Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Guest tamedandfoxed]

Tamed, it is kind of true it would be impossible to kill off every bit of candida, or at least you wouldn't want to. Candida exists in all of us and in a healthy body it is in a balanced state, it's supposed to be there. When it gets out of balance and overgrows that is what is the problem.

For a vaginal yeast infection my naturopathic gynecologist recommends applying probiotic packs topically to the vaginal area, the same can be done with yogurt. The good bacteria/active cultures in the probiotics or the yogurt neutralizes the ph of the vagina and helps to normalize the yeast overgrowth. You can google probiotic suppositories or yogurt suppositories.

Other natural things to consider, eating lots of garlic (a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal), drinking pure unsweetened cranberry juice.

Yes i keep forgetting that the goal isn't to kill it all... it is hard not to demonize it!

The thing is i don't think it is a vaginal yeast infection--the Dr said there was no yeast, just BAD bacteria.. I have thought about the topical yogurt thing. I am just scared of making it worse. I am not eating dairy these days either... hmm. i'll look at the suppositories.

I have been swallowing garlic like pills. I think it's helping. I also put it in whatever i'm eating (unless it'd be gross!) i've been drinking fresh ginger tea too.

Paula--thanks for the charcoal info! I'll try it later today.

[rinne]

Hubby is going to look for spring water before he comes home today.

So what supplements shoud i take?

I did something really dumb yesterday, i made devil eggs and i forgot to check the mayo, and guess what it has soy in it, so im so sick this morning. I even thought i had the salmonella for a minute and got scared, til hubby looked at the mayo ingredients. Oh well i guess they wer worth it lol

paula

Sorry, I can't help with that. I use good quality salt, Himalayan brand, which has lots of minerals in it. I don't know if you use regular salt but I have heard that table salt has sugar in it. I don't take many supplements because most of them have made me feel worse.

I've been dumb too, my sweetie brought me home dish soap - natural ! - and after a couple of weeks when my hands were turning red and peeling, more than usual in our cold winters, I read the label and discovered it had wheat in it.

I hope this passes quickly for you.

[CarlaB]

have you had any canteloupe, there is an salmonella outbreak with canteloupe now.

No, I haven't. I don't have that severe of GI symptoms or fever either. Once in a while I'll get a low grade fever, but that's it.

Carla, I don't know enough about the lyme cycle with abx to answer about that, but I do know the flus that are going around are really lingering.

Thanks, that's good to know. It's so easy to blame everything on Lyme!

Carla,

I had an thought while i was cleaning, do you think maybe its the humaworm, when did you start to take that.

paula

Thanks Paula. I thought of that .... I only have four days to go. It could be contributing, but I really don't think it's the cause ..... I'm thinking of stopping it and not quite finishing it. I'm wondering if I'm feeling bad and my daughter isn't because my immune system isn't as strong as hers to fight it.

I've been feeling nauseous, too (no, I'm not pregnant .... for sure not). This is both a Lyme and flu symptom .... there's just nothing to differentiate this ... except maybe the dull headache .... I never get headaches.

[jerseyangel]

Carla,

I know next to nothing about Lyme, but I had the flu last month. I came down with it the third week of February, and the cough has only just gone completely away.

I had a low-grade fever, sore throat, cough, dull headache (I'm not a headache person normally), muscle aches and fatigue. I was absolutely exhausted. I had GI symptoms (nausea mostly) for only a day or so.

It took me 2 weeks to feel better--Mark and Matt felt better within a week or so.

Hope whatever it is gets better quickly

[CarlaB]

Thanks Patti. Lyme feels much like the flu, but worse. This fatigue is uncomfortable, but the Lyme fatigue was deblilitating, it was impossible sometimes to walk because of the Lyme fatigue whereas this fatigue just makes it so I don't want to walk, LOL .... but if it were the Lyme coming back, I'd want to jump on it right away. I guess the headache does kind of differentiate it ..... so does the sore throat.

Thanks for your input .... that sounds exactly like how I feel.

Funny, I Googled Lyme and flu .... the links said it's hard to tell the difference, which is part of the reason they don't catch Lyme in the early stages.

[jerseyangel]

This fatigue is uncomfortable, but the Lyme fatigue was deblilitating, it was impossible sometimes to walk because of the Lyme fatigue whereas this fatigue just makes it so I don't want to walk

Yes, the fatigue I felt with the flu was just that--uncomfortable but not debilitating by any means. I could have stayed in bed--but didn't.

I can see where you need to know so that you can head things off it it is Lyme. Overlaping symptoms can be so confusing

[Nyxie63]

Just got back from seeing the holistic MD. I'm sooooooo not happy. That's two docs in a week who've let me down. I'm thinking of just chucking the whole thing and letting the lyme doc handle everything.

