Candida and hormones

[smallerizing]

I've been reading up on this Candida thing, in preparation to re-start low-carbing and possibly do a yeast cleanse. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the info and I have to say it sounds daunting. One thing I just came across is how it messes with hormones, and I'm peri-menopausal. (Thought I was thru menopause until I had to take a Medrol dos-pak)

Can yeast affect men's hormones? My DH has some symptoms, and he's also having low hormone levels -- could there be a connection?? He's already agreed to do low-carb with me, maybe he should come along on the anti-yeast diet if I get up enough courage to do it. Die-off sounds a little scary.

Any help on this would be appreciated. I think this may be the answer to a LOT of issues, particularly weight but maybe some more important. Thanks in advance....

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by smallerizing

I've been reading up on this Candida thing, in preparation to re-start low-carbing and possibly do a yeast cleanse. I'm a little overwhelmed by all the info and I have to say it sounds daunting. One thing I just came across is how it messes with hormones, and I'm peri-menopausal. (Thought I was thru menopause until I had to take a Medrol dos-pak)

Can yeast affect men's hormones? My DH has some symptoms, and he's also having low hormone levels -- could there be a connection?? He's already agreed to do low-carb with me, maybe he should come along on the anti-yeast diet if I get up enough courage to do it. Die-off sounds a little scary.

Any help on this would be appreciated. I think this may be the answer to a LOT of issues, particularly weight but maybe some more important. Thanks in advance....

Yes, it does effect hormones in both Men and women.

OMG, I used to have the WORST PMS ever!!!!! Honestly, there was a least one day that I couldn't do ANYTHING.

I was peri-menopausal...but I guess officially I am now Post-menopausal (it's been over a year since I have had a period).

Anyways, During my peri-menopausal stage (which didn't last long) I was deeply into the low carb lifestyle. I didn't have any symptoms or side effects. Maybe a Handful of nights that I had the "Night Sweats".

Turning "Post Menopausal", I not only was into low carb, but starting treating (taking control over) the yeast with the anti-yeast diet and supplements.

I don't have any symptoms. I don't think I have ever felt this good, hormonally.

Now, I am only 46 (will be 47 in May) and this age might seem young to some for Menopause, but I actually Started having periods at age 9!!!
Hey, I've paid my dues, thankyouverymuch!!!


My best advice to you, would be to take things slow. SERIOUSLY!!!!! I'm not kidding and I'm not trying to be polite. GO SLOW!!

The first thing is JUST do low carb. Just get back into your low carb lifestyle.
Of coarse, keep reading up on "Candida", but just focus (right now) on low carb. Remember "induction flu"? Well, we think that is actually "Die off".
So, focus on low carb, get through induction...Then making low carb a life style.

THEN, you can SLOWLY start adding things in to help with your Candida/yeast issues. I DO MEAN SLOWLY. Add some ACV (raw apple cider vinegar) and some coconut oil. Get used to that. Then you could try some other antifungals.

Once you have not been feeding the Yeast for awhile and have been ingesting antifungals, you then have the Candida Colonies "down" and can start adding in probiotics, so that their colonies can grow and you have a "Balance" between the two.

Of coarse you can "Tweak" things as you learn more about your body and it's reactions. The important thing is not to do everything all at once. You want to control the "Die off" so it's not overwhelming and you don't give up.

That's why I advise to just start out low carb. You get "die off" from that. Then things settle down, you get into a routine and you can then add in some antifungals. That will also cause some die off (as well as probiotics).

Can you imagine if you tried to do everything all at once??!!??!!! Trust me, I have tried that. I thought it was going to kill me!! Controlling the "Die off" by only making small changes at a time is liveable. Doing it all at once with HUGE die off is not.

[Tooter]

Candida & The Endocrine Factor

Candida & The Endocrine Factor

There is some controversy around what the underlying cause of yeast overgrowth is, and disagreement over whether, in fact, candidiasis is itself a symptom of some other problem.

Some researchers believe that Candida is a side effect of hormonal imbalances. They refer to Candida as a continuum of illnesses with mild thrush at one end, and at the other end of the continuum they list severe, especially persistent and difficult to treat APICH syndrome (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy immune-dysregulation candidosis hypersensitivity syndrome).1

In the same way that antibiotics diminish the presence of healthy bacteria, the endocrine system can be triggered to alter the acidity of, say, the intestines, raising the pH level to make it more alkaline. This creates a less hospitable environment for the healthy bacteria that live there. As they die off, the vacancy they leave becomes occupied with an alkaline-loving organism such as Candida albicans.

