Your Candida Experiences

Not-so-Holy Crap

“My story begins about two years ago, when I was placed on an antibiotic after being sick for two weeks with a peritonsillar abscess (aka. golf ball in the throat, aka. serious mastication obstacle). Two days after I began the meds I noticed blood in my stool. I thought the damage would heal as soon as I was off the meds, but it didn’t. I soon began looking for a reason, seeing doctors and getting every kind of ‘oscopy’ the docs could think of. I am quite certain my bum and throat have seen more technology than our teenage texting fanatics! In the end they found nothing, and prescribed everything in the book (does anyone know why a doc thinks it is a good idea to medicate without knowing why? Me either!) My skin is broke out all over, my lymph nodes are always swollen, I poop like a toilet fiend every time I consume sugar and I am always dizzy and confused (to which I will rightfully… or not-so-rightfully blame for my lack of smooth linguistics with the ladies;{) I have been on the Candida diet for about two weeks now and have seen some positive changes, and I am hopeful to see more in the coming weeks. My struggle has taught me a lot about myself, taught me to use humor in life as much as possible, and to enjoy every minute I can. But still, this is no summer romance, I want this problem gone! I want to get involved in college clubs, to get ahead in my future career, fly fish the old streams that are like my close companions, and to gain back the 35 pounds of muscle I have lost. At 21 years of age, there are many goals I have set for myself, so it is time to take back my body. I know my fecal matter will never smell like red roses, but I will be happy as long as they don’t share the same coloration. Good luck to all those who struggle with this and other health problems. Keep the faith, keep the hope, keep the strength. Tony”

Shared by Tony

This is it!

“I wonder why I’ve seen a thousand and one doctors and none of them talked about Candida. For five years I was hopeless. Thanks to this website for revealing my killer.. I will start working on it TODAY.”

Shared by Osimo

Yeast infections / low energy

“I’m not sure if I am suffering from a Candida overgrowth, but I am ready to give this diet a try. I have been plagued by chronic yeast infections for several years. The yeast infection treatments only seem to mask the problem for a little while. Also, my stomach is itchy just to the left of my belly button. I feel it is probably related. It is an itch I cannot scratch topically, but feels like it is inside me. I am starting the diet today. This will be difficult because I am a candy fanatic. But I have decided enough is enough. I was hoping to try just the diet, without the detox. I am hoping to cure my recurrent yeast infections and low energy. I thought about doing the diet for years. I am ready to try it now.”

Shared by Nicole

Eliminating the Problem at the Root

“I am having the exact same problems that all of you have mentioned. I am an 21 year old male, who has been on antibiotics for acne for years. Within the past year I have felt very lethargic, tired, moody, brain fog, and just a sense of not “being me”. I began to realize I had a major problem when my sex drive just died, and I had problems achieving erections (which I never have experienced before). After seeing many doctors, an endocrinologist and two urologists… they all said I was “fine” and everything was in my “head”. A month ago I had terrible headaches and felt as if I was intoxicated. It was a living nightmare that I could not find relief for. I decided to check alternative methods of healthcare (a naturopath). Instantly I was diagnosed with Candida, and have been on my way to recover since. The reason for my massive headaches were because of “ethanol” in my bloodstream… which could have caused serious permanent damage if left untreated. Within a month of the diet, and taking anti-fungal supplements and probiotics, I am starting to feel more lively and like myself again. My erection problem still occurs, but it is starting to get better. I know how Candida is, and I wish everyone the best of luck in their recovery.”

Shared by Brandon

Thrush on tongue at 20 years old!

“I had my first UTI when I was 12 years old, followed by a series of yeast infections from the age 13-22. When I was 20 years old I woke up one morning with a white coating on my tongue. I called my mom from college in a panic. It was diagnosed as “thrush of the tongue”. It wasn’t until I was 22 that my ENT doctor made the connection of Candida to my symptoms. Within that two year span I had thrush twice on my tongue, rapid weight gain (I could eat a whole box of pasta by myself with two cans of pop and bread and not even notice!!!) multiple UTIs and yeast infections along with 4 cases of strep in a 3 month period. I went from 135lbs to 160lb in about a years time. Finally I was put on the Candida Diet and felt SO much better! I lost the weight and I haven’t had any sort of infection in almost 2 years.”

