Hey friends. I'm going on a Candida diet! When I first got diagnosed with JRA, the first thing my doctor told me was to see an allergenist. The allergenist suggested that I had candida, a yeast overgrowth At the time I was 15 and hadn't even understood JRA nor accepted it so I didn't watch the movie, hoping my RA would just sort itself out, or I would just get better naturally... anything to keep it out of my head. Since then, I have accepted the disease and have been pursuing THE CURE.
I haven't had any sugar today! Also, I went to the store and bought some candida friendly (or unfriendly lol) foods. I'm always pretty healthy when it comes to what I eat, but now I'm even more healthy which kind of exciting.
I will officially start this experiment on Friday, but I have already began prepping by cutting out sugar. I still have to pick up some anti-fungal stuff, some Acidophilus, and maybe some other food items.
I would really appreciate some support!
Ty
Well, you have my support and my attention! I am seriously considering
doing the same thing. The AP I'm on is working great so far, but it's
also become obvious to me I have yeast issues, so not only do I support
you but I'm curious about the details.
I take acidolphilus and other probiotics twice a day, but I'd like to
find more natural sources of probiotics such as homemade kefir or
sourkraut. I still eat some processed flour and sugar, too much sugar!
But less than I ate in the past. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither
was my anti-Candida diet!
There's another woman on this board, Pip, who may soon start an anti-candida diet, so I'm sure she'd also like to hear about it.
What kind of anti-fungal stuff were you thining of using?
Well, so far so good. For breakfast I had some brown rice puffs which have less than 1g of sugar and are gluten free
http://altmedicine.allinfo-about.com/features/quizcandida.ht ml
(You have to cut and paste, I'm sorry, for some reason my link
keeps going to Wikipedia. Don't forget to remove the extra space
between t and m in html)
I took it but it was "inconclusive". I think your doctor can also do
some kind of test. I've been a bit of an Ostrich about the whole thing
myself but it's time to face the yeast....
Yeah, GoGo's right - I'm not building the diet in a day either. You think I'd be less of a sissy about it.
Guru - man, keep posting!
OK, how about 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar in a 8 oz. glass of water. Yet another thing that I have to gag down - but it's supposed to work on acid levels and PH and be anti-yeast.
Pip
Gosh! After a 1.5 days of no sugar, I had an apple... and WOW! I was spinning around in my chair at work lol. I'm going to have to cut all fruit for the first week or so.Guru -
Yeah, I thought that too. Just saw a bunch of posts on how bizarrely it worked the opposite of what we'd think. I'll see if I can find them for you
I don't know if it's helping yet. I can't seem to do it more than once a week. My stomach really hates the entire idea. I get the heaves.
My stomach seems to hate anything not chocolate. :-) Whole lemon drink. Heaves. Vitamins. Heaves. It takes me a long time to work up on anything.
Pip
I don't know a lot about alkaline diet theory, but I do know that foods thatThere is a sure fire natural cure for candida, yeast thrush and other bad things and you don't have to change your diet. Easy to find if you use the internet for reasearch as you would for chit-chat. Who or whom will find it first? Begins with the letter g and is three words long or 3 letter abbreviation. Practically a miricle cure that actually is.
LEV
Have you been to Peru recently? Do you know someone name Kuan? I think I saw you on the E True Hollywood Story recently.
Hillhoney, Not to peru but everywhere for research for this disease that i have. It's called rheumatoid arthritis. I have no concern for peoples kitties and doggies and Oprah and other silly stuff. My disease leads my life and i am bound and determined to make it better. I watched a program a short while back about parents that had a son with a very rare disease. So rare that no one or company would research it. The child was to be dead by his teens. The parent raised over 5 million dollars, found science researchers and their son is cured and alive and just graduated from high school. I have found naturals that have helped me with the disease that i have. I haven't found a cure, but certainly a couple of natural helpers that have allowed me to cut my prednisone in almost half in less than 3 months, my methotrexate from 25 to 20 and will continue to go down with both pred and mtx. I was going to come back here and tell you all the good news but thank you for reminding me who you are.
LEV
Guru,
Good luck on your diet. I wanted to support you. I have struggled with my sugarfree / gluten free diet for over a year now. Our society does not support this life style. I have to CONSTANTLY read labels.
At work I have to pass up all of the free food. My co-workers have a hard time understanding why I can't eat the cakes and cookies and candies they are constantly snacking on. Temptation is EVERYWHERE.
The best advice I got was to shop around the outer walls of the grocery store. The isles in the middle contain all of the processed stuff ( of which so many have sugar... even pretzels and potatoe chips
I have eliminated all refined sugars from my diet. But I have to admit that I have been unsuccessful in reducing my fruit sugars. I often crave sweets and a piece of fruit is my only option.
Are you allowed to use agave as a sweetener on the candida diet?
Please keep us posted on your success
Marybeth
[QUOTE=Gimpy-a-gogo]I don't know a lot about alkaline diet theory, but I do know that foods that
Gimpy I always pictured you as a hippy....am I wrong???(hippee storeLOL)
Stevia is good, although for me it does very strange digestive stuff.