What Does The Endocrine System Do?

Part of the hormonal system, the endocrine system is comprised of glands such as the testes, ovaries, adrenals, and thyroid – all controlled by the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, located in the brain. Our glands are instructed by the brain to release hormones into the blood stream. These hormones circulate until they find their receptor, the place where they are needed.

How Does Candida Affect Endocrine Functioning?

Candida can bind to hormones, altering their shape so they're no longer able to fit into their target receptor, making certain hormones inactive. This creates a hormonal imbalance.

Many of the symptoms of Candida overgrowth – weight gain, weight loss, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, joint pains, muscle fatigue, asthma, and hay fever – are caused by hormonal imbalances.

Estrogen and progesterone control bladder and bowel functioning, and regulate blood sugar. Endocrine disruptors (also known as hormone disruptors or estrogen mimics) such as dental mercury amalgam, the chemicals found in dry cleaning materials, paints, pesticides, plastics, corticosteroids, etc., are known to block estrogen receptors.

Although the exact effects of endocrine disruptions are unknown, excess estrogen puts people at risk for cancer – especially breast cancer.

Low estrogen (progesterone dominance) can cause depression, headaches, blood sugar irregularities leading to asthma, and adrenal gland exhaustion leading to allergies.2

And since estrogen and progesterone are especially crucial to women, the fallout from endocrine disruptions may explain why more women than men suffer from candidiasis.

Known Endocrine Disruptors

Many of the factors common to people with severe, chronic candidiasis are known to disrupt the body's endocrine system, resulting in hormonal abnormalities that, in turn, can be aggravated by antibiotics, and even by Candida itself.

Various experts suggest that candidiasis sufferers tend to be experiencing similar hormonal fluctuations, share certain lifestyle habits, and/or have had exposure to certain products:

* Antibiotics – long-term use of products such as tetracycline for acne and/or broad-spectrum antibiotics for recurrent bladder, ear, throat, or vaginal infections
* Chemical handling (pharmaceutical, dry cleaning, farm workers) / chemical poisoning in the home, garden, office, or workplace
* Cortisone/steroid-type drugs used regularly
* Dental mercury amalgam poisoning
* Hormonal changes (puberty, sexual maturity, pregnancy, sterilization, menopause including peri- and post-menopause)
* Hormone replacement therapy, including natural progesterone
* Oral contraceptive use
* Paints, pesticides, plastics
* Recreational drug use
* Stress (as a contributory factor)


-----------------------------------------------

Also, look at the Thread I started on "Is Candida an Endocrine Disorder?".

Is Candida an Endocrine Disorder?

Endocrine or endocrinology has to do with with your Hormone systems. They are all connected. Like your insulin levels (That's a hormone), thyroid, sexual hormones..etc.

[Tooter]

Have you ever heard of "The Schwarzbein principle"? I'm sure there are a few threads about it in the "Other Plans" room.

Diana Schwarzbein is an Endocrinologist who found that "diet" does play an important part in dealing with our hormones. She didn't learn it in school (they teach only about 45 minutes of diet and Nutrition) She learned it from her patients. A Change in diet (no sugar, etc...) truly changed the health of her patients.

In her books, she talks about how all the Hormones are inter-connected. If one system is "off", so will be the others.

It's very interesting.


In my own reading, it really seems like there is a connection with Diet and Candida/yeast, diseases of the Endocrine and Cancer.

Which came first? The chicken or the egg?!?!

I'm not sure, just sure there is a connection.

I have more reading and studying to do on it.

[Tooter]

BTW, I have read a few times that Yeast/Candida causes early menopause.

I'm not sure if "Mine" is because I started so early (age 9), or because of yeast or a combination of both.

All I know is that I don't have any "symptoms" that bother me right now.

[smallerizing]

Never heard of Schwartzbein but I do know that my DH was way more fun when he was on low-carb. Nuff said.

