Candida
“About a year ago I had a Pacemaker put in and then had Takotsubo Syndrome. Following 3 months of a beta blocker I suddenly had extreme GERD. I had a hiatal hernia for 8 years which gave me NO grief. I was given omeprozole for the heartburn and was also told that it was my gall bladder (it wasn’t) but I had it removed anyway. I developed a white frothy foam that no one knew what it was. Then came the surgeon who did a failed Nissen Fundolication because he wrapped my esophagus not my lower esophageal sphincter which he said no one had. WRONG! (More antibiotics!)After surgery it was discovered that I have 40% retrograde esophageal contractions. (Probably from the esophagus wrap) Still more white foamy froth. Three gastroenterologists did not know what it was. I also started having gastritis.
I went to a naturopath who determined that I had an overgrowth of Candida in my intestines. I am convinced now that it was Candida that started my GERD. She put me on Nystatin which helped the gastritis but not the foamy issue. Then I developed thrush and a very sore throat so I could not hardly swallow. Then she put me on swish and swallow Nystatin with 48% sugar. Yikes! That feeds the yeast so she may put me on the powdered form if we can find it anywhere. I now have the foamy mucus 24/7. Spit it out all day and night. No one can help me with the foam issue that has been going on for a year! I am very scared about all this.
I started the Candida diet and have been on it for two days. My blood sugar is really low so have been quite tired. I am not sure what complex carbs to eat without making the Candida worse. I know that I probably have Candida esophagus but getting a GP to check it out is almost impossible. I now also have itchy eyes so hope that it is not traveling. I cannot take Diflucan because of the heart issue and actually I wonder what the medical doctors would do when they discover the Candida esophagus. I am also trying the coconut oil but that has warnings of high cholesterol depending on who you read. I’m also taking acidophilus and Bifidium. I am still taking a PPI and read that PPI’s will allow Candida as the stomach acid is so low that my food is not even digesting. I need help and am hope to write that the symptoms subside soon.”
Shared by Maureen
Reassurance, please?
“I’m hearing all these testimonials about how much better everyone feels – and at first I was very encouraged but now I really need help. I decided to do the detox for the first week (option 3 with the raw salads and steamed veggies) and I literally don’t think I can do this. I’m only on day 2. It’s been 48 hours. Thinking about veggies makes me want to vomit I never want to see another piece of broccoli again – ALL I think about is carbs and sugar. I want bread SO badly I don’t feel like I can hang in there for another 5 days. Also the headaches and fatigue and moodiness. Encouragement please? Who’s done the detox? How did you get through it? Have other people just started with the diet? Please help me I don’t want to suffer anymore but the cravings are so intense I can hardly remember why I’m doing this.”
Shared by Ally
Me, too. Sort of.
“I’ve really got no one to blame but myself. I ate poorly, drank too much, did the odd street drug, had a very stressful living situation and didn’t really exercise. My only saving grace is that I have, on occasion, cleansed. I have had what I thought was Rosacea for about 6 years – nothing really seemed to eliminate it. I had a spot on my back biopsied a couple of years ago and it has never really healed (test came back inconclusive), remaining aggravated and itchy. Then, a few weeks ago, I realized that I have been napping during the day, whenever I got a chance, and just walking the dog would make me feel fatigued. I would have bouts of mild depression and occasionally be wildly irrational. Something just wasn’t right.
I wisely chose to see a naturopath (fear of western medicine) who nearly instantly made a diagnosis of an overgrowth of Candida Albicans. I am on a protocol of diet, herbs, supplements and colonics and am feeling largely better. My face is clearing up; the thing on my back is coming along, I think. I have more energy and my muscle fatigue seems to be diminished, although I won’t be training for a marathon this week! I’d say I’m at about 75% of good. I am mostly compliant with the diet, although I have a hard time giving up my love, my passion (my coffee). I’ve had a few glasses of wine here and there. It’s hard to drink everything and take all of the herbs and supplements – it’s a full-time job! But, whenever I fall off, I get back on, because I am seeing results. I’ll give up the coffee when I return from a visit to Seattle in a few weeks, and start using garlic and caprylic acid to further kill off yeast. I’ll focus on bolstering my immune system and getting my system pH balanced. I’ve got my work cut out for me. The good news is that there’s an answer to the madness that is Candida symptoms. It takes some diligence, but I’m feeling pretty optimistic. Good luck out there!”
Shared by Kim
Blood test normal BUT I have so many Candida symptoms….
“Hi everyone, I am 49 and spent my teenage years filling up on takeaways, alcohol and antibiotics. After my son was born I had BAD post natal depression, ever since then (7years ago) I have had menstrual irregularities, BRAIN FOG, lethargy, aching legs, (particularly thigh muscles, anyone else have this?) sensitive to smells, dry skin etc… but my Doc just told me my blood test for Candida has come back ‘normal’. I am so sure I have Candida that I am still going ahead with the diet! Thanks, good luck to all, Jo”
Shared by Joanna
Totally Overwhelmed
“Hi to all fellow Candida sufferers, I am so overwhelmed by this insidious disease. I have had it for about 10 years now and it just seems to get worse and not better. Last year I had esophageal Candida and my throat closed completely, couldn’t even swallow my own saliva. Then it was a course of Diflucan for 14 days, and now this year almost exactly a year later it has happened again. This is while following a yeast and sugar free diet and taking Diflucan at least every few days. Is it possible to beat this thing? It is ruining my life and I can’t get any help from anyone, which is so frustrating as it is not in my head!”
Shared by Lauren
Unsure of diagnosis
“I’ve been not feeling well for about 6 months now. I started with stomach issues and progressed with tinnitus, lightheaded, dizzy, muscle pains, tingling, headaches, fatigue and insomnia. I’ve been to many doctors, been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and the last doctor I went to thought possible Lyme disease. He prescribed antibiotics and after taking them for a few weeks I came down with oral thrush. He took me of those and has put me on Diflucan, Nystatin neither has worked. I still have thrush and am starting to think my whole problem could be Candida. I’m going to try the diet. Just wondering if anyone has had similar experience. I’m so frustrated.”
Shared by Tina
Still working on it….
“A little over 11 years ago I contracted what I now know as Candida…in the form of a vaginal yeast infection. In the past year or so, I became aware of what I have been suffering from, did the strict Candida diet and I think cleansed my colon (at least I lost a lot of unexpected weight from it). Now having done that hard work, I have welcomed some of favorite (sweet) foods back into my diet (and with moderation) find my it doesn’t agree with my colon. I guess I was hoping to find a balance and it would be okay to eat some of those yummy tasting things again with no harm, but I guess not. Man it’s a sensitive organ! Back to square one I guess!”
Shared by Abby
Thanks!
“I can’t tell you in words how much finding this forum has helped me. Until Thursday I have never heard of Candida, was I living under a rock or what?? I saw a naturopath who’s been doing this for 30 years and says I have Candida. My question is should I go to see my family doctor and get a medical test to see if this is true? I have started the Candida diet today does anyone has any helpful hints I would appreciate any help, so new to this? ”
Shared by Carla
If you’d like to read more about treating Candida, my Ultimate Candida Diet program contains everything you need to know.