Shared by Allison

I am going to give it a try

“I have been trying to find out what is wrong with me, and this seems like a strong possibilty. I am going to go the coconut juice route first, and hopefully that will help, as will cutting out sugars. Wish me luck!”

Shared by Led

Aaarrrgghhh!!!

“I’ve had the same problems all of you have had for years…. aching joints and muscles, insomnia, unexplained weight gains even though I actually eat pretty healthy, basically feeling like hell for no apparent reason, as all doctors tell me there is nothing WRONG with me. Well, I’ve been on this diet about a week now. The headaches SUCK. I can’t get rid of them, and I fell off the wagon last night and drank a bottle of wine. (Yes, the whole bottle. C’mon, there isn’t that much wine in one bottle.) I could kick myself this morning –  but it happens. I’ll get back to it today. I have to admit I feel amazingly better and have already lost four pounds, and while I weigh more than I want to weigh, I’m not obese. (female, 5’5″, 145lbs at start of diet.) I’m not sure how realistic it is for me to try and eat like this for a month, but I’ll do my best to stick to it until…. well, who knows when. Best of luck to everyone here.”

Shared by Ash

20 yrs old & no energy

“I have always eaten relatively healthily, yet I can’t remember a time when I didn’t get sick a lot, bloating, irregular bowel movements, bad spots, dark circles under my eyes, random pains in my muscles, terrible PMS, and signs of deficiencies like white flecks on my nails and small red spots on my arms and thighs. I got bad fatigue and struggled working even 4 days a week. I felt like I needed a nap all the time. I discovered a few years ago that cutting out dairy significantly helped my symptoms, I got less colds and less stomach pains in particular. I think my immune system was constantly under stress making it weaker and more prone to other problems. However I have still had a lot of problems and tended to slip up a lot with dairy, making an excuse on special occasions but always becoming very bloated, stomach pains, producing loads of mucus, and breaking out in spots. Although I ate a lot of organic fruit, vegetables, grains etc, I still consumed a lot of sugar and yeast in hidden forms (several cups of tea with honey a day, lots of fruit juice or squash, sweetened soya yoghurts, biscuits, lots of jam on toast, alcohol especially at weekends).

I have always thought my tongue looked very white, however recently I noticed it looked patchy and on examination noticed white, slightly raised lesions and very red patches and it was painful to brush my tongue very hard. I immediately looked up what it meant and all the websites said thrush/Candida – looking at the other symptoms made me think I probably have it throughout my body. It could be genetic because my mother has mentioned that she thinks she has Candida and has had similar problems but I didn’t seriously consider it for myself. I do think that my Candida is linked to my poor immune system/generally weak constitution, but that my immune system may be weak predominately because of food intolerances. I have never had mercury fillings, vaccinations, antibiotics or any other medication which could have weakened my immune system. I plan to get a proper food intolerance test done (a blood test which costs about $150). It’s a lot but would be worth it for my health.

I’ve started the Candida cleanse/diet and am finding it quite hard. I fasted the first day to give my body a break and am now on lots of liquids and veggies. I am a bit grossed out by colonic irrigation which is sort of irrational but I’m going to try lots of liquids, flax seed, Aloe Vera, colon cleanse tablets etc. I am used to a healthy diet but get terrible sugar cravings. At the moment I’m quite motivated though and have to give it a proper go, I know from experience that it you do it half-heartedly it doesn’t work! I’m not overweight and never have been, fairly skinny, (just looked like I’m pregnant from being so bloated!) so I’m finding it hard to get enough calories on mainly veggies and water – hopefully lots of eggs will help? I spent over $70 on oil of oregano, Echinacea tincture, Goldenseal, Dual Action Acidophilus & Bifidus, Aloe Vera Tablets Colon Cleanse, Solaray Capryl (Caprylic Acid), and Pau d’Arco Herb tea so here’s hoping something works!!!”

