This is the original version of this extremely popular article. It has since been updated by Bee and posted in Nourished Magazine. There are 49 comments on this article, if you have any questions for Bee, they may have already been answered here, otherwise feel free to ask again at the new version here.
What is Candida?
Candida is the short name used to describe yeast overgrowth in the body. The technical term is Candidiasis. It is a yeast that is a single cell fungi that belongs to the vegetable kingdom. Like their “cousins” the molds, they live all around us. One family “Candida Albicans” lives in all mucus membranes, i.e. intestines, eyes, ears, bladder, stomach, lungs, vagina, etc. It is one of the billions of other friendly organisms that serve a useful purpose in the body. One of its important functions is to recognize and destroy harmful bacteria.
However, Candida is not intended to overgrow and get out of control while the body is alive. This is only intended to happen when the body dies, when it’s function and characteristics change in order to break down the body.
How Candida Affects Us?
When Candida Albicans is under control it poses no problem, but when it gets out of control it begins to overgrow causing numerous symptoms and health problems from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, from migraines to nail fungus. It can result in symptoms inside (pain and malfunction of organs, even brain lesions) and outside (eczema and hives). It can also cause problems with the mind and emotions.
What Causes Candida to get out of control?
A healthy immune system keeps Candida in balance with the other micro organisms in the mucous membranes but under certain conditions it begins to overgrow and get out of control. The causes of immune system dysfunction are varied and complex, but antibiotics are the biggest culprits because they wipe out friendly micro organisms, in the digestive system. Because Candida is resistant to antibiotics the imbalance of micro organisms allows it to take over. It begins to change its shape and starts to overgrow; raising large families called colonies.
These colonies excrete toxins that circulate throughout the body further weakening the immune system and creating havoc throughout the body. The Candida produces very long root-like structures that penetrate intestinal walls leaving microscopic holes which allows toxins, undigested food particles, bacteria and yeast to enter the bloodstream. This condition is known as the “Leaky Gut Syndrome”, which causes food allergies and many health problems. These root-like structures also causes considerable damage to the walls of the intestines resulting in malabsorption of nutrients.
Adding to the problem of malabsorption are nutritional deficiencies that also weaken the immune system. Today’s standard diet lacks the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy immune system. It is loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, hydrogenated oils and fats (trans-fats), white flour products, processed foods, food additives, preservatives, pesticides, and heavy metals. This, in addition to foods being irradiated (exposed to high levels of radiation to extend shelf life), and being grown in nutrient depleted soil, long storage and transportation time, and improper handling, cooking and microwaving that goes on in most homes, further depletes nutrients available. All of these factors contribute to a weakened immune system.
Candida causes many health problems and symptoms including allergies, fatigue, headaches, digestive disorders, vaginitis, arthritis, muscle weakness, joint pain, nasal congestion, pain or tightness in the chest, blurred vision, ear problems, hypoglycemia, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, foggy thinking, loss of memory and a host of other ailments.
The Candida Control Program
In order to get Candida overgrowth under control four things need to be done simultaneously:
- Eliminate foods that feed Candida
- Build up the immune system
- Kill off Candida overgrowth
- Plant good bacteria in the digestive tract
1. Eliminate foods that feed Candida
Candida overgrowth is mainly fuelled by:
- sugar
- refined carbohydrates
- gluten grains
Sugar
Candida’s main food supply is sugar and all forms of it, such as lactose contained in dairy products, honey, glucose, fructose, and sugar substitutes, i.e. Nutrasweet, aspartame, saccharin. Eliminating sugar is the most important part of the Candida Program. All fruit, except lemons, are also very high in sugar and should be extremely limited during the initial stages of the program, along with some vegetables that are very high in sugar, such as carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, parsnips and beets. Sugar also contained is most processed foods such as smoked luncheon meats, ketchup, cereal, and yogurt making it important to read labels carefully. Following is a partial list of the names for sugar and sweeteners.
Names for Sugar and Sweeteners
Aspartame, carob powder, corn starch, crystalline carbohydrate dextrin, dextrose, disaccharides, galactose, glucose, levulose, malts of any kind, maltitol, maltodextrin, maltose (malt sugar), manitol, mannitol, mono-saccharides, sucrose, Nutrasweet, polydextrose, polysaccharides, ribose, saccharin, sorghum, suamiel, succanat, xylitol.
It has been known for many years that sugar greatly depresses the immune system. In the 70s Linus Pauling knew that white blood cells needed a high dose of vitamin C. That was when he came up with his theory that high doses of vitamin C were needed to combat the common cold. But Vitamin C and glucose have similar chemical structures and they compete for one another upon entering the cells. If there is more glucose around less vitamin C will be allowed into the cell, and interestingly taking Vitamin C also helps curb sugar cravings.
These are a few of the negative effects sugar has on health:
- Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection
- Sugar upsets mineral relationships in the body
- Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein
- Sugar can change the structure of protein
- Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention
- Sugar can cause hormonal imbalances
- Sugar is an addictive substance and can be intoxicating, similar to alcohol
High carbohydrates
Candida also feeds on high carbohydrate foods such as starches and grains, i.e. breads, pasta, pizza, cereals, baked goods and potatoes. Vegetables high in carbohydrates include beans, beets, squash, zucchini, corn, peas, parsnips and carrots. Grain foods (wheat, rice, corn, oats, etc.) store their energy as complex strands of sugar molecules, a starch. Starch breaks down into individual sugar molecules (glucose, or blood sugar) during digestion. All carbohydrates eaten turn into glucose (blood sugar), but only 58% of the protein and about 10% of the fat eaten are converted to glucose.
Gluten Grains
Most Candida sufferers are gluten intolerant. Gluten is an elastic and gluey protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, triticale and it is hidden in an endless variety of processed foods. Triticale is a new hybrid grain with the properties of wheat and rye, while spelt and kamut are gluten-containing wheat variants and are likely to cause problems similar to other wheat varieties. Gluten-containing grains have come to be used extensively in breads and other baked goods because of their “glutinous,” sticky consistency.
Gluten grains feed Candida because they have a high glycemic index just like sugar, and like sugar, creates insulin resistance within the cells which leads to blood sugar problems like hypoglycemia and diabetes. The cells become resistant to insulin as they try to protect themselves from the toxic effective of high doses of insulin caused by high intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates. As the cells become insulin resistant, the pancreas produces more insulin which creates a vicious cycle. This exhausts the pancreas eventually leading to its breakdown resulting in diabetes.
Gluten grains contain a protein that is difficult to digest and interferes with mineral absorption and causes intestinal damage. This damage makes the intestines incapable of absorbing nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and even water in some cases.
Our grain food supply also contains mycotoxins (a toxin produced by a fungus), especially found in corn and wheat. Mycotoxins can suppress our normal immune function. See the section on Yeast, Mold and Fungus for more information.
2. Build up the immune system
Building up the immune system requires:
- Eating the right foods
- Taking essential supplements
- Avoiding yeast, mold and fungus
Eating the right foods
If the wrong diet is constantly consumed, or if yeast overgrowth damage is never reversed from previous drug and antibiotic use, a cure can almost never be achieved. Eating the right foods is the most important aspect of getting Candida under control and building up the immune system.
The “Candida Control Diet” is high in protein and good saturated fats and oils, and low in carbohydrates, and contains no sugars, grains or processed foods. All foods must be as fresh and natural as possible, and free of additives, pesticides, heavy metals, irradiation, mycotoxins, etc.:
Meats and fats should be from organic grass-fed free-range animals and from good oils such as coconut, palm and fish. Fish should be from non-farmed sources and as free of mercury and other pollutants as possible. Vegetables should be from reliable certified organic sources.
Protein - It is important that Candida sufferers eat a high protein diet from a selection of high quality protein foods, i.e., dairy products, eggs and meat. Proteins are found in all types of food, but only meat, eggs and cheese contain complete proteins, providing the eight essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. Incomplete proteins are contained in vegetables, fruits and grains. Amino acids provide the structure of all living things and in the human body they make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and body fluids (except bile and urine). Enzymes, hormones and genes are also made up of various amino acids.
Protein in the diet slows the breakdown of carbohydrates, which decreases the need for insulin secretion by the pancreas. It also stimulates glucagon release, that hormone that unlocks our stored fuel.
The best protein sources are meats that aren’t mass-produced, such as lamb, buffalo, bison, ostrich, venison or other wild game, or naturally-raised meat including poultry, eggs, beef, and pork.
