Health - Foley,MN

Hi L.---I recently went through a candida elimination diet. I was tested and had an overgrowth in both the large and small intestines.

First, if ever on antibiotics, you MUST take a probiotic. Not just acidophilus. Antibiotics are probably the main cause of an imbalance of candida in the body.

The diet I had to follow eliminated all simpe sugars, alcohol, vinegar, most grains AND fruit, with the exception of berries. It only took about 4 or 5 weeks with the addition of an oral anti-fungal to eliminate it.

But, there may be many other reasons for bloating and gas. Keep a food diary and then maybe start an elimination diet to see what the offending food might be. Sugar and cows milk are big contributors to bloating and gas. Be methodical when you try to identify foods. So, I really think you should not be eating yogurt either. See www.strongbones.org and www.pcrm.org to find out 'why not milk'.

I would highly recommend seeing an integrative health care practioner. My candida was discovered by EDS, electrodermal screening.

Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. I'd be honored to help. Take care and good luck. D.

Hi L.
I have dealt with this most of my adult life. The things that help me most are eating yougurt that is not loaded with sugar and also says on the container that is contains acidophilus. I also take a daily supplement of acidophilus if you choose to do this you will need to make sure you buy the kind that is refirgerated other wise the acidophilus is much less effective. If you are dealing with multipul vaginal yeast infections you should wash your towels and underwear in the washer adding a downy ball full (or 1cup) of vinager to the rinse cycle this changes the ph balance of the water and kills the yeast that is in your underwear so you stop reinfecting your self. If you would like anymore information please feel free to message me.

As far as I know you should still be able to eat other things but to make sure you are getting yogurt and another over the counter suppliment is Acidopholus. It works great. Both of my kids are on it due to digestive issues and for my daughter, yeast infections.

Candida is a normal yeast that is always on us as humans. Candida albicans is the name of the yeast most common.

When I Googled Candida and went to WebMD, there was little tangible information. Google, in particular, concerned me because though there are hundreds of thousands of results, almost none were from credible sources vs. bloggers.

Ask your pharmacist what they recommend. Things like yogurt, real plain yogurt, can be really good at helping balance the yeast. But, there may be other things, safe and available, that you can also take to help restore the proper, natural balance.

Yes, it's fairly common. Yogurt & water. Lots and lots of yogurt & water. Stay away from alot of sugar and starches--they only feed the yeast and will make the infection worse. No juices, no sodas. I personally have found relief with the Azo tablets, perhaps they will help you. Ask your pharmacist to be certain. Feel better soon!