Shared by Annabelle

I Didn’t Jump Off a Cliff

“To the kids who figure this thing out as early as 18, I am jealous of you all. Love Dawn’s story, I too felt like I was dying, as a matter of fact, I had become so hopeless I WANTED to die, enough said, typing out the details will just depress me, so much time stolen by this deadly sweet tooth Candida. I may as well have a sense of humor and call it a ‘effing’ sweet tooth, you wanna hate doctors with a passion but what for? —- Your blood test is normal, normal, normal!! —- but why do I feel like C^*P!! Godspeed you all.”

Shared by Gordon

Candida robbed me of 30 years of my life

“Suffering with Candida for 30 years sounds crazy I know, but due to inept doctors, & a lack of funds I was unable to get to the bottom of my problems till now. I couldn’t be more grateful for the internet and a wonderful naturopath friend who charges nothing to help me. It’s been a catch 22 really as I needed more money to help myself but didn’t have the energy or health to earn it. As you can imagine I have had every symptom possible with Candida, & basically just felt like what was the point of anything, as I wasn’t living, only existing, having symptoms like really bad PMS & pain at that time of the month, to terrible mood swings, depression, wanting to sleep all the time, weight gain, & so so many more. Asthma, excessive mucus, bloating, wind, water work problems, lack of interest in sex (which is just not normal for me at all), psoriasis, bad breath, (which alone has hindered my social & love life, not to mention work life) I’ve been on my own now this time around for 8 years & have had other stints on my own for 7 & 10 years due to this.

I’ve been a hermit for as long as I can remember and lost friends because of it. I normally have a very bubbly personality, but not since I’ve had this. It has basically robbed me of my life and personality. I was told I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome, leaky gut, there was nothing wrong. I’ve had a colonoscopy, a tube down my throat, a very dangerous op for widening my nose cavities as I couldn’t breath properly, every thing but Candida. I would like to know why doctors are so inept at diagnosing this condition, why they seem to know so little about it, & it’s naturopaths who are picking it up. Obviously it’s naturopaths that we need to see for our health & not doctors.

I’ve been advised to be on a yeast & starch (as all starch breaks down into sugar, some of these foods include tomatoes & stalk veggies, & many others you might not suspect, I would recommend checking the list online) and sugar free diet for the first month to starve the Candida, taking into account all the foods I’m intolerant to (which are all except for fish, chicken, lean beef, silver beet, green beans only, & broccoli, & salad greens,) then to use coconut oil along with probiotics to kill it off and fasting for the odd meal in the 5th week. The whole process takes approx 3 months, then normal foods can be introduced back into the diet in moderation, my friend has had amazing results with people, he did point out that whenever anyone has to take antibiotics for anything it is imperative that they also take probiotics at the same time as antibiotics strip the gut of bad bacteria but also good which leaves a void for the likes of Candida to take hold again.

Very good luck to all my fellow sufferers out there, be strong & have great willpower, for amazing results. I start my purging on Wednesday the 28 July 2010 and will let you know how I feel after 3 months. My goal now after so much suffering is to get the message out there to as many people as I can to help them, so that they don’t have to suffer for as long as I did. Lynne.”

Shared by Lynne

Diabetes and my Candida

“We cannot help you, your diabetes is out of control, here are some pain pills, go home, eat what you can, call your surgeon for lap band surgery.

Apparently I had one foot in the grave. That was according to the doctor in Mercy Hospital Emergency room in July 2009. After many emergency room visits for abdominal pain, infection, 400 sugar readings, high blood pressure headache, brain fog, depression and food allergies, I was lucky to meet one doctor who looked at the white carpet on my tongue and said, “Systemic Candida”. She gave me Clotrimazole to put in my mouth for two weeks, 5 times a day.

