symptoms (including aching or swelling in your muscles and joints, numbness, burning or tingling, muscle weakness or paralysis)
* Recurrent ear problems resulting in antibiotic therapy
* Respiratory symptoms
* Lupus
* Hyperactivity/Attention Deficit Disorder
* Recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women
* High sugar foods drastically increase symptoms
* Inflammation of the hair follicles (candidiasis folliculitis) of various parts of the body (feet, legs, arms)
* Extreme lethargy
* Diarrhea, chronic gas, abdominal cramps alleviated by bowel movements. Perhaps labeled with the term "irritable bowel syndrome"
* Lactose intolerance
* Anxiety
* Allergies and allergy symptoms, chemical sensitivities
* Panic attacks
* Sinus problems
* Eye fatigue
* Muscle weakness and bone pain
* White tongue coating
* Psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff, dry, itchy skin
* Rectal itching
* Swollen lips/face
* Symptoms worse after waking
* Facial rash
* Avoiding food helps to alleviate symptoms
* Hives
* Chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and conjunctiva
* Feeling of being intoxicated which leads to a "hangover feeling" (due to fermentation and alcohol production by yeast)
* Obsessive compulsive symptoms

:blush: Will definately be looking into the coconut oil thing. The sad part is, I have to give up cheese which I love (don't they say that the foods you crave are usually the one's that your body is allergic too?) And mushrooms

I've had a chronic vaginal discharge for years and nothing seems to get rid of it, and it really gets me down But atleast now I can do something about it!

[fawn]

Yep, you crave what hurts you the most!

You would be well served getting the GSE as well. google nutribiotic....that will give you an idea of what to look for. It's the best. The white bottle will have Red letters that say GSE on the front. You can use it to douche as well. You never want to use GSE on the skin full strength.....it's a must have in all households. I take it to Mexico with me every year.

[jecka8i8]

Hello!~

I am new to the forum but have read every single post! I too am a sufferer from candida. My symptoms began about 3 years ago.

I have traveled to latin america various times and contracted parasites, and then began having tonsillitis/strep at least once every 3 months for the past 2 years, and was given antibiotics as well as steroids. I would always go in complaining that it felt like I had something stuck in my throat and could not swallow easily, and had sore throats and swollen glands. They would just put me on antibiotics and send me home.

During the 2 years, I was also diagnosed with Celiac's Disease, and just before being diagnosed, my immune system was at its ultimate worst. I literally thought I was going to die and would cry myself to sleep, thinking I wouldn't wake up in the morning.

I got my celiac's under control in Feb. of this year, and had a tonsillectomy 2 months ago.
However, the feeling of having something stuck in my throat still remained. All the itches and such also continued and started to get worse.

Still, after going to the doctor and talking with family and friends, no one would believe me that I was still having horrible symptoms (all related to candida). I eventually stopped talking about it, and tried to pretend everything was okay, for fear that I was perhaps a hypochondriac.

Still, I could feel that in my throat, it still felt like I could not swallow or something was stuck in there. Again they said, probably an infected taste bud, and gave me antibiotics, this time with steroids. Anyone else have candida in his or her throat?

So reading these posts have truly made me feel like I am not alone out there, and that just because my family might not believe/understand what I am going through, I am happy I have people that do.

I am now abroad once again, but have just gone the atkins/candida way two days ago. (I had been off and on the diet, as a weight loss tool, but had very little success – this time I don’t think of it as weight loss, but as candida killer, which actually helps me to stick to it.) I am also very fortunate that I can walk into the pharmacy here, tell them what I want and buy it just like that. The pharmacists are also very knowledgeable on most occasions.
Because of the severity of my issue, I decided to go with a dose of Flagyl, and I am already starting to see improvement in my throat, and it’s only been 2 days. For the first time in 3 YEARS!!! I don’t think anyone but you all can understand what a relief that is! Hurray! (I was once a singer, and had to give it up because of my throat issues. I am going to try to give it a shot again once I am further healed...)

The die-off symptoms are a little killer at times, a bit of brain fog (so please excuse the sporadic thought process ) and anxiety (as if I’m hopped up on caffeine) and I am definitely craving some sugars and starches, but because I am already seeing results I can work through them easily.

But mostly to read all of your posts, is such a huge support to me! And just a minute ago, I thought, wow I could really go for some pancakes right now, but I came to read instead and again I’m holding strong because of your stories and info.

So thank you again!


~Jecka

[Tooter]

Good Morning everyone. Welcome to those just joining us.

Ok, first things first. Like Fawn, I truly believe this needs to be in the Main lobby because most people won't see it where it is. I also truly believe that 90% of the people on this Board have the "Yeast/Candida" Issue and that's what caused them to do low carb in the first place.

So.... What about everyone asking the Mods to move it back to the Main Lobby and to state their reasons why? We could give it a shot. I really think this is an important issue.

Prozak, I'm right there with you with the die off Symptoms. We can do this. We have farted around with this issue long enough.

Now, I need to pick you guys brains.

Coconut Milk. When I went shopping (out of town) I did look for it. Found 2 different brands. I believe Goya had some. About one carb and sugar per serving. It didn't have any added sugar. Is this what I am looking for?

The other brand was an Asian one. They had two different types. One was regular with 2 carbs per serving (and sugar) but it didn't look like they had "added" sugar to it. The other type was "Lite" and had the same stats as the Goya one.

Are any of these what I am looking for?

Also, what about Coconut Cream? Is this good or bad? If it's good, what am I looking for.