To obtain enough protein 3-6 ounces of meat per meal is required, depending on exercise levels.
Good Fats & Oils - Good fats and oils are equally important to protein in the diet and they are essential to getting Candida under control. They not only increase the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the foods eaten but also provide the most efficient source of energy. They also provide the building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormone-like substances.
Good fats act as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and for the conversion of carotene to vitamin A, for mineral absorption and for a host of other processes. The kinds of fats consumed greatly influence the assimilation and utilization of vitamin D.
Cholesterol is the body’s version of fat, and contrary to popular belief cholesterol, is your best friend. Cholesterol’s job is to repair and protect, and it is essential for nourishing the brain and nervous system. The brain is 70% cholesterol and it could not function properly without it. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are made from cholesterol. Bile salts (for digestion) are made from cholesterol. Cholesterol is also a powerful antioxidant.
Cholesterol is a substance vital to the cells of all mammals. There are no such things as good or bad cholesterol, in fact your body produces three to four times more cholesterol than you eat. The eminent American physician and scientist George Mann called the cholesterol theory “the greatest scientific deception of this century, perhaps of any century.”
Essential Fatty Acids - There are also two types of essential fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet and these are omega-3s and omega-6s. They are called essential because we have to get them from food because our bodies can’t manufacture them from other fats. Most people’s diets contain an excessive amount of omega 6 fats, therefore it is important to ensure the diet contains more omega 3 rich foods to offset this imbalance.
Good sources of omega 3s are animal meats and eggs. Grass-fed meats are a good source of omega-3s and 6s, however the best type of omega-3 fats are found in fish. That is because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are essential in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. Because of the high mercury content of fresh fish the best way to obtain these important fatty acids is to take fish oils in their purest form.
Avoid all newfangled fats and oils (trans fats) - Candida sufferers cannot afford to jeopardize their health by consuming toxic oils and fats and must avoid all of the newfangled polyunsaturated fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils (margarine, Canola oil, safflower oil, etc.), called trans fats. These newfangled fats and oils are not only toxic and increase the body’s need for vitamin E and other antioxidants, but also depress the immune system. All trans fats, found in margarine and shortenings used in most commercial baked goods and most processed food, should always be avoided even by healthy people.
All of these fats and oils are extracted by a process called hydrogenation. This process employs: 1) High heat, 2) A metal catalyst such as nickel, zinc, copper, or other reactive metals and 3) Hydrogen gas. This is a volatile combination that results in an extremely toxic product that the body reacts to like plastic.
Even when refrigerated, hydrogenated oils stay liquid and go rancid very easily. Vegetable oils should never be heated or used in cooking, except for extra virgin olive oil, which must be handled with care.
The most common newfangled trans fats on the market to avoid are derived from plants such as canola (from rape seed), soy, safflower, corn, and flaxseed. These plants have evolved a variety of toxins designed to protect themselves from “predators,” such as grazing animals. These toxins block digestive enzymes that break down protein in the stomach. They seem to be specifically designed to effect mammalian enzymes that are are necessary for digestion, production of thyroid hormones, clot removal, immunity and general adaptability of cells. Therefore using such plants to produce oils and fats is unnatural.
The more appropriate kind of fat for health is saturated fat, in spite of what we’ve been led to believe, which plays many important roles in body chemistry. But saturated fats have been given a bad name by the oil and food manufacturing industry with the sole purpose of selling their products. This is also true for drug companies who perpetuate the cholesterol myth and low-fat diets in order to sell drugs.
The truth is, natural fats and oils have components found only in them, which are health-promoting, and the newfangled trans fats are now known to be disease-causing. These health-giving saturated fats are stable and do not become rancid easily and they do not draw upon the body’s reserves of antioxidants nor do they initiate cancer or irritate the artery walls.
Healthy saturated fats are an important part of any healthy meal. It draws nutrients out of foods and slows digestion so that natural enzymes and the assimilation process can take place. Healthy saturated fats include butter, tallow, lard, and fish, palm and coconut oils.
Butter - Butter and cream from raw milk produced by organic grass-fed cows are tasty, important saturated fats in the diet. Butter added to vegetables and meats, and cream added to soups and sauces ensures proper assimilation of the minerals and water-soluble vitamins in foods.
Many trace minerals are also contained in butterfat, including manganese, zinc, chromium and iodine. In areas far from the sea, iodine in butter protects against goiter (enlarged thyroid). Butter is also extremely rich in selenium, a trace mineral with antioxidant properties.
Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is another healthy saturated fat that contains many properties that are beneficial to Candida sufferers which are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It also kills off yeast overgrowth. Coconut oil supports immune system function, supplies important nutrients necessary for good health and improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
The fat in coconut oil is easily digested and absorbed, unlike the newfangled trans fats that act like plastic in the body. It puts little strain on the digestive system and provides a quick source of energy necessary to promote healing. Coconut oil is absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein and sent straight to the liver, whereas other fats require pancreatic enzymes to break them into smaller units.
Look for unrefined coconut oil, since most commercial coconut oils are refined, bleached, and deodorized. It is highly resistant to spoilage and has a long shelf life (up to 2 years at room temperature). Coconut oil has a high burning point and is a perfect oil for cooking. Coconut oil can be taken by the tablespoonfuls with meals to aid digestion. A good therapeutic dose is 1 to 2 tablespoons with fat containing meals.
Fish oils - Fish, unlike mammals, birds and reptiles, do not respond to sunlight and rely on vitamin D found in phytoplankton and other fish. They must feed on phytoplankton and other fish in order to obtain and store significant vitamin D in their fat, flesh, skin, and organs.
Unfortunately, eating most fresh fish, whether from the ocean, lakes and streams, or farm-raised, is no longer recommended because of their dangerously high mercury levels. Unless reliable sources can be found it is strongly recommended to avoid eating all fish since their high levels of mercury dramatically compromises health.
The only safe sources of fish are those that have been tested and shown not to contain detectable levels of mercury and other toxins. Since fish are the best source of Vitamin D, and essential fatty acids (EFAs) are so essential to health, they must be obtained without eating fish.
The best sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil and halibut liver oil, and EFAs are found in all fish oils. Look for oils that are free of chemical modification and processing, purified to the highest standards, routinely tested and free from detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and other contaminants.
A good therapeutic daily dose of cod liver oil or plain fish oil liquid is one teaspoon for every 50 pounds of body weight per day. If you weigh 150 pounds that would be about one tablespoon (three teaspoons) per day.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) - There are also two types of essential fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet and these are omega-3s and omega-6s. They are called essential because we have to get them from food because our bodies can’t manufacture them from other fats. Most people’s diets contain an excessive amount of omega 6 fats, therefore it is important to ensure the diet contains more omega 3 rich foods to offset this imbalance.
Good sources of omega 3s are animal meats and eggs. But there is an important difference in the ratio of omega-6s to 3s according to how the animals are fed and raised. For example, grain-fed beef can have ratios that exceed 20:1, but grass-fed beef is down around 3:1. Similar ratios are found in all grain-fed versus grass-fed livestock products. Grass-fed livestock are rich in all the fats that are health-enhancing and provide the body with goods fats for the production of cholesterol. Similarly free-range fed chickens produce eggs with an omega 6:3 ratio of 1.5 to one, whereas the “supermarket egg” has a ratio of 20 to one.
Grass-fed meats are a good source of omega-3s and 6s, however the best type of omega-3 fats are found in fish. That is because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. Because of the high mercury content of fresh fish the best way to obtain these important fatty acids is to take fish oils in their purest form as mentioned above.
Carbohydrates - Low carbohydrate consumption is an important aspect of the Candida Control Diet since high carbohydrate foods feed the Candida. Carbohydrate foods are any foods that are not protein or fat, including all vegetables, grains and fruits. Since grains and most fruit, except lemons, are eliminated on the Candida Control Diet this leaves a wide variety of vegetables that are healthy to consume. Vegetables with the lowest carbohydrate index are green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, spinach, asparagus, celery, peppers, kale, mustard greens, and Chinese cabbage. Some vegetables also inhibit the growth of Candida such as raw garlic, onions, horseradish, cabbage, broccoli, turnip, and kale.
Avoid Soybean and Soy-based foods - Soybeans contains large quantities of natural toxins or “anti-nutrients,” including potent enzyme inhibitors that block the action of enzymes needed for protein digestion. These inhibitors are not completely deactivated during ordinary cooking and can produce serious gastric distress, reduced protein digestion and chronic deficiencies in amino acid (proteins) uptake. In test animals, diets high in enzyme inhibitors cause enlargement and pathological conditions of the pancreas, thyroid malfunction and other diseases including cancer. Soybeans also contain haemagglutinin, a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together.