She never even mentioned the blood tests I'd had done. And I'm pretty sure her panties are in a twist because I went to see a lyme specialist. Strange. Before today, she never even mentiond she treated lyme. This time, she talked about "all the patients she has with lyme and so many are doing so much better". Harrumph!

If she gave a rat's be-hind, she'd have brought that up when I first mentioned it two visits ago. Or gotten a clue from my symptoms list (if she'd ever bother looking at it).

She's trying to talk me into doing IV vit C treatments. I haven't read much about this and will run it by the lyme doc.

In addition, she said the candida diet consists of not eating wheat or cane sugar. That's not what I'd read or heard from other sources. I don't really know what to think about that. It doesn't make sense to me. Why would other carbs be any less likely to cause candida to grow? And she said vinegar is ok to have. ??????

Her theory about my food allergies is that I feel bad because I've always been allergic to these foods which have always been part of my diet, rather than because of the lyme or candida I've developed leaky gut and thus developed all these allergies relatively recently. (run-on sentences are fun)

I'm supposed to start allergy shots now. Every week for 3 months and then they'll show me how to do them myself. Not happy about this either. They say it'll only take 20 minutes, but that doesn't count the hour+ driving time each way, so it'll take half a day each time.

Just shoot me.

[CarlaB]

I'm thinking of just chucking the whole thing and letting the lyme doc handle everything.

That's what I'd do. I think he's perfectly capable of handling it all. I'd ask him about the Vit C IV and the allergy shots next time you talk.

Patti, today I AM just lying around since tomorrow we're going to Chicago for a couple days. I figure I need the rest for the trip. Then I have one day to rest before I go to Mom's weekend this weekend at Morgan's sorority.

[Guest tamedandfoxed]

Leftovers? Molds / Bacteria

So I'm reading this cookbook about Candida and it says to freeze ALL leftovers until you plan to use them to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Ok.. i cannot do this. I work and have to take my food to work with me. It is hard enough to try to follow all these rules, spend money and now i feel like i'm still not doing enough! I am feeling overwhelmed by this new rule. I usually don't eat something if it's been in the fridge for over a day.. is this OKAY? or am i just putting myself at risk? I am trying so hard but it is taking all of my energy..

I need encouragement and advice.

So far i am not feeling better.

[Green12]

Sorry you had yet another unsatisfying appt Nyxie.

I found with my experiences that some drs/practitioners do get their nose out of joint (or panties in a twist) when you are trying to work with other people, they aren't interested in a collaborative effort or compromising their agendas.

In her defense though their are many schools of thought when it comes to an anti-yeast diet. Some people feel strongly that it is white flour (wheat) products and white sugar or things from cane sugar that cause the yeast overgrowth in the first place and simply taking these thigs out of the diet will help restor everything back to a healthy state.

As far as the vinegar, there is also lots of research out there that fermented products such as apple cider vinegar, kefir, cultured veggies, saurkraut, miso, yogurt, etc is very healing (high in natural enzymes and live cultures, beneficial bacteria) and beneficial for candidiasis, depending on the individual of course (for example I do really well with fermented things where Rachel doesn't), so I can see why she might have said those things.

Can you talk all this over with your LLMD and see what his perpective is, i.e. the allergy shots and C IVs, and anything else you have concerns about that need to be addressed?

Carla, hope you feel better soon so you can enjoy your trips to Chicago and Mom's weekend with Morgan.

[Nyxie63]

That's what I'd do. I think he's perfectly capable of handling it all. I'd ask him about the Vit C IV and the allergy shots next time you talk.

Can you talk all this over with your LLMD and see what his perpective is, i.e. the allergy shots and C IVs, and anything else you have concerns about that need to be addressed?

I don't feel comfortable calling, but I see the LLMD in 2 weeks. I'm making a list of questions to take with me (it gets longer by the day). Thinking of faxing them to L ahead of time so as not to take up valuable appt time with the asking. Carla, have you done this? Think it'd be ok?

I do tend to feel better when I have fermented foods (miso, vinegar), but don't know if it's because it's restoring good bacteria or stopping the die-off of the bad stuff. Still trying to figure all this out.

Guess I'm really anxious and frustrated at this point.

[CarlaB]

I don't feel comfortable calling, but I see the LLMD in 2 weeks. I'm making a list of questions to take with me (it gets longer by the day). Thinking of faxing them to L ahead of time so as not to take up valuable appt time with the asking. Carla, have you done this? Think it'd be ok?

I have not done that, I don't know why it wouldn't be okay to do.

[confusedks]

Do you think this has to do with Lyme, babs, or lingering flu? I've tried to present my symptoms in an unbiased way, LOL.

It might be the flu. I think I have had a touch of it because I have had diarrhea out of nowhere and nausea. Although, that could be a new supplement I'm taking. But it has been lingering for a while. The hardest part with all of this is trying to figure out what is what. Is it Lyme or the flu? I think give it a little longer and if you're still feeling crummy, I'd call the LLMD and tell them what's going on.