I also found this website and others on the internet, and I went on Candida diet. I have been on it now for a whole year. I mean a diet of strict green veggies, cooked soups, fish and chicken that I as a personal chef designed for myself. I am 175 lb lighter, honest to god! And I have no high blood sugar (morning readings are 88, after food its 107). I have normal blood pressure and so much energy that I work 24/7! I am now consulting as food preparation adviser. I feel like a winner!!”

Shared by Alla

It feels like hell some days

“Wow I’ve been reading the stories and felt inspired to add mine. I’ve had niggling health problems for over 2 years but nothing major, then this year I got hives really bad. It lasted about 2 months then stopped, then about 7 weeks ago I woke up with a swollen face. I looked hideous, then it progressed to a tight face with breathing difficulties, depression, anxiety, chest pains (as I couldn’t breathe right), then a mild rash on my face. I would swing from hunger to the sheer thought of food making me feel sick. I had countless doctor visits, even one to the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack!!!

Finally the doctor looks at my nails and does a Candida test, which came back positive – the doctor does not believe my other symptoms are related, but I think they are! As well as all the medication he has given me, I am going to review my diet. I was already dairy free – now I’m going to eat probiotic yogurt everyday, and start using the coconut oil. I’m keen to hear how you go Lynne!”

Shared by Lorayne

Getting There

“My first bout of Candida came around 5 years ago after I moved home, business and family across the country. I had flu that then turned into Pleurisy and it left me floored. The first time that I discovered the Candida, I was unpacking boxes in my daughters’ room and I instantly felt like lead. I assumed it was an iron deficiency as my periods are heavy. Off I went to the local health food shop and bought some Floradix which instantly made me feel better…..for a while. The symptoms got worse and so I went to see a homeopath who tested me for Candida. It was positive and he put me on Candida 30c and told me to cut out yeast and sugar. I followed his advice and became better again after a month. Time has gone by and my symptoms have come back even worse.

For the past year I have had the following: tiredness, brain fog, confusion, memory loss, headaches, acne, dry skin, food cravings, constipation, loose stools, bloating, loss of motivation, loss of sex drive, dry mouth, post nasal drip, bad breath, hungry all the time, joint pain, muscle pain, feeling like lead, dizziness, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, sweating, feeling cold, cold hands and feet, mood swings, painful and heavy periods and Endometriosis. Enough was enough, I had to find a way to get better. I didn’t think for one minute that it could be Candida until I looked back into the past at my first experience. I am now on my way to recovery after I Googled and came up with this site. I visited my homeopath and purchased Candida 30c and some scary looking Stevia (green powder) for extra measure 🙂

I have cut out all sugar, yeast and have been doing this for nearly a week. I do feel better already, no drippy nose and the fog is lifting but I do have a fuzzy headachy type feeling. I have some way to go. Whilst shopping, I bought Acidophilus capsules, linseed, natural yogurt, raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Pau D’Arco teabags. The diet took a bit of getting used to but I am liking the changes that have come with it. I love my own homemade soda bread made with natural yoghurt with guacamole, tomato and chickpea soup and chicken curry from the recipes on this site. I wish you all love, light, God’s healing and prayer that we all have the strength of body and mind to become ourselves again. x”

Shared by Anon

Lessons Learned

“Like many others I have had health issues for years that didn’t seem to be connected. The most annoying of these being constant fatigue, inability to concentrate, constant constipation and bloating, and headaches. My fatigue caused me to become disinterested in many things, my performance at work suffered and I detached myself socially. I knew I needed to get more exercise but how could I when I felt so tired all the time?

I started the diet. I didn’t do the traditional fast because I just can’t stand to feel hungry, but I limited what I ate the first few days to just oatmeal, soup for lunch, and a small dinner of a raw salad. I drank more water than ever before and took Psyllium husk. Within days I started having regular bowel movements, so I started taking oregano oil and following the diet strictly. After a week I already had more energy, my bloating had gone away and my stomach was flatter! Co-workers noticed a change in my behavior. I stuck to this for 3 weeks. Then I fell off the wagon. I got some Diflucan from a physician and figured since I was now taking a strong antifungal that I could start reintroducing foods.