Soy also contains one of the highest percentages of pesticides of any of our foods and is 99% genetically modified. Soybeans are also high in phytic acid, present in the bran or hulls of all seeds, which blocks the uptake of essential minerals - calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc - in the intestinal tract. Candida sufferers must avoid soy and all soy products in order to get well.
Salt & Spices - Salt is a very important part of a balanced diet, along with other beneficial spices. It plays an important part in the primary processes of digestion and absorption. Salt activates the first enzyme in the mouth, salivary amylase, and sodium chloride (salt) is used to make hydrochloric acid, a secretion needed for digestion. It is also important in keeping the proper balance of salt to potassium.
Salt has gotten a bad name just like the conspiracy against saturated fat. But most salt consumed today is not good for health since it highly-processed and is loaded with heavy metals and other harmful substances.
The best salt to consume is a good ocean sea salt that is hand-harvested, unprocessed, certified, and contains a natural balance of minerals. One such salt is Celtic Sea Salt which contains over 90 minerals and is very similar to the chemical make-up of our own blood. Taking this salt is the best way to obtain trace minerals. An excellent electrolyte drink is simply pure water with about 1/4 teaspoon of Celtic Sea Salt for every 6 ounces.
Taking essential supplements
Candida sufferers need to build up their immune system by supplementing with certain essential vitamins and minerals, that are yeast-free and sugar-free, including:
Calcium/Magnesium Citrate, with “elemental amounts” containing 800-1,200 mgs. of calcium with an equal ratio of magnesium.
Chlorella is a whole-food that contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. It helps build the immune system, detoxifies heavy metals and other pesticides in the body, improves the digestive system, improves energy levels and normalize blood sugar and blood pressure. Take two capsules three times a day.
Vitamin B Complex (non-yeast), 50 mgs. twice a day.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mgs. twice a day.
Vitamin D (with vitamin A) - take 1 teaspoon per 50 lbs. of body weight per day of a high quality cod liver oil or fish oil
Vitamin E, containing natural alpha tocopherol, (d-alpha tocopherol is synthetic), that is not from a soy source, 400 IU twice a day.
Bee Wilder has a wealth of knowledge and experience both as a former sufferer of candida and convenor of the candida support group. Since the 1980s when Bee could eat only a few types of foods and was so sensitive to yeasts she had to adminster herself an allergy shot every day, she has not only fully recovered but now is more robust than ever. Bee lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and continues to research natural health and nutrition. She is available for advice via email.
In part 2 of this discussion Bee offers her proven methods to ridding the body of unwanted Candida spore.
To explore this topic further we recommend…
The Yeast Connection : A Medical Breakthrough
Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook, The : How Good Nutrition Can Help Fight the Epidemic of Yeast-Related Diseases
Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook, Revised 2nd Edition : Everything You Need to Know About Prevention, Treatment & Diet
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats
About the Author...
Bee Wilder has a wealth of knowledge and experience both as a former sufferer of candida and convenor of the candida support group. Since the 1980s when Bee could eat only a few types of foods and was so sensitive to yeasts she had to adminster herself an allergy shot every day, she has not only fully recovered but now is more robust than ever. Bee lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and continues to research natural health and nutrition. You can find more articles and support at her website: Healing Naturally by Bee
May 10th, 2004 at 1:54 am
The best description of candidiasis I have ever encountered. Thanks, Bee.
Jun 12th, 2004 at 4:03 am
Fantastic information. Bee is an angel. Thankyou for sharing this info on Candida.
Dec 2nd, 2004 at 7:49 pm
I was wondering if you could help. I know I have candida and I have read a lot about getting rid of it and its overwhelming. I also read a lot that says you have to cleanse your colon and intestines for the best results; however, I have chronic and severe constipation and read about bentonite clay and psyllium (Would that help). I have done enemas and not much happens (Is that normal and should I keep doing them?)… I feel completely lost and overwhelmed. I know my candida is severe. My tongue is cracked, I have migraines every day, I have hives, stomach pain, weight gain, depression, etc… I feel like I will never get this under control. Any advice you can offer would be so helpful. Your site is the best I have seen and I appreciate that you offer this information to help people with candida. Thank you so much.
Brooke
Dec 20th, 2004 at 6:24 pm
Dear Brooke,
Thank you for writing. Getting rid of candida is a step by step process, and it takes time and patience. You can successfully overcome it mainly by following the diet. The diet I recommend is different in many ways from those on other websites.
I don’t recommend cleanses in the early stages of treating candida. The reason is that many cleanses can cause adverse reactions and cleanses are hard on a person whose nutrient absorption is blocked by candida. Brooke, would you please write to me directly at beewilder@shaw.ca so I can give you specific help for your particular problems with candida? Also, I have a group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport which I would love to have you join. We are a very friendly and helpful group, and our files are chock full of useful information on how to treat candida. I understand how candida treatment can be very overwhelming. We’d love to give you the help and support you need to get you through it. You can become well Brooke. I cured my candida after having it for over 25 years, and you can too.
The best in health,
Bee
May 25th, 2005 at 8:50 am
Hi,
My name is Anisa and I have been suffering from Candidities for years and i don’t know how to get rid of it. I’m so distrest about it i just want to cry all the time. It’s so bad and I’m bloated all the time and look preagnent even though i’m a really tiny person.
I don’t know what to do pleae help
Anisa
May 26th, 2005 at 10:30 pm
Dear Anisa,
You can overcome candida, especially with diet and other natural things which help the body heal.
Please join my Candida Support Group and get a wealth of information on how to cure candida naturally.
Luv, Bee
May 26th, 2005 at 10:31 pm
My website/group is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
Aug 29th, 2005 at 9:54 am
Hi Bee,
Thanks for the information. I was not aware that kamut and spelt were in the same family group. I have been tested to be gluten tolerant. It is confusing because of the allergy to wheat,corn and rye. Can I eat organic spelt, and kamut bread if it contains no yeast or sugar occassionaly?
Also can you tell me if Candida can be transmitted through intimate contact with my husband if you do not have genital candida? We were concerned about the transferring of body fluids. I cannot seem to get a straight answer from anyone.
To all of your other suffering readers. I had gained almost 16 pounds and as soon as I tightened up a good diet (lots of fish, vegetables, salads, chicken, turkey)I lost 14 of them in a matter of 7 weeks without really trying. I no longer cry and get angry all the time and feel like dying.
Although the candida has spread to 7 major organs and we are on herbal tincture; probiotics, enzymes. anti-fungals etc. to clear up the infections. How long does it take to get rid of it and how do you know?
Do you have suggestions for salad dressings?
Sorry for the lengthy email; I have bene knee deep in this for months.
Good luck to all…blessings,
Patty
Aug 29th, 2005 at 10:05 am
Hi Bee,
I am loving this information…thanks! Help, my 28 food allergy tests came back being not allergic to peas, carrots, broccoli, asparagus, caulifower, spinach and squash. What can I eat for veggies?
Are all squashes high in carbohydrates? Winter squash too? That has been a saving grace to have variety with the candida being so severe.
Patty again…
Sep 5th, 2005 at 10:11 pm
Dear Patty,
Thank you for writing. About eating spelt or kamut, actually since writing the article published here I’ve discovered you must not eat any grains of any kind, and when you do they must be properly prepared by soaking, sour leavening or sprouting. Grains act just like sugar in the body and they are also very damaging to your intestines. I’ve written an updated article which is available on my Candida Support Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
which will help you understand.
I believe candida is not transmittable from person to person because it is caused by a depressed immune system within each person. However, because diets, toxins, the use of medical drugs (antibiotics), and other causes of candida overgrowth, are usually the same in families candida overgrowth also runs in families. Even if your husband does not have candida he can get burning sensations from contact with your yeast overgrowth - it does not mean he will catch it.
According to Hering’s Law of Cures natural healing takes one month for every year you’ve been ill. It will take longer if you do not adher to a very strict diet, or experience severe stresses. For example, I had vaginal yeast for 25 years, so it took me over 2 1/2 years to completely get rid of it. After you’ve cured your candida you should still stay on a healthy diet, giving your body what it needs to keep you healthy.