I didn't buy any of them. Just tried to make myself a little more familar with them. I want to make sure I buy the right stuff.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by jecka8i8

Hello!~

I am new to the forum but have read every single post! I too am a sufferer from candida. My symptoms began about 3 years ago.

I have traveled to latin america various times and contracted parasites, and then began having tonsillitis/strep at least once every 3 months for the past 2 years, and was given antibiotics as well as steroids. I would always go in complaining that it felt like I had something stuck in my throat and could not swallow easily, and had sore throats and swollen glands. They would just put me on antibiotics and send me home.

During the 2 years, I was also diagnosed with Celiac's Disease, and just before being diagnosed, my immune system was at its ultimate worst. I literally thought I was going to die and would cry myself to sleep, thinking I wouldn't wake up in the morning.

I got my celiac's under control in Feb. of this year, and had a tonsillectomy 2 months ago.
However, the feeling of having something stuck in my throat still remained. All the itches and such also continued and started to get worse.

Still, after going to the doctor and talking with family and friends, no one would believe me that I was still having horrible symptoms (all related to candida). I eventually stopped talking about it, and tried to pretend everything was okay, for fear that I was perhaps a hypochondriac.

Still, I could feel that in my throat, it still felt like I could not swallow or something was stuck in there. Again they said, probably an infected taste bud, and gave me antibiotics, this time with steroids. Anyone else have candida in his or her throat?

So reading these posts have truly made me feel like I am not alone out there, and that just because my family might not believe/understand what I am going through, I am happy I have people that do.

I am now abroad once again, but have just gone the atkins/candida way two days ago. (I had been off and on the diet, as a weight loss tool, but had very little success – this time I don’t think of it as weight loss, but as candida killer, which actually helps me to stick to it.) I am also very fortunate that I can walk into the pharmacy here, tell them what I want and buy it just like that. The pharmacists are also very knowledgeable on most occasions.
Because of the severity of my issue, I decided to go with a dose of Flagyl, and I am already starting to see improvement in my throat, and it’s only been 2 days. For the first time in 3 YEARS!!! I don’t think anyone but you all can understand what a relief that is! Hurray! (I was once a singer, and had to give it up because of my throat issues. I am going to try to give it a shot again once I am further healed...)

The die-off symptoms are a little killer at times, a bit of brain fog (so please excuse the sporadic thought process ) and anxiety (as if I’m hopped up on caffeine) and I am definitely craving some sugars and starches, but because I am already seeing results I can work through them easily.

But mostly to read all of your posts, is such a huge support to me! And just a minute ago, I thought, wow I could really go for some pancakes right now, but I came to read instead and again I’m holding strong because of your stories and info.

So thank you again!


~Jecka

I am so glad you joined us. I can so relate to your post. We are all here for each other to support, inform, learn and share.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by sherlynn9

Okay, just throwing this one out there. I have issues with daytime sleepiness (already using an auto CPAP), so know that is not the entire issue (although it has helped) and I know that it can also be related to foods (i.e., high carb foods and I fall asleep), not doing that either. It just seems to me that since I started with the ACV it has been worse (like several times a day at work). So just wondering if anyone had any information on that might correlate the 2. and yes, I have an e-mail to my specialist to let him know I'm still having the sleep problem, so probably more tests for narcalepsy, etc.

Feeling really bad today, tummy is bloated and belching is worse (if that's possible). so think some die off is happening.

Sheryl

It does sound like "die off".

[Tooter]

I also wanted to add... I am loving the Xylitol plus that I picked up.

It's made by "Now" and is Xylitol and Stevia (mixed) in packets. It's great in my coffee, tea, vinegar water and also in my Fage yogurt.

I had tried to turn everything over to Xylitol and was having major "die off" from it (Remember, Xylitol is anti-yeast and bacteria). I had to limit the amount of Xylitol I could use.

I'm loving these packets!! They are also nice to have in your purse.

It's about $7 for a box of 70 packets, but this just isn't a cheap sweetener...This is also a supplement that helps us with the bad bacteria and as Prozak has said... It has many other benefits.

[Margot 65]

Sweets and sweet cravings:

"Sweets and Sweet Cravings
If you need a sweetener, use stevia (available in natural food stores) or XYLITOL (birch bark sugar which may cause loose stool). If grapefruit agrees with you, you may have 1/2 unsweetened grapefruit daily, away from all other foods. If you absolutely must have something sweet, a small amount of fresh berries or very small portions of fresh unsweetened pineapple every once in a while, are the only acceptable sweets (these should only be eaten in the event of an overwhelming sweet craving and not on a regular or daily basis) Sweet cravings are controlled more effectively by eating protein rather than sweets. All other sugar containing fruits and sweets will set you back! Not skipping meals prevents sweet cravings.

Chemical additives, preservatives, food coloring, stabilizers, artificial flavorings and sweeteners must be avoided as well as alcohol, canola and soy oils, or any processed foods containing them."


Diet for candida albicans yeast infection

[Margot 65]

In reading more of Bee Wilder's information last night, I am happy to report that she recommends raw eggs as one of your meal choices!

So the egg creams are a keeper.

She says if you must cook the eggs.. keep the yolks runny as well.

Also, no more than 2-3 meals a day and avoid snacking... you need some time between meals of 'fasting' and to keep your meals high in protein and fats as well. If you eat enough protein and fats, you will also not ever feel the need to snack.. and when you crave the sweets it is the YEAST calling for them.

[duece49424]

Prozak - Thanks for all the helpful information! So, I have been doing egg cremes for quite a while now, using 2 T. heavy cream - is that still okay, or should I switch to soy millk? I threw out the almond breeze..