Coffee was the hardest for me to give up so I began to drink it again. Then I added back fruit, breads and pasta. Now I’m back to how I felt before the diet as the constipation, bloat and fatigue all returned. I realize now that there is no quick fix for this. It takes a lot of diligence to stay on this diet, but obviously my yeast overgrowth is severe and I need to follow it for months. The best part of this is how much more educated I am now about foods and digestion, and I now know the power of what your diet can do to your body. I am starting over and I hope that feeling good will help me overcome any cravings. Best of luck to everyone.”

Shared by Pam

47 and ready to die

“Aug. 27, 2004 I was in perfect health…or so I thought. A few years earlier I noticed that soon after eating I needed to rush to the restroom… thought I ate something that did not agree with me. Over the next few months this progressed to every meal. Keep in mind that my diet was probably the worst ever. A Coke or Dr. Pepper with every meal, donuts for breakfast and a big slice of something for desert. I was also beginning to pack on the pounds. I’m not a tall person… 5’11 but on Aug. 27, 2004 I weighed 210lbs. I worked out every morning with weights, mowed the yard 3 times a week and thought I was in the best shape of my life.

Aug. 28, 2004, out of nowhere, my sigmoid colon perforated and 2 hours later I was in the emergency room having 12 inches of my colon removed then had to wear a colostomy bag for 3 months. My health went downhill from there. Jan. 2006 I contracted a serious case of Mono and was laid up for 2 months. March 2007 had my Gall Bladder removed, Aug. 2007 had two kidney stones (those are the worst), April 2008 Appendix removed. I forgot to tell you… all this time I was experiencing severe abdominal cramps/pain that doctors could not find. During these few years I had 15 Emergency Room visits, was constantly on antibiotics and corticosteroids when doctors finally told me “it was all in my head.” This is when the depression and anxiety set it.

Now I suffer from constant brain fog, dizziness, food allergies, both hands & feet sting/burn constantly, muscle weakness, major mood swings, insomnia, severe memory problems which I diagnosed myself as CRS. (cant remember stuff), constant chest pain, eyes are red and itchy and now the sinus infections are unbearable. My next door neighbor and good friend is a doctor when I mentioned Systemic Candida to him he looked at me as if I had lost all my marbles. He said “You cannot have a systemic internal yeast infection unless your immune system has been compromised by something like AIDS.” When I asked him why I feel bad all the time he could not answer.

Anyway… I am most excited to have found this site as I am sure the cause of my physical and mental problems is Candida. While a good slice of chocolate cake is like crack cocaine to me I will be more than happy to give it up to regain my life and wellbeing. I know it will be a challenge but I’m hoping to find support and direction here.”

Shared by Dean

Wanted to Be Hooked Up to an I.V. Drip

“Now that I am learning about Candida, I think I’ve had a problem with yeast overgrowth since I was about 19 years old. Since that age, I consistently had issues with my skin, mainly breaking out in embarrassing lesions on my face and hands that would not heal. I would take antibiotics and then the lesions would reappear. I became allergic to almost everything. Allergists would give me the skin prick test, I’d light up like a Christmas tree, and they’d tell me they’d “never seen anything like it.” I was super-sensitive to beer and alcohol and would get shamefully drunk off of two beers, so I stopped drinking.

In 2006, a holistic doctor/chiropractor ($ I couldn’t afford to go to $) advised me to cut gluten for a week and see how I felt. After about a week my skin had improved and my brain fog (which I didn’t even realized I’d had) was lifted. I also suspected I was allergic to lactose, so I cut out all dairy products. Of course I would cheat, it’s easy to cheat when you can tell yourself that you are not REALLY diagnosed with these food allergies!