There are many recipes for salad dressings and other foods in the files on my Candida Support Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
About allergies to foods - they are not “true” allergies, but instead are sensitivities. Many “good” foods cause healing reactions by the body which are mistaken for allergies. Allergy tests are not accurate as well, and I think differently about allergies than medical people do. I believe in the body’s marvelous healing powers if you give it what it needs! Please do join my group to get a wealth of information and for lots of helpful friendly support. There are almost 700 members right now.
The best in health,
Bee
Sep 12th, 2005 at 5:18 pm
How to join Bee’s group for Candida?
If Moderator can add my email ID to yr forum, that is also OK.
Thanks
gesi
Sep 15th, 2005 at 9:11 pm
Dear Gesi,
My Candida Support Group is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
Hugs, Bee
Sep 25th, 2005 at 5:05 pm
Hi I am Robert from Sydney. I have got Candida (oral trash, dry mouth, burning mouth) since a year after repetitive antibiotics treatments. I just want to ask if you also help for this kind of Candida. Do you have people having the same problems.
Regards
Robert
Sep 28th, 2005 at 11:26 am
Dear Robert,
Yes, the candida diet and the rest of the program to overcome candida helps people with thrush. In fact most people who have candida have thrush. You can only cure it by doing the entire candida program, including the diet, which is the most important aspect of getting well again.
Please do go to my Group and join. There is a hugh libary of information in the Files, Folders and Links as well.
The best in health,
Bee
Oct 2nd, 2005 at 7:42 pm
Bee’s Candida Support Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
Oct 9th, 2005 at 1:57 am
Hi, Bee
I have a 5 year old daughter who only has eczema and asthma when it is winter time. Can you help explaining to me why this happens??? Thank you very much.
Nov 7th, 2005 at 11:16 am
Hi Bee,
How do i find a Doctor in NSW, Australia who has knowledge on diagnosing and treating Systemic Candida? I have hit many brick walls with local GP’s who tell me that people with AIDs only suffer from Systemic Candida. I am sure I have it, especially after my history with suffering from Glandular Fever, Post Viral Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Tonsilitis to the point i was on Anti-biotics for about 2 years, almost fulltime, and consumption of the contraceptive pill. There are also many other symptoms that are too long to list, however after doing some research, i am aware that i may have Systemic Candida, and now have the fight of my doctor treating it with conventional drugs. Where can I get some information on the right treatments. I heard a six day course of Diflucan works?
Hope you can help me,
Kate
Nov 11th, 2005 at 6:49 pm
Please help me! I’ve had Candida ever since I was 12. I’m 19 now & have been on the Candida diet for 2 years now. Although I’ve stopped feeling so nauseus most of the time I still have all the other symptoms I had before- constant stomach ache, bloating, flatulence, headaches, blurred vision, depression & a fogged up brain. I’ve tried Garlic capsules, Grape Fruit Seed Extract, probiotics, Flax Seed Oil & none have helped. I feel I need to take some kind of anti-fungal like Nystatin or that Threelac product but I’ve heard that Candida comes back after taking it. PLease can you help me. I just want to be able to live & enjoy my life like my friends. Candida stops me from doing anything I really want to do. Thanks so much. Louise
Nov 16th, 2005 at 10:56 pm
Dear Kate,
More than likely the diet you have been on for two years has not been strict enough for you. My diet is not like any others for candida because it gives the body what it needs to heal and overcome candida. Please re-check your diet carefully to ensure you are eating the correct foods, i.e. high proteins/meats/eggs & high in good saturated fats such as butter, coconut oil, lard, etc. with very low carbs (any foods that are not protein or fats). Coconut oil is very important - be sure to get one that is not deoderized, is unrefined, not hydrogenated or bleached, etc. Garden of Life and Tropical Traditions are very good.
Raw crushed garlic is one of the best antifungals there is. It has been reported that it is even better than powdered nystatin, however nystatin can be handier to take.
I have a Candida Support Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
There are numerous files, folders and links there with handy diet lists, etc. I suggest you might join and get more information and help.
The best in health,
Bee
May 24th, 2006 at 8:59 am
i am searching for the dr cilento cure for glandular fever - has anyone heard of it?
Aug 21st, 2006 at 1:53 am
HiBea! I have candida for 41 years now and I tried EVERYTHING and finally I think it was a matter of finding the right probiotic and taking raw garlic. My problem is trying to break up the yeast colonies that I never realized I had and eliminate them permanently. I eat a stellar diet and if I keep myself limited to 2 pieces of fruit and moderate carbs, I’m fine. If I go above the fruit limit, I’m in trouble. I feel that if I could eliminate the colonies permanently, I’d be 100%. I went through everything and have built up a great resistance, but those little aches and pains are still in my joints and it’s frustrating after all these years. I know (after 3 weeks on garlic) that my digestion is improving, but I have to get the
Sep 4th, 2006 at 8:42 am
Hi Sandra,
The most important aspect of curing candida is the diet, which is high in proteins and good saturated fats, plus low carbs. Antifungals and probiotics aren’t going to help much unless you build up your immune system with nutritious nature-made foods meant for humans, not processed foods, sugars, grains, man-made oils & fats, soy, etc. Animal meats, eggs and seafoods are particularly important are for anyone’s health because only they can provide oil soluble nutrients not found in the plant kingdom, along with important saturated fats. If you give the body what it needs it will heal the body! “Food is medicine!”
There is so much more to know about foods, and foods that damage health, along with good antifungals and probiotics in articles posted on my group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
I’ve come a long ways in my research and discoveries since writing the article on this site, so please join us and enjoy!
The best in health, Bee
Sep 30th, 2006 at 1:15 am
Hi Bee,
It is hard to tell whether or not I have oral thrush. I appear to have some symptoms, especially the white coated tongue. My physican tells me that they do not have a specific test to check for this, but had given me diflucan to try and clear it up. I did take it, reluctantly, but found that I should be using natural things such as acidopholus, flax seed and garlic. How do you know for sure if the problem you are having is candida? How long does it take to clear up after taking diflucan and following the diet. I do not appear to have any other symptoms other than the coating on my tongue. Thanks. Linda
Sep 30th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Dear Linda,
It is evident that you have oral thrush which causes a white coating on the tongue, which points to you having candida overgrowth, which is mostly in the intestines. Thrush can only be cured if you cure candida there, although you can do direct treatments to help ease the discomfort. In order to cure candida you need to do the entire candida program, including diet, supplements, antifungals and probiotics. I do not recommend flax; instead take cod liver oil (contains omega 3, vitamins A & D) in the Winter, and fish oils plus vitamin A in the summer when you get enough vitamin D from the sun. The body has to convert the fatty acids in flax which most candida sufferers are not able to do, but no conversion is required when you take cod liver oil or fish oil.
It is important to start on the candida diet first, along with supplements, to build up your immune system and to kill off a lot of candida before starting on antifungals or acidophilus. My article on my Candida Support Group explains when you can start on antifungals or probiotics (acidophilus).
I do not recommend diflucan because it is extremely hard on the liver so that’s good you stopped taking it. Natural antifungals are much more effective and do not cause damage.
Please join my group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
so you can read the many articles on it, and also get help and support. I have learned a lot since writing the article on this site; my new article will be sent to you when you join my group.
The best in health, Bee
Oct 4th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Hi,
I have suffered from thrush on and off over the past 15 years and have just been diagnosed with coeliac disease. I have struggled with my feretin levels since having my second child (Josh is nearly 4) and have felt pretty yuk for three years! I was on Tetrex for my skin (rosacea)for 9 months (stopped 6months ago) which probably tipped me over the edge. I have been on the gluten free diet for approx 2 months now and my energy levels are much better but I can’t kick thrush!!! My hay fever is at its worst also. I understand that my intestine can take upto 18-24 months to repair so maybe I am not being patient enough? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Linda V :-)
Oct 5th, 2006 at 9:53 am
Linda,
Avoiding grains is a wise thing to do. I also suggest you try daily bone broth. It takes some lifestyle changes to buy chicken carcasses or to remember to keep all your bones in the freezer and cook a broth once a week, but it certainly is worth it. I have seen some miraculous healings with bone broth. Coconut oil and butter also helps heal the mucus membrane of the intestinal tract. All meat should be cooked for a long time preferably in soup with added bone broth and never bar b qued. Raw meat is good in small doses.
Nourished is about nourishing the body back to health. We do not recommend any forced cleansing of the bowel. It makes sense to clean a pipe in a machine, but our bodies are not machines.
It does tend to take about 1 month for every year you have been un well to recover. This only applies if you have found the right healing path and lifestyle for your body of course. Keep your vision of a strong healthy body in your mind and expect it to come to you.
