Beating Candida!
Can an anti-fungal diet "cure" Candida or just reduce symptoms?
Discussion started by Maff 12 years ago
My own experience is that the best an anti-fungal diet can do is reduce the severity of symptoms experienced after eating e.g. bloating, gas, feeling intoxicated, headache.
Has anyone been able to get a Candida problem under control using diet alone? If so what were the specifics of the diet?
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Maff
Very interesting post Pat, particularly the mention of Candida using lipids as the primary nutrient rather than carbohydrates. If this is the case it would have to be specific to a perculiar form of Candida that has morphed from a yeast to another form...perhaps the well known 'hyphael' form or perhaps something new. The fact is that Candida as a yeast does subsist primarily by fermenting carbohydrates. My own experience is similar to the stories you mention of people having to live on meat and very low carbohydrate vegetables...otherwise I experience the very unique symptoms of being poisoned by ethanol and acetaldehyde. Lab work backs this up in terms of both blood levels and induced liver enzymes (keeping in mind I am tee total). Do you happen to have a link to the post about Candida and fats? I'd really like to read it. Thanks!
I feel you may be correct about pathogens and symbiotic microorganisms turned pathogens (e.g. Candida) that have sought refuge in the lymph system acting as a reservoir that simply reinfects areas such as the gut that have been specifically treated with antimicrobials. I would agree to maintaining oneself on whatever program seems to reduce symptoms the most but also suggest therapies that improve lymph drainage (particularly the Perrin Technique) and modulate immune function e.g. transfer factor, low-dose naltrexone (LDN), various herbs and medications. Obviously removing factors from diet and lifestyle that impair immunity is also vital e.g. sugar, psychological stress.
It's my feeling that new digestive enzyme supplements that aim to digest biofilms may help bring pathogens back into symbiosis with the human body when combined with appropriate antimicrobials and the other steps mentioned above. Breaking down the biofilms and hitting things quickly with antimicrobials may give pathogens less time to morph and adapt. Or perhaps I am being too optimistic...
I feel you may be correct about pathogens and symbiotic microorganisms turned pathogens (e.g. Candida) that have sought refuge in the lymph system acting as a reservoir that simply reinfects areas such as the gut that have been specifically treated with antimicrobials. I would agree to maintaining oneself on whatever program seems to reduce symptoms the most but also suggest therapies that improve lymph drainage (particularly the Perrin Technique) and modulate immune function e.g. transfer factor, low-dose naltrexone (LDN), various herbs and medications. Obviously removing factors from diet and lifestyle that impair immunity is also vital e.g. sugar, psychological stress.
It's my feeling that new digestive enzyme supplements that aim to digest biofilms may help bring pathogens back into symbiosis with the human body when combined with appropriate antimicrobials and the other steps mentioned above. Breaking down the biofilms and hitting things quickly with antimicrobials may give pathogens less time to morph and adapt. Or perhaps I am being too optimistic...
11 years ago
Pat
I think that there is a key molecular switch that we are missing as it relates to mold activation and diet. Other message boards contain heart-rending stories of how folks can't cope unless they eat a pure meat diet. I know that meat and green vegetables can keep most symptoms at bay, but then old Sid Guatama wouldn't be too pleased with that option. So I went totally vegan with rice cooked with antifungal spices and beans and green vegetables and did just as well on what was pretty much nothing but starch until some factor caused the symptoms to flare. It might even by a symbiotic reaction within the biofilm that mold just happens to be a part of. There was a mind-blowing post on another site that said that candida doesn't even eat sugar or starch but its preferred food is fat!
For those who have malabsorption and weight loss, this might be something to consider along with the transport of fat and fat soluble vitamins in the lymph.
I will begin this topic here and try to emphasize this in every post:
When I was studying Lyme disease and the Recurrent Fever associated with rickettsia organisms that can show up in 5-year cycles it revealed itself that no matter what we did on the 'surface' to knock down an infection, that if there are sequestered populations in the lymph completely walled off from the immune response, that they will simply migrate from those locations to the areas opened up (like a cleansed intestine) like bands of wolves migrating to new territory. Whatever program for keeping the overgrowth at bay, it needs to be maintained at nearly a constant level unless the body needs a break.
When we consider Lyme and the use of antibiotics that simply change them from a cell-walled structure to an L-form that is as insidious as a mycoplasm, then the use of antifungals can be extrapolated as possibly doing the same, thus driving them deeper into the tissue and rendering them untouchable by any currently known methods. I have grave concerns over the new class of digestive enzymes with exotic components that may serve to do nothing but what I just outlined.
For those who have malabsorption and weight loss, this might be something to consider along with the transport of fat and fat soluble vitamins in the lymph.
I will begin this topic here and try to emphasize this in every post:
When I was studying Lyme disease and the Recurrent Fever associated with rickettsia organisms that can show up in 5-year cycles it revealed itself that no matter what we did on the 'surface' to knock down an infection, that if there are sequestered populations in the lymph completely walled off from the immune response, that they will simply migrate from those locations to the areas opened up (like a cleansed intestine) like bands of wolves migrating to new territory. Whatever program for keeping the overgrowth at bay, it needs to be maintained at nearly a constant level unless the body needs a break.
When we consider Lyme and the use of antibiotics that simply change them from a cell-walled structure to an L-form that is as insidious as a mycoplasm, then the use of antifungals can be extrapolated as possibly doing the same, thus driving them deeper into the tissue and rendering them untouchable by any currently known methods. I have grave concerns over the new class of digestive enzymes with exotic components that may serve to do nothing but what I just outlined.
11 years ago
Gwen
Hello Maff
I wouldn't say the diet I am on is really effective. I still have itching, brain fog and fatigue. However I avoid hives, irritability, depression, etc. at least when I am on the diet. Even very small amounts of carbs exacerbate the symptoms.