Then after beginning a very stressful job in 2007, I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, a type of hyperthyroidism. I received treatment and have been pretty stable on my thyroid replacement hormone for about two years. However, my skin has consistently been a hypersensitive mess. I cannot be in direct sunlight, cannot use make-up or sun tan lotion, cannot kiss anyone who has been smoking, cannot sit next to someone on the train or bus that is wearing perfume, etc. In April of 2010, I went on a vacation and ate foods that I normally wouldn’t have, but, “Hey,” I figured, “I’m on vacation!” I wound up with an itching, tight, pus-dripping face full of burning lesions. I could not do anything but lay in bed and cry and wish to be taken to a hospital so I could be hooked up to an I.V. drip. I was of course given antibiotics and improved. That harsh lesson in self discipline made me go on the Paleolithic diet, but I have had recurring spells of skin trouble.

Today I went to an allergist/immunologist who looked me over from head to toe and analyzed my latest blood results; She strongly suspects that I have this Yeast-Gone-Wild syndrome. Now that I am learning about it, I am recognizing all of these symptoms: for example, a period of time where I got continuous yeast infections, getting a migraine from eating a deadly combination of cheese and chocolate, the extreme craving for sugar and pickles (which I can tell you I have right now!!!) I am going on the extreme elimination diet. I never want to be at the mercy of this condition again.”

Shared by Melissa

At last I find out what was wrong!!

“Since I was about 16 I have suffered from depression, constipation, bloating, wind, fatigue, headaches, irritability, stress, anxiety, feeling sick after eating very little, stomach cramps. I have seen doctor after doctor with the different symptoms and have had a variety of diagnoses ranging from IBS, depression, premenstrual tension, and a weak immune system, as I catch anything going around. When a colleague of mine asked if it could be Candidiasis like she suffers I looked it up, started immediately on the diet (as I mainly ate bread, pastas biscuits cakes chocolate, oats, potatoes etc) all the wrong foods.

3 weeks on already I have seen such a massive difference – I have loads more energy to chase my toddlers around, I’m not stressed and shouting at them anymore, I’m not obsessive, I don’t get out of breath as easily, no more stomach pains or bloating, or wind, or headaches, and I have (sorry to divulge this) been number 2 every other day so far, rather than once a week. I feel great!! Admittedly for 2 days when I started the diet I thought I had the flu coming but I pushed past it and wow do I feel great!! I even eat more than ever and finish what’s on my plate without feeling sick! Thank goodness there are sites like this to help people and let them know they are not alone.”

Shared by Gerri

Started 3 weeks ago…

“Started this diet about 3 weeks ago and am feeling better than ever. I have a toddler and a school-aged child on the autism spectrum, and was feeling burned out, fatigued, depressed for quite some time. I had problems with losing my temper too often, foggy headed, etc. I finally came across this diet after having recurrent female infections. I now have more patience to work with my children, run my oldest through his therapy exercises and cook for him as he’s on a special diet. I even started giving my oldest child some of the anti-fungals and noticed a huge decrease in his hyperactivity and mood swings (using the grapefruit extract). The die off symptoms were tough. I had a few panic attacks, lots of fatigue and rashes, itchy skin, stomach aches. But I am glad I went through it, because my children deserve a happy, healthier mother and my husband a happy, energetic wife.”

Shared by RM

Headaches

“I have had terrible stomach problems for years. My doctor told me I had IBS. The medicine she gave me knocked me out, so I didn’t take it. About 5 or 6 years ago I started having headaches. Eventually I had them all the time, taking ibuprofen would get rid of it, but as soon as the medicine wore off it came back. Last year I started sneezing and had sinus congestion. I went to a chiropractor to see if he could help me with the headaches, he adjusted my neck but I still had the headache. After really listening to me he did a test for food allergies on me. I tested class 3 for baker’s and brewer’s yeast. I felt better when I did the diet, but still had the headaches and the sneezing and congestion. I just didn’t stay on the diet long enough.