Blessings
Joanne
Nov 3rd, 2006 at 4:43 pm
hi
i get acidic taste in my mouth and bloating and fluctuance also do i have candida..p.s i just got over thrush..just drank losts of cranberry uice
Nov 22nd, 2006 at 8:18 pm
I have been suffering from candida I think for about six years. I knew something was terribly wrong and visited a ton of doctors that left me confused and angry. I diagnosed myself through the internet and then found a doctor/homeopath that put me on a treatment. There is a lot of information that is overwhelming. My doctor says that most people that have candida also have parasites along with heliobacter pyroli. These problems have to be eliminated before one can kick candida in the butt forever. What is your take on this. Like I said its overwhelming. I have been on this candida diet for six months now, along with taking anitfungals and all the possible supplements that are recommended. I have improved with my moods, depression. Headaches also have gone, but my vision is still blurry with those floaters present and my muscles still keep twitching.
Nov 27th, 2006 at 9:10 am
I have just been subscribed some homeopathic medicines like Exmykehl and VER drops. The Exmykehl contains candida albicans, candida parapsilosis, and penicillium roquefortii (all 7x) whatever that means? The VER drops, for parasitic cleanse, are ethanol based. I’m not overly comfortable taking this stuff.
Is there another parasitic cleanse other than VER drops that doesn’t contain ethanol?
PS I am sticking to the diet and riding myself of the candida, but have noticed a slide since starting the homeopathic medicine.
Nov 27th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Dorothy
Try Raw Liver. Your symptoms suggest you need to nourish your liver more. Here’s how you can best include raw liver in your diet.
http://www.nourished.com.au/articles/anti-fatigue-factor-of-liver
Steven
You can get homeopathic drops as sugar pills. In both cases, the amount of alcohol or sugar is neglible, they shouldn’t affect your healing. You will notice a slide in your healing when taking homeopathic medicine. There is a phenomenon called a ‘healing crisis’ which homeopathic treatment induces. Your symptoms will occur in reverse order from without to within your physical body as you heal. This is nothing to worry about.
Blessings
Joanne
Nov 30th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Hello, and thanks for posting this site. It seems more on track tan many others with their contradictory remedies. I did not know that I had Candida for about 5-6 years. Sticking to the Candida diet definitely helped me, but the change was very small for me. I started to use ThreeLAc and noticed great progress, so much progress that I though that I had beaten it all together. Unfortunately for me it is still lingering, especially in the urinary tract, and to be more direct my right testicle! I also have a slight rash on my neck which is relatively new.
I have a few questions.
1. What is your opinion of Threelac? It did wonders for me, but fell short of squashing it.
2. What other advice can you give me to fight this issue in my urinary tract?
One thing I can say is well that a good multi-vitamin and excercise also helped me immensely.
Thank you for yopour time and good luck to the rest of you.
Dec 1st, 2006 at 10:57 am
Hi Jon,
I do not recommend ThreeLac, for many good reasons:
ThreeLac is Not Recommended
ThreeLac is a probiotic that has become popular because it is very highly marketed, but there are good reasons it is not recommended:
1. The company claims you can take it without doing the diet, which is totally false and misleading. This promises a “quick fix†just like the medicos and drug companies do, which has been the biggest cause of candida in the first place. It also gives people totally false hopes. For that reason alone it is not recommend it, but there are other reasons.
2. It is expensive, probably because it is very highly marketed.
3. It is processed and contains several ingredients, making it complex, so a person cannot know what they are reacting to if they experience adverse affects from it.
4. One very questionable ingredient is refined yeast powder.
There are other probiotics that are much safer, less expensive and more effective, particularly cabbage rejuvelac (homemade) and plain acidophilus capsules not based on dairy–see the exact description in the main article “How to Successfully Overcome Candida†located on my group’s website at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
As to your 2nd question, candida has particularly concentrated on attacking your urinary tract and genitals, but you will not be able to cure it without curing candida overgrowing throughout your body, and more specifically in your intestines. You need to take the holistic approach (treating your body as a whole) by cutting out damaging foods and foods that feed candida, and by building up your immune system with nutrients it requires. “If you give your body what it needs it will do a very good job of healing.” That’s what the body is all about, but it’s back to nature with foods your body requires. Please join my Candida Support Group above to get a lot more information. I have re-written and expanded on the article located on this website. It is sent to you when you join.
You can also treat your urinary tract directly, to help make yourself more comfortable while you are building up your immune system - there is a very good article on my group, but it is located in the Women’s Health Issues Folder on my group because this problem is more common to women. Also you can write questions to me, or my moderators on my group after you’ve read the main article.
That’s good a multi-vitamin and exercise has helped you; you will find out supplements that are very important for health in my article, and that multis are not the best way to go. The reason is because there is no way a manufacturer can cram that many nutrients into one pill and still maintain quality, balance and quantities required.
I wish you the very best Jon.
Cheers, Bee
Dec 2nd, 2006 at 2:29 am
BEE is THe TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!
Well I just would like to commend you on your selfless efforts to heal people. I have suffered form this condition for years now, and sifted through so much contradictory information. Through this boundless effort to find a cure and personal experience, I can see right away that your approach is the most accurate I have ever come across. I love what you have done and I hope you are approprietly rewarded for your efforts.
It upsets me how much garbage we are exposed to line someones pocket, no matter how false,or how damaging it might be. Such a shame. To me this also is another telling sign of how backwards society is in general. I guess we humans as a whole have no respect for life on this planet and there is no end to this neglect in sight.
I KNOW I will beat this with the help of your info, may you be blessed!!!
Dec 13th, 2006 at 10:23 am
hi to all , i have been on a candida diet for the last year avoiding all candida inspiring foods,to which i have found not only good for the ease of candida but for the mind. a short time ago i got onto (virgin)organic cold pressed coconut oil and have had huge progress, more so than anything els. all candida causing problems have gone,dermatits cleared up in just 4 days, no more floaters,i still follow the candidia diet but i find introducing coconut oil has taken recovery to a new level. i take 4 tablespoons per day between meals and have experienced no ill side effects. would suggest to anyone who wants to try this to start off slow maybe 2 tablespoons per day. half an hour after having it take acidophilus & bifidus to replace the free space left from the dead candida and keep up with all immune boosting foods. hope this may help any other suffers of candida.ps/ the cost of virgin coconut oil is approx $18.00au very easy on the pocket !!!!if you happen to get loose motions dont panic its a good thing it will subside within a short time.
Dec 22nd, 2006 at 7:08 am
My daughter who is 9 months has a skin infection diagnosed as candid. She was prescribed nystatin which I have been applying 4 times a day to the affected areas - back of knee, belly button, neck and nipple. Although the nipple seems to have improved slightly the rest continues to look quite nasty. I have been applying the cream for amonth. How long should I continue to do this before going back to see the doctor? Thanks anxious U.K. mum.
Dec 24th, 2006 at 6:34 am
B.
Have you heard of Natures Sunshine Products? If you have what do you think about their candida products?
I am so sick of being sick with candida and you were GOD sent to me thanks. I have not started anything yet but now I have an idea where to start. I joined NSP hoping to cure this problem…www.EveingStarHerbs.com is my site, if you have time can you ckeck out the candida herbs…TY B.
Dec 27th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Can candida result in bad body odor. I suffer from bad body odor and is increases if i consume candida friendly foods.
Dec 28th, 2006 at 6:41 am
Thank you for so much info, I will try the recommended dos and donts…hopefully this time my thrush symptoms will go away:):)
Dec 28th, 2006 at 8:01 am
Hi Lucy,
About your baby. The skin infection is only the surface manifestation that candida is throughout your baby’s body, mainly in the intestines. The reason is because the body externalizes healing and sickness to the skin to protect vital inner organs. It cannot be treated with an antifungal like nystatin alone. It requires a holistic approach where you ensure your baby obtains the nutrients required to build up the immune system, and by giving probiotics to implant good bacteria - babies love cabbage rejuvelac - it is posted on this site.
If you are breastfeeding your diet should be the best it can, with low carbs and no sugars, and plenty of good fats so your baby is getting the best milk you are able to produce. You may also need to give supplements to your baby like high vitamin cod liver oil and high vitamin butter oil.
I invite you to join my group to learn a lot more: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport/ - there are over 600 articles in the Files. Also please check out the information about babies at: http://www.westonaprice.org.
