How Will I Know When Candida Is Gone?

[Jana315]

I've pretty much determined that Leaky Gut from candida and/or flora imbalance is the root of my gluten and other food intolerances. I'm gluten-free and free of just about any source high in carbs - can't do potatoes, squash, most fruits, etc. And I'm supplementing with some things recommended for killing Candida & healing my gut. This process began in 5/2009 with going gluten-free and then figuring out that other things triggered digestive upset as well (mostly high-carb food). So, I'm low/no sugar and following most of the candida diet recommendation, eating 24 hour yogurt, etc.

Any idea how long to keep on with the supplements? And when/how can I know that I've killed the little buggers???

Thanks, Jana

[OptimisticMom42]

From what I've read and experienced yeast when attacked makes a surge of growth. When I take probiotics the yeast surges and my hands itch between my fingers when I wake up in the morning. After several days it stops happening and my mucous in all areas of my body clears and thins out. And then I get lazy, stop taking the probiotics, eat sugar cookies (rice flour) and start all over again!

[Jestgar]

If you are the one that determined that candida is your problem, can't you be the one to determine when it's gone?

[burdee]

Hi Jana: I was diagnosed with candida overgrowth with a DNA Microbial stool test. My symptoms were constipation, bloating and some cramping pain. I treated candida with nystatin and probiotics for almost 5 months. The constipation disappeared and I suffered much less bloating. However, the constipation later returned with more cramping pain. So I did another stool test. That test indicated absolutely NO candida, but I had a new bacterial overgrowth, which I needed to treat. While treating that bacteria, the constipation and cramping pain disappeared. I have been free of constipation for over 6 months and free of cramping and bloating for several months (since eliminating the other bacteria). I did not follow the restrictive 'anticandida' diet, but I don't eat many sweets other than fruit. With 7 other diagnosed food allergies, I didn't want more restrictions just to fight candida.

I'd suggest you get a stool test to determine whether you have candida, which strain of candida you have and which drugs or herbal supplements will treat your particular strain of candida. Then treat the candida with whichever drug or supplement can eliminate your strain of candida and retest to verify whether the candida is gone.

If you can't find someone who will test you for candida, consider your symptoms before and after treatment. However, I believe killing the candida fungus is more effective to eliminate candida than 'starving' candida with a restrictive diet.

SUE

I've pretty much determined that Leaky Gut from candida and/or flora imbalance is the root of my gluten and other food intolerances. I'm gluten-free and free of just about any source high in carbs - can't do potatoes, squash, most fruits, etc. And I'm supplementing with some things recommended for killing Candida & healing my gut. This process began in 5/2009 with going gluten-free and then figuring out that other things triggered digestive upset as well (mostly high-carb food). So, I'm low/no sugar and following most of the candida diet recommendation, eating 24 hour yogurt, etc.

Any idea how long to keep on with the supplements? And when/how can I know that I've killed the little buggers???

Thanks, Jana

[Glamour]

It is my understanding that you/any human will never be completely rid of Candida. It is a normal flora in the body. The problems arise when it gets out of control, due to diet, antibiotics, weakened immune system or a combination of several illnesses. The goal is to reach flora balance in the body.

There is usually a die off reaction, which will make the Candida seem worse than before. The results of getting Candida under control, vary on how sick, weak etc a person is in the first place.

Lots of info all over the internet on this.

Jana, it sounds like you are on the right track, so don't give up. Good quality probiotics are the number one helper. I have heard things about oregano oil and other herbal tinctures.