Finally this year I found out that last year just before I started the sneezing and congestion I had gotten a couple of hepatitis B shots for a medical class I was taking. Turns out they have baker’s yeast in them. If you have an allergy to baker’s yeast don’t get them. Anyway I have finally decided stay on this diet as my way of eating. I have been headache free for just a week. Started diet August 1st. So sometimes it does take awhile. Good luck to all.”

Shared by Marla

Giving diet a try

“Hi, I had three surgeries back to back with little time between each. I know I took lots of antibiotics while recovering. I never thought about have problems with yeast. I was also under lots of stress from different sources. My diet consisted of lots of junk food and soft drinks, along with bread and other starchy foods. Then I started getting a rash on my neck. I suffered a few weeks and then visited my doctor who said it looked like a fungus infection. I took the topical medicine he prescribed thinking this would end it, but it never ended the reoccurring rashes I kept getting on my neck. I went to another healthcare specialist and she thought I had eczema. She gave me some advice about bathing and sun exposure, but nothing I tried stopped the rashes from returning.

I started eliminating different foods along with soft drinks and junk foods, and later breads, potatoes and lastly fruits. Finally after two years of searching, I began to read about Candida on the internet and have started adding garlic and acidophilus to my diet. I have a long way to go, but I already see a reduction of neck rashes. I know it will take some time, but it is worth it to regain my health and life. I never knew how bad sugar and a bad diet can be. Thank you for all of your letters. They have really encouraged me and I also don’t feel as alone. My very best! Jess”

Shared by Jesse

Rheumatoid Arthritis

“Hi I have just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis – I believe it is due to Candida even if my doctor hasn’t said so. It also explains why I used to get drunk so easily and why I had thrush quite a lot just before I developed symptoms. I had thrush this year quite a lot more than usual – I believe it’s always been there because of my diet. Anyway I have eliminated pretty much everything from my diet – only fruit, vegetables, rice noodles, and some fish remain. I have also had quite a lot of mucus and sinus problems – it explains it all. I still feel achy in the morning, but my fingers have gone down whereas before they stood up high. My knees were swollen – that’s gone. My feet were hard to walk on – now it only takes a few minutes and I’m exercising. Apparently if you don’t exercise, stretching and working out the stomach area can help so I’m on to that. I can see improvements – it may take a year but I don’t like being at the doctor’s. I just need to know more I will never take drugs or antibiotics, it’s just not for me but I’m still learning. I came here to perfect my diet as I’m still working out all these allergies.”

Shared by Charlotte

Save Me!

“I was going thru all the stories, felt like writing my own story. I am 21 years old and I am pretty sure that I have Candida overgrowth. I went to my doctor with all my symptoms and she came up with a diagnosis of IBS. She told me to change my diet and all that, but nothing was working for me. I was always tired, bloated, excessive gas all the time which was the most embarrassing symptom.. and many more. I gained so much weight so I decided to workout and I work out every day for at least 45 minutes. I feel like I am always sick, my stomach has so many problems. Now I feel like I have Candida, I should start my diet as soon as possible.”

Shared by Nancy

First Day

“I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. My entire life I’ve always had problems with horrible eczema and stomach aches from which I thought was dairy. So, I assumed I was lactose intolerant. However, for the past six months I’ve experienced symptoms I never thought I would encounter. I’ve had horrible bladder infections, a yeast infection, rashes, overloads of stress, the worst cramps of my life, depression since I can remember, and pain/discomfort below my waist that has truly made life more difficult to enjoy. Antibiotics weren’t helping anything so after feeling helpless and like I wanted to die, my mom gave me information about the anti-Candida diet. I read all the facts and felt hope. Since I’ve had these problems since I was little my mom believes that she gave it to me when she was pregnant with me. Which I found to be unbelievable, yet was so happy that this could be the answer to my prayers. I started treatment today! Though I feel worse than ever because I absolutely love food and can’t eat my favorites, I am doing my best to follow every rule… because this could be my solution that will change my life. ”

Shared by Sydney

Hang On, Everyone! It Will Get Better!