The best to you and your wee one, Bee
Dec 28th, 2006 at 8:03 am
Dear Beatrice,
I am not familiar with your products and I do not have the time to check them out. I am setting up my own website at the moment. I invite you to join my Candida Support Group at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport/
where you will get a lot of help and articles (there are over 600, as well as about 200 recipes).
The best in health, Bee
Dec 28th, 2006 at 10:54 pm
guys its not just candida its a host of imbalances in your gut. get tested by bioscreens pathogy and they will find exactly what the imbalance is and how to fix it through a legitamate doctor. ask them for a list of doctors in your area who work with them.
http://www.bioscreenmedical.com/
Dec 30th, 2006 at 2:40 am
DEAR BEE,
AFTER 4YEARS OF NEARLY CONSTANT VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AND WONDERING WHAT I COULD POSSIBLY HAVE I CAME ACROSS YOUR SITE.IN MY 29s I HAVE VISITED SO MANY PRACTITIONERS THAT IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMEMBER THEIR NAMES.NOBODY EVER SUGGESTED A CHANGE IN DIET(!!!)ALTHOUGH I WAS ALWAYS DIAGNOSED HAVING CANDIDA ALBICANS(VAGINAL EXAMINATION).I’M STILL WONDERING WHETHER I HAVE CANDIDIASIS SINCE I NEVER TOOK ANTIBIOTICS IN A LONG-TERM MANNER,NEITHER CONTRACEPTIVES OR STEROIDS AND I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF MYSELF AS A HEALTHY EATER.I’M GUILTY THOUGH OF HAVING PROFESSIONAL STRESS (I’M A PHARMACIST) AND EATING MORE THAN PLENTY SWEETS AND CHOCOLATES!MY SYMPTOMS COMPRISE VAGINAL THRUSH ON A MONTHLY BASIS(20 DAYS WITH SYMPTOMS AND 10 SYMPTOM-LESS DAYS PER MONTH),MASSIVE CRAVINGS FOR CHOCOLATE,DROWSINESS WHEN DRIVING,MOOD LOSS,FATIGUE.I STARTED DOING YOUR DIET VERY STRICTLY BUT I COME FROM A SMALL TOWN AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND ALL THOSE INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF FOODS TO EAT,ESPECIALLY SOMETHING TO REPLACE BREAD.IS GLUTEN FREE FLOUR SUITABLE?I’M TAKING ACIDOPHILLUS CAPSULES AND A FORMULA CONTAINING PROBIOTICS,MINERALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS.I ALSO FOUND VAGINAL TABLETS OF ACIDOPHILLUS AND VAGINAL SUPPOSITORIES TO DECREASE THE pH.COULD I CAUSE AN OVERDOSE BY TAKING ALL THEESE AT THE SAME TIME?PLEASE FORGIVE MY ENGLISH AND SORRY FOR THE LENGTH BUT YOUR SITE WAS VERY RELIEVING TO ME!THANKS!
Dec 30th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
Hi Mark,
Yes candida can definitely cause body odors. That is because it candida puts out over 79 toxins which the body is trying hard to get rid of. One the ways the body gets rid of toxins is through the skin, which can result in putrid odors, some may even smell like feces. Candida also causes an imbalance of micro-organisms in the intestines and it interferes with digestion which also contributes to bad odors. I have a Candida Support Group and many people have had problems with body odors.
The only way to treat it is to follow the entire candida program I recommend, starting with diet and supplements. I invite you to join my Candida Support Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport You will receive the most recent version of my article when you join and have access to many other articles in the Group’s Files. Also the people on my group, and my moderators are very helpful and supportive.
I look forward to seeing you on my group Mark!
The best in health, Bee
Dec 30th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Hi Maria,
Thank you for writing to me. You can get candida after only one bout of antibiotics because they wipe out the good bacteria in the mucus membranes, including vagina, intestines, stomach, etc. Also all medical drugs are toxic to the body so they depress the immune system. When the immune system is depressed candida can start to overgrow.
Since writing the article on this site I have continued to study and I’ve learned that candida sufferers should not have grains of any kind even non-gluten grains. Often candida sufferers crave sweets as well as other high carbohydrate foods such as grains. The only way to overcome such cravings is to eliminate all sugars and high carb foods, including grains. Sorry Maria there is no substitute for bread.
I invite you to join my Candida Support Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
You will receive my latest article “How to Successfully Overcome Candida” when you join, and you’ll also have access to our Files where you will find treatments for vaginal candida (see the Women’s Health Issues Folder). As you already know you can only cure vaginal yeast by following the entire program, with diet and supplements being most important. My article has a more thorough list of supplements to take as well, or see our Candida Supplements Folder on my group.
The best in health, Bee
Dec 30th, 2006 at 11:29 pm
Hi Monica,
If you follow my candida program, mainly the diet and taking the supplements, you will be able to cure your thrush. The diet and supplements provide all that is needed to build up your immune system, which is the most important aspect of getting well. In fact this diet plus supplements are essentially a “healing program” which will help anyone no matter what kind of health problems they have.
I invite you to join my Candida Support Group to get more information and support: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
The best in health, Bee
Jan 3rd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
My mother has been suffering from extruicating pain in her lower back. It first began as a small area of burning at her rectum. Her doctor gave her suppositories and cream with hydrocortisone in them. Within days she developed a large rash outside of her body that she was able to cure with Desitin however the burning just inside continued. The another doctor gave her Nystatin and it has been helping. A doctor in the emergency room (she went there for pain) was the first doctor to state she has a yeast infection. She is very, very slowly seeing improvement but still has lots of pain in her back and some rectal burning. She has lost a lot of weight in the past 2 months. We are very worried and are continually trying to find ways to help her and find new doctors to see. Could a yeast infection be causing such back pain or should the doctors be looking at something else? I truly appreciate any help!
Jan 6th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Hi Kris,
Thank you for writing about your mother’s problems. I believe yeast/candida overgrowth can cause pain and breakdown in any area of the body, including the back. I knew a woman 20 years ago that had brain lesions diagnosed by the doctors who wanted to operate on her. Instead she found out about candida and she did the complete program (diet, supplements, antifungals & probiotics). Two years later she was re-tested and there were no brain lesions. Amazing isn’t it?
Your mother’s condition worsened because of the drugs the doctor gave her to treat the burning near her rectum. All drugs are very toxic to the body which the body has to minimize or get rid of in some, and they add to the existing problem. One of the best ways the body has of getting rid of toxins is through the skin (the largest opening the body has), so the toxins were coming out through her skin in the form of rashes. The body also externalizes healing to the skin to protect vital inner organs, particularly when dealing with toxins like drugs.
The drugs also increase the yeast activity already existent in your mother, which was most evident by the burning near her rectum, and that’s why nystatin helped relieved her symptoms. Nystatin is a very different kind of drug because does get distributed throughout the body like other drugs, and it kills yeast on contact, which mostly exists in the intestines.
I definitely believe your mother has yeast/candida overgrowth and the diet, supplements and the rest of the program I recommend would address it. But natural healing does take time, patience and persistence on the program. I have since revised the program written in the article on this website, and I have Candida Support Group and now a new Website. I invite you and your mother to join my Support Group, and also visit my new website which has over 700 articles posted with an easy to use site search.
My Candida Support Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport
My Website, which was just launched New Year’s Day:
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com
I believe anyone with any physical ailment, pain, disease, etc. will be helped a great deal with my program because it is all natural and the way nature intended.
The best in health, Bee
Jan 26th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Hello Bee,
I believe I am also a sufferer of candida overgrowth. I will not get too deep into my symptoms, but I recently got oral through two months ago for the first time in my life. I am 20 year old male. I have been in great health besides this. I have been tested for all things known to cause oral thrush, and have all come back negative (HIV, Diabetes, etc etc…)
The fatigue, mind fog, eye floaters, bowel issues, stomach pain etc have all come with it, and it is terrible. I do not see how one can randomly get this while others never do no matter what. Is there a reason some are more susceptible to this overgrowth?
I am also going back to my doctor about the oral thrush (she does not know why it keeps coming back, and is doing more diabetes tests even though I’ve done a lot of them) and will bring this up to her.
Anyways, to the moment that I believed may have started this, a long time ago… I was also wondering if you could confirm if something I did almost 4 years ago could cause my potential (99 percent sure it is what I have) candida overgrowth.
I have/had acne, and approximately 4 years ago was put on antibiotic pills to get rid of the acne. I was on them for a long period of time, maybe even 3 months (hard to remember, but it was around there.) The acne eventually started to come back, so I went off the antibiotics.