We will both start on the 16th of the month so as to have the die-off happen on the weekend. I hate the induction flu so bad that I have been known to start Atkins in reverse -- starting with higher carbs and then taking them out a little at a time. Maybe it's the yeast talking.

Thanks for all the info!!

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by smallerizing

Never heard of Schwartzbein but I do know that my DH was way more fun when he was on low-carb. Nuff said.

We will both start on the 16th of the month so as to have the die-off happen on the weekend. I hate the induction flu so bad that I have been known to start Atkins in reverse -- starting with higher carbs and then taking them out a little at a time. Maybe it's the yeast talking.

Thanks for all the info!!

Libido does tend to be higher on low carb!

Actually, Smallerizing...There is nothing wrong with doing low carb that way. (waiting for the flames). lol I don't think it's the yeast talking, I think it's a way not to have dramatic die off. I see nothing wrong with that at all.
In fact...That's How I did low carb. I worked my way down to induction levels.


It's also not so overwhelming to do it that way and it's not "All or nothing".

So many people don't start low carb, because they think about induction and it's just seems too huge to them. So, they keep "Putting it off".

But, doing it in reverse (slowly going down) That isn't overwhelming and you start in the habit of "Making better choices". Personally, I think it's easier on the mind and on the body.

Everyone's different, some people do better going straight to "induction".

I just wanted to let you know that there is nothing wrong with doing it the way you have in the past. I also find it the best way for me.

[ceccarp]

[COLOR="Purple"]Yeah, the whole WOE can be daunting, but it will be so worth it when you start to feel better.

Yes, men can get have problems with candida too. My BF does and he's agreed to do the WOE with me. I do most of the cooking, so it's not that hard. Though coming up with dinner ideas is difficult, at least right now.

The best way to start is to just change your diet. The only things you want to add right now are the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and the Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother still in it. Braggs is the best. I'm presuming that you already use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you take vitamin supplements keep them up, though you will want to make sure they're free of yeast, wheat, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, preservatives, and artificial colours or flavours. Some supplements you can add in the beginning are L-Glutamine, B-6, and Biotin. They all help repair the gut.

If you want have sweetening without the problems sugar and all the other sweeteners can cause, I recommend Stevia. It can be had in several forms. Personally I get the packets with Inulin Fiber (also known as Fructooligosaccharides or FOS), a prebiotic nutritional supplement that nourishes the friendly bacteria in the intestines and supports intestinal/colon health. Others on this list will recommend Xylitol. I don't because I've never tried it.

There are several eating plans out there are complementary to the Anti-Candida WOE. Most everyone here does a modified Atkins. I follow the plan I found the the book The Yeast Syndrome by John Parks Trowbridge, M.D. and Morton Walker, D.P.M. It's called the Celebration of Healthy Eating program. It's a 4-Phase program that was used extensively at The Center for Health Enhancement in Humble (Houston), TX. The first phase is called MEVY which stands for Meat, Eggs, Vegetables, and Yogurt and usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks, a period the Atkins program calls Induction. MEVY is very strict, but if that's a plan you want I recommend getting the book for more information. [/COLOR]

[smallerizing]

Thanks Tooter for all the advice!! Today is my start date, although I started a round of prednisone yesterday (which is one reason I'm up in the middle of the night). Since I happen to be an all-or-nothing girl, I was thinking about delaying the start of this WOE.

My doctor insists that it wasn't the steroids that had me messed up hormonally in August, and she said it would knock out this bronchitis that's bringing on severe asthma attacks. So in the interest of breathing (a habit I don't want to break), I'm taking a short round.

After reading your info, I think I better get started, especially if the candida is contributing to the asthma -- a problem always kept under control until lately. Thanks for the encouragement to start slow!!!

Ceccarp thanks for the nutritional recommendations. I started an order at Nettrition, but is the NOW Apple Cider vinegar the right stuff? I especially was interested to hear that Glutamine wil help with intestinal health. The OTHER reason I'm up at night is that I have a rectocele which isn't quite bad enough for surgery. Wouldn't it be nice if I could regain some health there!! It's supposed to be caused by a thinning of the colon wall --apparently another symptom of Candida.

I talked to the doctor at the same time about Nystatin, which helped me 20 years ago. She did prescribe it but it's in a liquid form, which I'm not used to, I used the powder before. I won't start it right away, I want to get the die-off to a slow start with the low-carb and then hit it with the big guns when it's weakened.