Nyxie,

I'd run everything by your LLMD. That's why we pay them...to listen to us and answer our questions. I knew of a NP who wanted me to do Vit C IV's and we decided it was a waste of time and money. I asked my LLMD about them once and he said, don't do it. If money were no object, I'd do it, but money is an object, so we decided our money is best being saved for something like possible IV abx, Mepron, etc.

About vinegar, you have to see what works best for you. I try to follow Dr B's guidelines for diet. If you want the link, let me know. That is what my LLMD has be doing, so that's what I try to stick to. It is basically a carb free (except veggies and some fruit) diet with lots of fiber and protein. It is basic, but I'm also not dealing with lots of candida issues.

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

Everyone,

I am supposed to be taking Chlorella and my question is...can it be taken with things? Or is it like charcoal? Also, it's King Chlorella by Allergy Research Group and they are chewable! Do I have to CHEW them? Yuck if I do!

And, one last thing, does anyone know if there is any validity to at home muscle testing? Because if there is, my body doesn't like more than half of the things I'm taking.

[Green12]

Just an update on me:

I talked to my Dr for a couple of hours the other day, he really feels what happened with me is the MMR I had when I was 18 embedded the measles into my gut lining and then caused havoc with my digestive processes (this is what happens with autistic kids).

I also had repeated rounds of antibiotics (and other perscription drugs), and that combined toxic exposure of the drugs, the measles virus, food allergies (due to impaired gut function), lyme (also impairs gut function), and heavy metals accumulated to create an allergic response due to impaired histamine pathways- which for me has been my repeated angioedema outbreaks.

So my protocol has been changed to address the immune response and to work on the gut level, and some liver support.

He is also suggesting I do a LEAP allergy test. He said he has had amazing results with lots of people who have done this. Has anyone heard about this test?

I am totally reluctant to do allergy testing, and cringe when I hear the word, but after talking to him I feel I need to give it a try. It's supposedly a neurological/digestive test and will identify foods that are causing inflammation in my body. You have to stay away from those things that are identified for 1 year then. Since I have so much inflammation and the angioedema is also a inflammatory condition that anything I can do to reduce the inflammation the better.

[Green12]

Leftovers? Molds / Bacteria

So I'm reading this cookbook about Candida and it says to freeze ALL leftovers until you plan to use them to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Ok.. i cannot do this. I work and have to take my food to work with me. It is hard enough to try to follow all these rules, spend money and now i feel like i'm still not doing enough! I am feeling overwhelmed by this new rule. I usually don't eat something if it's been in the fridge for over a day.. is this OKAY? or am i just putting myself at risk? I am trying so hard but it is taking all of my energy..

I need encouragement and advice.

So far i am not feeling better.

I just wanted to mention too that there is another thread in this leaky gut category about Candida. Moldlady posts there frequently and she is very knowledgeable.

[confusedks]

He is also suggesting I do a LEAP allergy test. He said he has had amazing results with lots of people who have done this. Has anyone heard about this test?

I am totally reluctant to do allergy testing, and cringe when I hear the word, but after talking to him I feel I need to give it a try. It's supposedly a neurological/digestive test and will identify foods that are causing inflammation in my body. You have to stay away from those things that are identified for 1 year then. Since I have so much inflammation and the angioedema is also a inflammatory condition that anything I can do to reduce the inflammation the better.

I haven't heard of this specific test. I know a lot of people are very against allergy/intolerance tests. My LLMD suggested we do them next time I see him because it might help to alleviate some of my symptoms. I know that having lots of intolerances is NOT normal, BUT if they help relieve symptoms for a while until we fix the leaky gut, etc. that is causing these issues, then I have no problem avoiding more foods.

I don't know if your Dr would consider this, but there is a test apparently that tests for leaky gut/intestinal barrier function (something like that) and my Dr's NP said they are great tests too. Rachel may know more about this.

We held off on all of those tests because they are all out of pocket, and the NP wants me to take almost $400 a month in supplements. So, it's all about priorities.

[Rachel--24]

Wow....lots to catch up on today.

Scott just called me and they're running a little behind so I'm not gonna go in until 5:30. I was so excited for todays appt. and now I'm feeling kind of nervous.

I dont think I ever felt nervous like this so I'm not sure whats up with that.

I think I'm worried I might forget everything. I purposely avoided the cake we had at work today just so I'd have a clear head.

My head is clear...but I'm still nervous!!

I'll be back later to give my update.

[tom]

Leftovers? Molds / Bacteria

So I'm reading this cookbook about Candida and it says to freeze ALL leftovers until you plan to use them to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Ok.. i cannot do this. I work and have to take my food to work with me. It is hard enough to try to follow all these rules, spend money and now i feel like i'm still not doing enough! I am feeling overwhelmed by this new rule. I usually don't eat something if it's been in the fridge for over a day.. is this OKAY? or am i just putting myself at risk? I am trying so hard but it is taking all of my energy..