“Due to repeated infection, I have been consistently prescribed Prednisone and antibiotics for years. I did not realize it until somewhat recently, but these drugs have wreaked havoc on my system. The Candida diet, though extremely difficult, is ultimately worth it. If you hang in there, the alcohol and sugar cravings will eventually go away, along with the debilitating fatigue and myriads of other quirky symptoms. We are all different, and consequently we experience unique manifestations of Candida overgrowth, but we can all get better. It takes sacrifice and diligence, but you can do it; be encouraged! You probably felt quite alone in your suffering, but you do not need to be alone in your recovery! It doesn’t matter if your doctor thinks you’re nuts or “daft” or a hypochondriac – YOU know the truth, and the truth will set you free. I don’t always feel this way, but today I am thanking the Lord for Candida. In many ways I was a slave to food, but on this diet, although certainly a challenge, I am free. Stick with it! You will feel better! Encourage one another – we all need it! As I have learned how to nourish my particular body properly (eliminating many items), I have also learned to slow down – I do believe that God has been trying to get me to do that for years. All I really wanted to say is, “Stay the course! The rewards will be enormously worth it!” God Bless You all.”

Shared by Kathleen

Candida

“About a year ago I had a Pacemaker put in and then had Takotsubo Syndrome. Following 3 months of a beta blocker I suddenly had extreme GERD. I had a hiatal hernia for 8 years which gave me NO grief. I was given omeprozole for the heartburn and was also told that it was my gall bladder (it wasn’t) but I had it removed anyway. I developed a white frothy foam that no one knew what it was. Then came the surgeon who did a failed Nissen Fundolication because he wrapped my esophagus not my lower esophageal sphincter which he said no one had. WRONG! (More antibiotics!)After surgery it was discovered that I have 40% retrograde esophageal contractions. (Probably from the esophagus wrap) Still more white foamy froth. Three gastroenterologists did not know what it was. I also started having gastritis.

I went to a naturopath who determined that I had an overgrowth of Candida in my intestines. I am convinced now that it was Candida that started my GERD. She put me on Nystatin which helped the gastritis but not the foamy issue. Then I developed thrush and a very sore throat so I could not hardly swallow. Then she put me on swish and swallow Nystatin with 48% sugar. Yikes! That feeds the yeast so she may put me on the powdered form if we can find it anywhere. I now have the foamy mucus 24/7. Spit it out all day and night. No one can help me with the foam issue that has been going on for a year! I am very scared about all this.

I started the Candida diet and have been on it for two days. My blood sugar is really low so have been quite tired. I am not sure what complex carbs to eat without making the Candida worse. I know that I probably have Candida esophagus but getting a GP to check it out is almost impossible. I now also have itchy eyes so hope that it is not traveling. I cannot take Diflucan because of the heart issue and actually I wonder what the medical doctors would do when they discover the Candida esophagus. I am also trying the coconut oil but that has warnings of high cholesterol depending on who you read. I’m also taking acidophilus and Bifidium. I am still taking a PPI and read that PPI’s will allow Candida as the stomach acid is so low that my food is not even digesting. I need help and am hope to write that the symptoms subside soon.”

Shared by Maureen

Reassurance, please?

“I’m hearing all these testimonials about how much better everyone feels – and at first I was very encouraged but now I really need help. I decided to do the detox for the first week (option 3 with the raw salads and steamed veggies) and I literally don’t think I can do this. I’m only on day 2. It’s been 48 hours. Thinking about veggies makes me want to vomit I never want to see another piece of broccoli again – ALL I think about is carbs and sugar. I want bread SO badly I don’t feel like I can hang in there for another 5 days. Also the headaches and fatigue and moodiness. Encouragement please? Who’s done the detox? How did you get through it? Have other people just started with the diet? Please help me I don’t want to suffer anymore but the cravings are so intense I can hardly remember why I’m doing this.”

Shared by Ally