Q. Cynthia, am just wondering, I was feeling ok in late aug of this year, some anxiety and depression but I was ok and then I cut out sugar and took antifungals and felt so much worse. This went on for about 6 weeks but i did periodically cheat and eat sugar . This has since not gone away even though I have stopped taking anti fungals and have started eating sugar again. can this be a sign of severe systemic Candida as I seemed to be worse initially from die off but then stopped all treatment before feeling better. Five years ago I was diagnosed with Candida and it did take 5 months of feeling horrible before I got better. ~Sarah
A. Hi Sarah, Yes, this could be a sign of severe systemic Candida. Feeling worse when taking an antifungal is normal with Candida, it is called die off. As the yeast die, they release high levels of toxins. Die off can be minimized with high doses of vitamin C, bentonite clay, charcoal capsules, exercise and enemas or colonics. An enema or a colonic will provide immediate relief because it physically removes the yeast and its toxins. A good colon cleansing product like *Oxy-Powder would also be very beneficial and work similar to an enema.
If die off is too severe, then the antifungal is too strong or the dosage is too heavy and therefore should be adjusted. A little die off is a good thing, but debilitating die off is too hard on the body and should be avoided. The dosage should be cut down until die off subsides a little. You don’t want to overload your body with too many toxins at one time.
It’s also possible you did not tolerate the antifungal you were taking. Perhaps it isn’t very compatible with your body. You could try a different antifungal. Antifungals should be alternated so resistance doesn’t develop.
If you eat sugar while taking an antifungal, then die off will be significantly worse. You are feeding the yeast while you are trying to kill it, so it creates an intense war inside your body. So not a lot of progress can be made that way.
However, keep in mind that anxiety and depression have many other contributing factors besides Candida. So yeast may not be, and usually is not, the only issue involved. The primary underlying cause of anxiety and depression lies in neurotransmitters, and Candida is only one of many factors that disrupt neurotransmitters.
You’ll want to read these pages on my site:
Physiological Causes of Anxiety Attacks
Sugar itself can be at the root of anxiety and depression because it disrupts and depletes neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for controlling our mood. It also disrupts the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system, which also results in anxiety and depression.
Going back to eating sugar is not the solution. Recovery from any health condition can not take place with sugar in the diet, especially anxiety, depression and Candida.
Try removing the sugar from the diet without taking the antifungal and see how you feel. My anxiety attacks went away immediately with the removal of sugar alone.
Other major contributors to depression and anxiety include nutritional deficiencies, not methylating properly, an overactive sympathetic nervous system, food sensitivities, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism adrenal fatigue and environmental toxins. Additionally, each of these factors are commonly found in the person with yeast overgrowth as well.
Whether you are addressing systemic Candida, depression, anxiety or any other health condition, developing a healthy diet plan is the most important factor. It is the foundation on which everything else is built. Removing the sugar, the carbs, the additives, preservatives, dyes, pesticides, etc. and adding lots of high quality animal protein, low- starch vegetables and a small amount of nuts, seeds and fruits is crucial.
Best
Cynthia
