Q. Hi Cynthia, After 3 months on a gluten free and very low sugar diet, including no alcohol, I thought I had it beaten. Now about every 2 weeks, it comes back and with a vengeance. sometimes I’ve had wine, sometimes not. I don’t do sugar, but think maybe this last time, there was a little sugar in the salad dressing I ate. Is this possible. Am I to have this the rest of my life? Does Bragg’s Vinegar help at all? Thanks, Betsy.
A. Hi Betsy,
I’m sorry you’re probably not going to like my answer, but basically yes, once a vulnerability to Candida yeast, always a vulnerability.
You cannot return to eating foods that encourage yeast overgrowth or your Candida symptoms will return. It takes life-long maintenance to keep it under control.
The reason for this is simple, the human body was not designed to consume sugar, alcohol, gluten, grains, beans, potatoes, refined foods, dairy, caffeine etc. Sometimes we can get away for decades with eating these types of foods before the damage presents itself, however once the damage is done there is no going back to the old way of eating. The body will no longer allow it.
You must think in terms of permanent changes in the diet. You must also be sure that you are only consuming healthy carbohydrates, which means only those that come from vegetables and perhaps a small amount of fruit if they are tolerable — not grains, legumes or potatoes. The diet should consist of nothing but lean meat, eggs, non-starchy vegetables and healthy oils. A small amount of fruit and nuts is acceptable if it doesn’t flare symptoms for you. I encourage you to take a look at the Paleolithic diet, which is the diet I recommend with a few modifications you’ll find at the bottom.
Alcohol is the very worse substance you can consume, because it is the most refined sugar that exists. It doesn’t even have to be digested. It is absorbed directly through the gastrointestinal wall. So it is like hooking your Candida up to an IV of sugar.
I know that some people claim Braggs Vinegar will clear up Candida, but that was not my experience. It exacerbated my condition and created severe acid reflux. So I’m not an advocate of it. However, everyone’s body is different, what doesn’t work for one, may work for another.
Keep in mind that diet is the most important aspect for yeast control, but it is not the only one. It takes a comprehensive approach and other important issues that must be explored include adrenal disorders, heavy metal toxicity, liver function, colon health, food sensitivities, hypothyroidism, hormone imbalances and immune function. Some form of anti-fungal will be required as well as replenishing healthy bacteria.
thanks so much, Cynthia for your response. As a matter of fact, I am working with the Dr. now as to a possible homone connection. I am also gluten intolerant, so my diet is quite wholesome and almost everything is made from scratch.