I need encouragement and advice.

So far i am not feeling better.

sorry you're not doing better yet, and sorry that I have to say this - I think all of my candida sources agreed that zero leftovers is the way to go. And that includes 1day leftovers.

My recent experience seems to confirm this.

A few months ago, I started thinking I was far enough along in candida treatment that I started doing single-day leftovers. It seemed ok - no dizziness, lightheadedness, tight headaches, gut pain/unease or weird prickly face thing that used to happen w/ mold exposure.

Then last month, in trying to figure out why I almost never had any truly GOOD days anymore, I realized that these 1day leftovers were about the only thing I was doing differently.

And, you guessed it - I stopped them completely and in less than a week starting having some great days again. Full days of an involuntary perma-smile and some where I literally wake up singing!!

I wish there were an easier way to eat, but I have to recommend zero leftovers.

[Green12]

Good luck with your appt Rachel, looking forward to hearing about it when you get back.

Everyone,

I am supposed to be taking Chlorella and my question is...can it be taken with things? Or is it like charcoal? Also, it's King Chlorella by Allergy Research Group and they are chewable! Do I have to CHEW them? Yuck if I do!

And, one last thing, does anyone know if there is any validity to at home muscle testing? Because if there is, my body doesn't like more than half of the things I'm taking.

About the chlorella Kassandra, I haven't taken it for a long time so I don't know what is currently advised, but when I did take it I think I took it 30 minutes before meals and before bed.

If you don't want to chew them could you crush them with the back of a spoon or something, swallow, and then down with water??

Regarding the muscle testing, I personally prefer to rely on the results from a skilled muscle tester, I do think there can be errors. Also the ART muscle testing that I am doing now is quite different than traditional muscle testing, at least what was explained to me.

[AndreaB]

Everyone,

I am supposed to be taking Chlorella and my question is...can it be taken with things? Or is it like charcoal? Also, it's King Chlorella by Allergy Research Group and they are chewable! Do I have to CHEW them? Yuck if I do!

And, one last thing, does anyone know if there is any validity to at home muscle testing? Because if there is, my body doesn't like more than half of the things I'm taking.

We were told to give the children their chlorella with breakfast and dinenr so I don't think it matters. They are chewable but we swallow them with water.......except Seth who chews them since he's so little. Mitch and I take our second dose in the evenings before bedtime.

Home, do it yourself muscle testing can have it's errors so I wouldn't rely on it totally. It is best to have someone else do it I think.

Rachel,

Can't wait to hear about your appointment. Glad you passed up the cake today.

Julie,

Wow!! I don't know about the allergy testing, but this doctor does sound knowledgable. I'll be looking for continued updates.

[ShadowSwallow]

Kassandra,

I've found that muscle testing at home is quite unreliable for me. Usually we only test when Mom and I disagree on something, and then our results differ from when she tests me and my sister tests me.

Birdy

[confusedks]

Kassandra,

I've found that muscle testing at home is quite unreliable for me. Usually we only test when Mom and I disagree on something, and then our results differ from when she tests me and my sister tests me.

Birdy

That's SO funny! :lol: I wonder too... We are trying to get in to see a Nutritionist who is also a chiropractor who does muscle testing. Since she is a licensed Nutritionist, it should be covered by insurance which would make it affordable. Hopefully I can get some things tested.

[rinne]

Just an update on me:

I talked to my Dr for a couple of hours the other day, he really feels what happened with me is the MMR I had when I was 18 embedded the measles into my gut lining and then caused havoc with my digestive processes (this is what happens with autistic kids). .....

Thanks for the update Julie.

...

I wish there were an easier way to eat, but I have to recommend zero leftovers.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the reminder. I had a yummy bowl of arame, burdock, carrots and ginger that agreed with me yesterday but not today.

[mftnchn]

Sherry, I have problems with both cysteine and glutathione as well. I've only tried oral cysteine but it never went well for me and those supplements tested poorly. I had a negative reaction to IV glutathione as well as oral and it tested as a major stressor for me in ART.

The quote you had mentioned supplementing with cysteine, Taurine, MSM. I can't get the quote to copy. I am confused because my response is mixed. I am tolerating the taurine and MSM fine, and taking both. I am going to try the epsom salts, and got the idea from one of your posts that I could use a sponge to apply it since I don't have a bathtub at my home in China.

Sherry

[mftnchn]

Just caught up reading, welcome to the new posters. I haven't anything else to add at this point. I am still overwhelmed with details getting ready to move again.

Rachel, I appreciated your post about your appointment, and the emphasis on needing to do your own research. Armed with what I know now, I hope to make some headway in understanding over the next several months.

Sherry