So I should not start EVCO until a little later, too? I will use it on my doggie for now. I'm also ordering Biotin and Inulin. I suppose I can start those immediately when they come.

[ceccarp]

Originally Posted by smallerizing

Thanks Tooter for all the advice!! Today is my start date, although I started a round of prednisone yesterday (which is one reason I'm up in the middle of the night). Since I happen to be an all-or-nothing girl, I was thinking about delaying the start of this WOE.

My doctor insists that it wasn't the steroids that had me messed up hormonally in August, and she said it would knock out this bronchitis that's bringing on severe asthma attacks. So in the interest of breathing (a habit I don't want to break), I'm taking a short round.

After reading your info, I think I better get started, especially if the candida is contributing to the asthma -- a problem always kept under control until lately. Thanks for the encouragement to start slow!!!

Ceccarp thanks for the nutritional recommendations. I started an order at Nettrition, but is the NOW Apple Cider vinegar the right stuff? I especially was interested to hear that Glutamine wil help with intestinal health. The OTHER reason I'm up at night is that I have a rectocele which isn't quite bad enough for surgery. Wouldn't it be nice if I could regain some health there!! It's supposed to be caused by a thinning of the colon wall --apparently another symptom of Candida.

I talked to the doctor at the same time about Nystatin, which helped me 20 years ago. She did prescribe it but it's in a liquid form, which I'm not used to, I used the powder before. I won't start it right away, I want to get the die-off to a slow start with the low-carb and then hit it with the big guns when it's weakened.

So I should not start EVCO until a little later, too? I will use it on my doggie for now. I'm also ordering Biotin and Inulin. I suppose I can start those immediately when they come.

[COLOR="Purple"]Actually the Asthma is being aggravated by the Candida. Candida aggravates just about every health problem out there.

The NOW version of Apple Cider Vinegar is okay, but if you can get to health food store, or maybe even your local grocery store if it has a "health food" section where they sell all the vegetarian foods, you can buy it there without ordering it. My local grocery store has such a section. To my mind using the liquid version would be better because you won't have to wait for your body to process the pills. Braggs is the brand most people here think of when looking for ACV, though Spectrum is another brand of ACV my store has. The price is comparable though I have no information as to it's effectiveness.

You should start the EVCO right away. It has Caprylic Acid which is essential part in the fight to reduce the Candida. There are more essential parts, but I can't remember them right now. I got my first jar of CO at the health food store, and some here say they've found it at Wal-Mart, too. But I looked at our local Wal-Mart and couldn't find it. But then I looked on the Vitamin Shoppe website and found it for a lot less than at my local health food grocery store. They have a flat rate for shipping no matter how much you order. They have a wide variety of items. They have the Stevia packets with Inulin I get (it's a Vitamin Shoppe brand), and they have it in other versions. They also have the EVCO brand I prefer: Nutiva.

Your doctor my think that the steroids did not mess up your candida, but she is mistaken. Steroids will always mess up your system. Now I am not a medical doctor and I do Not presume to give medical advice. But I'm not beyond giving my opinion and my experience. That said, your doctor is right that the steroids will help your asthma, but I'm skeptical that it will knock out bronchitis. Having had bronchitis many times over the years I've learned a few things. The main one is that the best way to knock out bronchitis is with herbals. I take the herb Astragalus everyday to boost my immunity. When I get a cold (which Always turns into bronchitis with me) I take a soup spoon of Echinacea Tincture in hot water for 2-4 days and the cold starts going away.

If you do decide to take echinacea you NEVER want to it take for longer than 5 days. It looses it's effectiveness if taken more than that. If you want to take it long term, take for 5 days, then take a week off, then for 5 day, then a week off, and so on. Personally, I only take it when I need it. And I make my own tincture which I think works best. If you want to learn how to do that, just ask. [/COLOR]

[princess_tonya]

Originally Posted by smallerizing

Never heard of Schwartzbein but I do know that my DH was way more fun when he was on low-carb. Nuff said.

We will both start on the 16th of the month so as to have the die-off happen on the weekend. I hate the induction flu so bad that I have been known to start Atkins in reverse -- starting with higher carbs and then taking them out a little at a time. Maybe it's the yeast talking.