About a year later I got a sever case or hives, lasted 3-4 weeks, and never came back. Doctor said it was due to the cold I may have had at that time. Since then only get hives one other time for a day a year ago, and then small patches here and there that dont last long at all.
My question is, could my long course of antibiotics FOUR years ago initiated my candida overgrowth, and that it took a long time for the candida to overgrow, and now finally has overtaken my body? Or does it act way faster than that? That is all I can think started it all. I have also recently had stomack bloating after eating, I feel terrible, and I cannot believe I have this when I see others eat way more worse etc with no issues, I don’t get it.
Sorry for this being so darn long, I’ve just been so frustrated and you seem to be the only one with any knowledge on this topic! Thank you for your time!
Jan 29th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Hi Chris,
Thank you for writing to me. I certainly understand your frustration with this yeast beast. However, one does not get candida randomly because over 70% of the population have candida, but they just don’t know it, yet! Most people nowadays have had candida since before they were born! The body is so amazing that it doesn’t actually start causing serious problems until much later.
You are most fortunate to find out what is causing your health problems, while others are waking up with cancer and don’t know why. (By the way there is a connection between candida and cancer; see these articles on my website: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu2_1_2.php
Medical tests are inconclusive for candida for a number of reasons and also most doctors do not agree that candida even exists. The best test is Dr. Crook’s Candida Questionnaire: http://www.mall-net.com/cgibin/quiz4.cgi?quiz=crook.qa
Your symptoms are very typical of candida, i.e. mouth thrush, fatigue, mind fog, eye floaters, bowel issues, stomach pain, acne, etc. which you will overcome on this program.
The antibiotics you took 4 years ago for acne were most likely broad spectrum, which definitely wipes out all of the good micro-organisms in the digestive tract. That is a critical point for sure. When the good micro-organisms in the gut are wiped out candida starts changing into a monster. It grows long feet and large colonies. Its colonies put out over 79 different kinds of toxins, most of which are alcohol - that explains the mind fog eh? It’s weird but candida is a normal inhabitant of the mucus membranes and it is only intended by nature to change and start overgrowing when the body dies; in order to break the body down.
Your bloating is caused by candida because some of its toxins are carbon dioxide (gas). You can have candida in any mucus membrane, including the stomach, nose, ears, eyes, mouth, esophagus, intestines, etc., etc. It greatly interferes with digestion, and I believe that acid reflux people have is actually candida overgrowth. Candida overgrowth interferes with the production of stomach acid so stomach acid is too low. Low stomach acid causes exactly the same symptoms as high stomach acid. Too bad people are getting the wrong treatment by doctors.
Chris, I invite you to join my Candida Support Group at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport/ for support and to get questions answered by me, with the help of my 7 moderators.
I encourage you to read and learn as much as you can on my website: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/index.php where there is an entire section devoted to candida: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu2.php
My complete candida article is there too, which is very extensive compared to the one posted in this magazine. There are also many recipes on my website and success stories by members of my group.
You can beat this Chris, and you will learn enough to maintain your health throughout your life. One of our members, Derek, just announced that he is making my diet “a way of life!” Hang in there.
The best in health,
Bee
Feb 3rd, 2007 at 10:02 am
Hey Bee,
I have been diagonised with Candida which is out of control, same as the rest of the guys on site. I was wondering have u any information on why the effects can spread to your bum and also why it effects memory as im a student and get very fogged up. thankyou. sorry for the bluntness.
Feb 4th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Hi Donna,
Candida overgrowth occurs in the rectum, which has mucus membranes just like the intestines and other parts of the body. Candida overgrowth can occur in any mucus membrane within the body, but most of it is overgrowing in the intestines from mouth to rectum, including the throat, esophagus and stomach.
Bee
Apr 16th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Hi Bee,
I am 28 and have been suffering from thrush for about 8 years, topical treatments no longer give me any relief and I have tried different candida diets (none quite like yours) with little success. I have just been referred to a Gynaecologist who has prescribed 6 months on the antifungal Nizoral which I have read can be quite toxic on the liver do you know much about it should I still take it? Also, I have always had lots of soy milk and eaten soy products should I cut them out completely would it have made my candida worse? Hope you can help me.
About to joing your support group now and start your diet!!
Thanks for you time, Sophie
Apr 16th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Hi Sophie,
You have a rough time with the thrush for sure. I believe the reason other candida diets didn’t help you is because they allow foods that feed candida and they do not contain the high good saturated fats that my diet does, along with many other differences. I can assure you that there is no other candida diet like mine and it gets results while others fail. My diet plus supplements provides all your body needs to heal and build up its immune system. The key to overcoming candida is building up your immune system because that is what will keep candida overgrowth “in check” the way nature intends it to be.
Nizoral is very hard on the liver and any doctor who perscribes it should have done liver function tests first to ensure you can handle it and tests must be done every month. Natural antifungals I recommend are much more effective and they are not toxic like drugs, i.e. coconut oil, Pau D’arco tea, raw crushed garlic, oil of oregano and clove oil.
You should not consume soy or soybean based products of any kind. They are very damaging. It is very possible it made your candida worse. I look forward to seeing you at my Candida Support Group. :)
The best in health, Bee
Apr 20th, 2007 at 6:11 am
Bee,
This is the best candiasis information i have come across. This is really great stuff and in depth. Thank you for your diligence with an absolutely information packed article. We just touch on the subject of vaginal pH and bacterial levels ( candida ) in relation to cultivating friendly bacteria and treating vaginal odours naturally. You really did a great job.
http://www.bacterialvaginosisfacts.com/
Apr 30th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Hi Bee,
Thanks for some great information, it all makes sense although I have one question that I can’t get my head around and would love to get your thinking on the matter. You say that you must reduce carbohydrate intake and increase protein and saturated fats to starve Candida and improve your immune system. This type of diet seems to be highly acidic. If this is the case wouldn’t a high acid diet create an acidic environment in the body and work against the healing process? What are your thoughts on the acid/alkaline diet and maintaining a slightly alkaline body pH? How does it fit into your overall health philosophy?
Thanks in advance
Jaff
May 2nd, 2007 at 10:15 pm
i don’t know if i have candida, the month i turned 15 i started getting sick for unknown reasons. for the past 5 years i have been suffering from many infections. my doctors don’t know what are causing them. i would get vaginal infection one month and then urine infection, and nail infection, and now i have tonsil infection. since high school i been depressed cos i feel so helpless. i lost many friends becuase i suffer from body odor, i felt so humiliated in shcool. i went to school probably twice a week. my gastreo diagnosed me with crohn’s diseases, i went to another gastreo and he said my intestins look normal. i have been gaining a lot of weight even though i don’t eat much and my body odor is getting worse every week. i decided not to go to college cos it will be a waste of my money. i can’t focus and i always think abt killing myself. candida has ruin my teenage life. i want my life back, but don’t know how. i have prayed to God almost everyday to help me overcome this nasty infections, and my body odor which my doctors think i’m just thinking abt it too much, but unfortunately society is harsh and living with body odor everyday has made feel so worthless to the point where i don’t want to live anymore. i feel like God has answered my prayers finding this site. i have actually diagnosed myself. now i know its candida thats causing me all this problems. i have suffered a lot mostly psychologically but i’m still alive and want to beat this. PLEASE HELP ME.
May 9th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
The Goddess of nourishment has answered your call.
I know it may seem very overwhelming but following Bee’s protocol one step at a time is worth it. All you need to know to begin with is in her three articles. She will probably answer your comment soon also and invite you to join her chat group. It’s worth it to receive support from those who have come before you. Do you have your parents support?
I had severe Candida as a young mother and it really is debilitating and very lonely. It took me years to really come to grips with how unwell I actually was. I kept thinking I could eat gluten grains again or coffee, only to descend back into Candida hell. I’m just now (after 10 years of experimenting) finally working out what I need to do to keep well. I haven’t had Candida symptoms for 4 years but neither have I eaten sugar or gluten grains. (Just getting back into gluten now - about once a week is all I can take). It’s really worth it to be part of a community who can support you and who you can support when you have healed your condition. The Nourished Magazine community would probably appreciate reading about your journey back to wellness. Think about sharing it with a blog. I think it would be very inspiring and you’d learn alot.