Yes, I have been on nystatin for several months without seeing much difference. My prescription has run out and I need to see the naturopath again for more. I would like to go on diflucan but have yet to find a doctor who will prescribe it. I talked to Marjorie Crandall of 'Yeast Consulting Services' a few months ago who suggested various tests to prove I have candida. They did not show anything. She also suggested 100 mg a day of diflucan in addtion to the nystatin. Unfortunately my liver enzymes are slightly elevated so the doctors I have talked to so far won't consider it. Not that they would anyway. I am now being sent to a liver specialist although I think that the elevated liver enzymes are because of the candida which the doctor won't acknowledge exists.
I'm not sure what tests to get next or what doctor to go to next. A doctor on Monday said there is no evidence for the use of diflucan, despite my obvious scalp condition and discomfort! So I am pretty much on my own. I spend much time researching.
In addition to the supplements recommended by Bee, I am taking oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract and have tried hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, etc., in the past. I had fairly intense dieoff symptoms the other day from the oregano oil. Twice I tried fasting for 8 days. This definitely alleviated symptoms but they came back when I stopped. I am also taking probiotics, reishi and large doses of Vitamin C for immune support.
I am very open to ideas and suggestions and feel desperate to get this under control and move on with my life! Managing this disease has taken precedence over everything else.
I am happy to have found this site! I will be interested in hearing about the faecal transplants.
I wouldn't say the diet I am on is really effective. I still have itching, brain fog and fatigue. However I avoid hives, irritability, depression, etc. at least when I am on the diet. Even very small amounts of carbs exacerbate the symptoms.
Yes, I have been on nystatin for several months without seeing much difference. My prescription has run out and I need to see the naturopath again for more. I would like to go on diflucan but have yet to find a doctor who will prescribe it. I talked to Marjorie Crandall of 'Yeast Consulting Services' a few months ago who suggested various tests to prove I have candida. They did not show anything. She also suggested 100 mg a day of diflucan in addtion to the nystatin. Unfortunately my liver enzymes are slightly elevated so the doctors I have talked to so far won't consider it. Not that they would anyway. I am now being sent to a liver specialist although I think that the elevated liver enzymes are because of the candida which the doctor won't acknowledge exists.
I'm not sure what tests to get next or what doctor to go to next. A doctor on Monday said there is no evidence for the use of diflucan, despite my obvious scalp condition and discomfort! So I am pretty much on my own. I spend much time researching.
In addition to the supplements recommended by Bee, I am taking oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract and have tried hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, etc., in the past. I had fairly intense dieoff symptoms the other day from the oregano oil. Twice I tried fasting for 8 days. This definitely alleviated symptoms but they came back when I stopped. I am also taking probiotics, reishi and large doses of Vitamin C for immune support.
I am very open to ideas and suggestions and feel desperate to get this under control and move on with my life! Managing this disease has taken precedence over everything else.
I am happy to have found this site! I will be interested in hearing about the faecal transplants.
12 years ago
Maff
Hi Gwen,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the anti-fungal/anti-Candida diet. It sounds like me you have found the diet is effective at controlling symptoms but since the symptoms return as soon as you "cheat" the actual problem is still there. Immediate symptoms are usually the result of Candida/yeast fermenting carbohydrates and producing various toxic liquids and gases that are either absorbed or cause gut symptoms such as bloating, and gas.
I follow a similar diet to yourself and have been doing so for around 13 years now. It's clear to me that diet alone is not enough when we have significant overgrowth of Candida. Have you tried any more aggressive treatments (nystatin, diflucan, herbs and supplements) along with the diet? As Bee from Healing Naturally by Bee points out Candida can't be caught it can only become a problem when our body's and immune systems are weakened and allow it to do so. I'm not overly familiar with the approach Bee recommends but have you also tried to improve your immunity?
I have been repeatedly frustrated in my attempts to treat my Candida problem with more than diet as my nervous system is so acutely sensitive to its toxins that any extra generated by "die-off" causes intolerable symptoms very quickly. I am now about to try faecal transplants as a possible way around the need for long-term antifungal treatment. I'll keep trying to get this thing under control by whatever means to get a reasonable quality of life back!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the anti-fungal/anti-Candida diet. It sounds like me you have found the diet is effective at controlling symptoms but since the symptoms return as soon as you "cheat" the actual problem is still there. Immediate symptoms are usually the result of Candida/yeast fermenting carbohydrates and producing various toxic liquids and gases that are either absorbed or cause gut symptoms such as bloating, and gas.
I follow a similar diet to yourself and have been doing so for around 13 years now. It's clear to me that diet alone is not enough when we have significant overgrowth of Candida. Have you tried any more aggressive treatments (nystatin, diflucan, herbs and supplements) along with the diet? As Bee from Healing Naturally by Bee points out Candida can't be caught it can only become a problem when our body's and immune systems are weakened and allow it to do so. I'm not overly familiar with the approach Bee recommends but have you also tried to improve your immunity?
I have been repeatedly frustrated in my attempts to treat my Candida problem with more than diet as my nervous system is so acutely sensitive to its toxins that any extra generated by "die-off" causes intolerable symptoms very quickly. I am now about to try faecal transplants as a possible way around the need for long-term antifungal treatment. I'll keep trying to get this thing under control by whatever means to get a reasonable quality of life back!
12 years ago
Gwen
I have been following the diet on the site "Healing Naturally by Bee" for three years. I have not been doing it perfectly. Whenever I cheat I am miserable. So far no success in getting rid of candida; I manage to control the severity of symptoms through the diet. I eat mostly eggs and protein right now, along with fats such as coconut oil. There's always hope - maybe if I do it long enough.....
12 years ago