Thanks for all the info!!

I'm not trying to take over your thread, I just wanted to say that this is what I was doing. I didn't realize anyone else did it too. I thought I was the only one to do everything in my life backwards.

I actually started today, and it's not been so bad this way. I also realized that I need to look it as it's not that I "can't" have these bad things, it's that I'm choosing not to have them. It's much easier for me to say no that way. I know I don't know you all, but you have all been so helpful, I've probably read every post here.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by princess_tonya

I'm not trying to take over your thread, I just wanted to say that this is what I was doing. I didn't realize anyone else did it too. I thought I was the only one to do everything in my life backwards.

I actually started today, and it's not been so bad this way. I also realized that I need to look it as it's not that I "can't" have these bad things, it's that I'm choosing not to have them. It's much easier for me to say no that way. I know I don't know you all, but you have all been so helpful, I've probably read every post here.

That is a wonderful attitude.

[smallerizing]

Originally Posted by princess_tonya

I'm not trying to take over your thread, I just wanted to say that this is what I was doing. I didn't realize anyone else did it too. I thought I was the only one to do everything in my life backwards.

I actually started today, and it's not been so bad this way. I also realized that I need to look it as it's not that I "can't" have these bad things, it's that I'm choosing not to have them. It's much easier for me to say no that way. I know I don't know you all, but you have all been so helpful, I've probably read every post here.

It's good to know that there's not just ONE right way of doing this, and that we can still apply the principles of low-carb within our own needs, whether it be Candida, food cravings, or otherwise.

I'm actually starting even slower than planned, partly because I'm still on the prednisone. A doctor told me some time ago that it raises your insulin within 5 minutes!! So I'm not sure if my diet has anything to do with getting into ketosis until I stop the prednisone.

Instead of continuing my binge, I'm just eating more carefully and healthy. I didn't get the time to go to the store and stock up on low-carb foods, and my Netrition order hasn't come yet. Bad thing is, now my blood pressure is WAY up, after dropping over the weekend. It was so scary I didn't go to work! And I don't know if I should exercise when my BP is up this high... my doctor said she would let me try to lower it with ATkins but that was before it got to 166/133. Could the hormones do THAT? I have half a mind to chuck the rest of the pills.

[ceccarp]

Originally Posted by smallerizing

It's good to know that there's not just ONE right way of doing this, and that we can still apply the principles of low-carb within our own needs, whether it be Candida, food cravings, or otherwise.

I'm actually starting even slower than planned, partly because I'm still on the prednisone. A doctor told me some time ago that it raises your insulin within 5 minutes!! So I'm not sure if my diet has anything to do with getting into ketosis until I stop the prednisone.

Instead of continuing my binge, I'm just eating more carefully and healthy. I didn't get the time to go to the store and stock up on low-carb foods, and my Netrition order hasn't come yet. Bad thing is, now my blood pressure is WAY up, after dropping over the weekend. It was so scary I didn't go to work! And I don't know if I should exercise when my BP is up this high... my doctor said she would let me try to lower it with ATkins but that was before it got to 166/133. Could the hormones do THAT? I have half a mind to chuck the rest of the pills.

[COLOR="Purple"]166/133?? And you were still up and walking around???

I shouldn't talk, though. Mine was once up to 200/200, and that was the left arm. The right arm was 200/ 190 or something like that. It's been a few years. The doctor was surprised I was still conscious. But then we discovered that one of the supplements I was taking had Licorice in it. The Doc told me that Licorice raises the BP. I did not know that. Needless to say I booted that supplement to the curb PDQ. It just shows that we must all read the labels.

My most recent BP was 120/80. I was shocked. It hasn't been that low, without meds, in years. Maybe it was my newer batch of supplements, including the stuff for Candida. Humm.... I'm pretty sure it's not the WOE cause I'm not compleatly Low Carb yet. But we'll see. I go in for a fasting cholesterol & thyroid blood tests early tomorrow morning. And then to the Orthopedist a little later in the morning. But that means I'm gonna miss Obama's historic inauguration. [/COLOR]

[smallerizing]

Thanks for the heads up about licorice I like to use it when I have a sore throat, there is a German licorice that's salty -- what a combination!

How did your test go? My cholesterol is up too but it has decreased when I lost weight before.