Jul 16th, 2007 at 11:25 am
It has just occurred to me that many of my symptoms may well be candida. I am 57 wanting to be spritely but I find my body and tiredness are letting me down. I have had antibiotics periodically throughout my life for this an that infection. I have had Nilstat before and that has helped a great deal, I do not always remember to get the doctor to prescribe me with it. I used to suffer from vaginal thrush but not any more, I think it is more oral. I have suffered from reflux for over a year now and Nexium relieves it but about 10 weeks ago I felt wheezing in my upper respiratory tract and I was prescribed another reflux medication which I took regularly for 6 weeks but on stopping felt awful so stopped it and have gone back to Nexium which I take about 3 times a week I hate the idea of being dependent on medication. Anyway, I gave up gluten a few months ago, though occasionally I am in a situation I cannot but eat some and just put up with bloating and discomfort. If I am to drink wine it has to be preservative free or my brain is a complete fog after less than two glasses, gin and tonic suit me better (I am only an occasional drinker 1-2 per week). Lately the joints in my feet are giving me trouble with bouts of tinea. Last year I put on weight on my stomach area for the first time in my life, I know it was too much chocolate as I was writing up my thesis but I do not seem to be able to shed it. I have not been on a proper diet as I am afraid of the increased weight after the shedding that can follow, also I do like food. My sweet tooth lets me down. I know sugar is my worst enemy but I somehow cannot bring myself to give it up. Is candida also connected with high cholesterol. I do not know if I have high cholesterol I did have a DVT two years ago followed by vein stripping in my right leg and now wear restricting socks and take Cartia regularly. I am noticing that whilst I am building up my career I am full of enthusiasm but afraid that my body will not keep up with my ambition. I am a very determined and stubborn person and am trying to get my mind to overcome my desire to just sit and read books and sleep all the time so I can keep making the many creative ideas that flood my thinking.
I know this has been a bit bitty, but I am wondering if there is a link with candida and if that includes the reflux, joint pain, wheat intollerance, wine intollerance, fizzy feeling in my muscles and sinus clogging, and visit the chiropractor every 2 weeks as my lower back is troubling me, worse in the last 2 months for some reason. I also seem to have fluid retention which at about 50 affected my arms as well as my legs. I have always suffered from swelling legs even as a young person.
I know diet is the answer and I have tried the type O blood diet which increases my meat intake but I think I have put on more weight. I am now 82kgs where I really need to be about 67 ks, I was 55 kgs in my 20s, and nice and slim before babies.
It seems that my concerns need to be seen holistically but I don’t really know where to start, I feel a bit lost.
Thank you for reading this, If there is a candida link as the gereral malaise I would love to know your opinion.
Jul 23rd, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Hi there,
Yes, all of your symptoms are related to candida overgrowth, which in turn is caused by a depressed immune system and an imbalance of good to bad bacteria in the digestive system (mainly caused by antibiotics). The only way to turn candida around is by building up your immune system with diet and supplements, and by cutting of candida’s food supply (mostly sugars and high-carbs), by detoxifying effectively, and by increasing ozygen levels.
I’m sorry but I’m short on time because I work full-time, so in the meantime I invite you to join my Candida Support Group so you can get more information, and my program, along with help and support - it is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/candidasupport/ Please read my article “How to Successfully Overcome Candida” thoroughly, and in my group’s files there are over 600 articles and recipes to help you as well.
The best in health, Bee
Aug 19th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Hi Bee,
I’ve been having episodes of severe prickling/itching on my skin (mostly my back) for the past few months, about twice a day. The episodes only last for about 2-3 minutes each but each is quite painful, but there is nothing visible on the skin to suggest anything is wrong. I also have slight bleeding in the gums. After seeing multiple GPs, my blood tests have all come back normal and everything seems to be fine; no investigation reveals anything wrong. Antihistamines and moisturisers have no effect.
Could these symptoms be linked to a candida overgrowth?
Thanks so much for this informative site.
Victor
Sep 12th, 2007 at 8:02 am
11 sept 07
Does anyonee know if Splenda(sucralose) is safe as a sweetner for a candida sufferer? Thanks.
Sep 12th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Hi Bee,
My story is that I got Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV, aka Glandular Fever) about 10 years ago. My immune system was severely depleted. I suffered fatigue and struggled with my studies as a uni student. I would go to the cafeteria and buy a can of Coke to try and boost my energy levels, and I did this very regularly because of the fatigue I was suffering.
Never being a soft-drink drinker before this, I found this had a profound effect on my body, in my immune-depleted state. I developed an oral yeast infection, which has since become a full flown full-body candida infection. This has been going on for 10 years.
My symptoms, from most prevalent to least:
Burning mouth and throat (mild but annoying)
White coating on tongue
Bad breath
Mild headaches
Skin candida on back, chest and groin (an anti-fungal cream kills it, but it keeps coming back…esp in summer)
Highly irritable and prone to mood swings
Unrefreshing sleep
Inability to concentrate
Intolerance to alcohol
Heart feels slightly ’strained’ from time to time.
I’m a non-smoker, healthy in appearance and not overweight or underweight, and regular exerciser. I have an impeccable dental cleaning routine (brush and floss twice daily), but the candida has meant that I’ve still needed fillings these past few years. I only drink socially, and very infrequently.
I don’t have a partner as I’d be too embarassed as my mouth tastes/smells/looks terrible, and not amount of tounge scrubbing, gargling with mouthwash, brushing and flossing seems to help. I need to kill the candida from within.
I’ve noticed that things have improved a little when if i go on a mini-faminine where i don’t eat for a day and a half…just an experiment i’ve done. I felt that not feeding the yeasties helped, but starving is not a good solution!!
I’m just about to go on a sugar-free and low-carb diet full of meats and greens. I’ve also ordered some Threelac, and hope that stuff does the trick. I’ll report back in a couple of months where it has saved me or not. At times my quality of life feels so low that I feel like I wouldn’t care if I was hit by a bus and killed as at least that’d get rid of my yeast problem… but am trying to be positive so dearly hope for success with this!!
Sep 12th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Hi im a male and have candida and im trying to get rid of it. Im currently taking threelac. is there more effective than using diflucan?
Sep 14th, 2007 at 5:49 am
9-13-07
MY CORRESPONDENCE TODAY IS IN REGARD TO MIKE, THE YOUNG MAN WITH CANDIDA YEAST INFECTION. THIS CAN BE A VERY MENANCING CONDITION! MOREOVER IT AFFECTS ONE ON THE LEVELS OF SPIRIT-SOUL-AND BODY.
I HAVE NOT TAken the time to read all of the responses that were directed to this man, offerring him help, but I would like to respond to offer him my thoughts.
First, systemic Candidiasis is a real entity. Left untreated a mycelial form of this invader really wrecks havoc upon the individual.
You must avoid all wghite products. White potatoes, sugar, flour, rice, anything whit is not for you.
I did not read about your marital status. If you are married and or are having intercourse with trhe same individual, you must both be treated. sexually active couples must be treated concomitantly, as they keep passing this yeast over and over through sexual contact.
Mike, another item to consider is one of circumsision. Are you circumsized? Usually circumsized males have far less probvlems along this line of Casndidiasis. If you are uncircumsized, then make sure that you clean the foreskin iof the penis very well each day, thoroughly dry the penis and foreskin, and then apply calendula homeopathic ointment. I believe this is best to do twice daily. First thing each morning, and prior to bedtime.
I have found through 20 years as a board certified naturopath, and 15 years of prior traditional health-care that one must break the oxygen bond found in the Candida albicans molecular structure. This may be accomplished through a formulae used in the u.s. for many years, but not so much these days, called desenex. I have a company that I deal with, that offers the undecilenic acid, found in the Desenex formulae that is taken orally. I have found this product to be effective many times over the past 20 years. If you contact me by email, I can give you ordering information. Undecelinic acid, breaks the oxygen bond found in the Candida organism, resulting in the yeast being able to reproduce.
Another aspect to consider is the enzyme catalase. This enzyme ruptures the Candida membrane, allowing it to be killed. This enzyme is often not found in most enzyme preparations, but uis essential when dealing with candida.
You should also drink 2 oz. of fresh coconut milk daily. This has shown to be very effective in erradicating Candida albicans yeast infections. Coconut milk should come from trhe white, refrigerated coconuts often available in health foods stores.
I would also recommended a prescriptive homeopathic Candida formulae. This is from the Rx line only from King Bio, in the U.S. I would be happy in getting the prescription to you. This homeopathic Rx is watwer based, allowing you to take it orally three times daily, and after thoroughly cleaning the penis and drying it off, you then would spray the Rx direcyly to the openis, allow it to dry, wear cotton underwear, making sure the Rx stayed in place, etc.