Garlic clove water? Great Yogurt Conspiracy?
Guru
Don't forget the water. I have learned the hard way to drink lots of water when dealing with die-off and detox. Ten hours after one of my treatments I was on the bathroom floor at work because I was so sick with diarrhea, cramping and dizziness. Mostly because I hadn't drank enough water to flush the toxins out of my system.
The other thing that worked for me was to substitute healthy choices for the sugar. I was addicted to Mountain dew. I found a product called Switch or Izzy which are sodas that use fruit juice and no added sugar. This helped ease some of the psychological dependance I had on Mountain Dew. I still drink some diet pepsis once in a while but not nearly as much as when I was drinking mountain dew.
Family support is a must as well. My sister even tried to go sugar free. The week she succeeded was enough to get me on my way.
Finally , I read it takes about 21 days to develop a habit. So I had a board in my dining room where I counted down the days.
This is worth it. Keep the faith.
Yes, water is good, almost forgot! *chugs water* Well, today the experiment begins.... I'm going cold turkey on ALL sugar for the first week... then maybe add some fruits. Hey I checked out your site---it's pretty good! That diet looks prohibitavly restricted, though. Are there any candida diets with more latitude?
It is grapefruit seed extract, GSE. I have always believed that parasites and worms and microbes that nest in our joints is the cause of many joint problems. GSE is excellant for yeast thrush and so many other things. I started at 20 drops in juice 3 times a day. I did feel run down for a few days i guess to the overload of dead things leaving my body thru liver, kidneys etcs. I did that for 7 days and now usually take 3-5 drops twice daily. I feel so much better and have been on it almost a month. Anyway, one of my secrets is out. Here is some reading material. But, do your own GSE search.
LEV
After 30 years in use by naturopathic physicians, clinics and the general public grapefruit seed extract has been proven to be a safe and effective multipurpose (broad spectrum) compound with countless uses.
Grapefruit seed extract is being used successfully in humans and animals alike to fight many types of internal and external infections caused from parasites (single and multi-celled), viruses, bacteria, fungus and more!
The greatest benefit is due to it's multipurpose (broad spectrum) effect. It is effective even if the causes of the infections are known, unknown or misdiagnosed. Grapefruit seed extract naturally detoxifies, enhances and supports the immune system.
Grapefruit seed extract contains high levels of vitamin C and E, and bioflavonoids. The important substances have an antioxidant action and can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and cause a number of illnesses.
Another important benefit of grapefruit seed extract is that it is helpful in alkalizing the blood. Alkalizing the body fluids (raising pH) is one of the single most important health regeneration benefits available as disease causing microforms (fungi, bacteria, virus etc.) cannot survive in an alkaline oxygenated environment. Though lemons, limes, and grapefruits are chemically acid, tests show that when they are metabolized in the body they actually have an alkalizing effect. They have very little sugar and they contain an abundance of oxygen. This is a plus for anyone fighting candida or any other disease. Conclusion: Eat more fresh vegetables and less processed foods as most all vegetables are alkaline forming in the body.
Grapefruit seed extract is effective at very low concentrations. During 1989-90, an international research team (reported in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 5, No. 3, USA, 1990) examined the effects of GSE and compared this with 30 effective antibiotics and 18 proven fungicides. GSE was found to perform as well as any and all of the tested agents. Without the harsh side effects. It is a natural alternative to strong antibiotics.
Grapefruit seed extract is nontoxic. According to an independent laboratory testing "Acute Oral Toxicity", it would take at least 4,000 times the normal dose of gse to produce a 50% chance of poisoning (called LD50).
Because grapefruit seed extract does not exhibit the harsh side effects and high cost of pharmaceuticals it is becoming the alternative health choice for naturopathic physicians, clinics and the general public.
Internal uses include but not limited to: Digestive Upsets, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Diarrhea and Food Poisoning. Infections from: Parasites (single and multi-celled), Bacterial, Viral and Fungal. Candida Yeast Infections, Thrush and Chronic Fatigue. Oral Infections: Tooth Plaque, Gum Disorders, Breath Freshener and Mouthwash. Colds and Flu, Sore Throats, Strep Throat, Ear Inflammation / Pain, Gassiness, Sinusitis and much more!
External uses include but not limited to: Acne, Athletes Foot, Nail Fungus Infections. Skin Infections: Fungal / Bacterial / Parasitic / Viral / Ringworm, Cuts / Wounds. Warts, Poison Ivy/Poison Oak, Rashes, Jock Itch, Shaving Itch, Dandruff, Cold Sores / Herpes, Head Lice, Chickenpox, Cracked Lips, Toothbrush Cleaning and much more!
Physicians have observed that the herpes simplex virus becomes inactive just ten minutes after the application of grapefruit seed extract.
One of the most important applications for grapefruit seed extract is in the support and protection of individuals with chronic immune system problems (AIDS, Chronic Fatigue, and Candida patients). See more: benefits of grapefruit seed extract.
According to studies, the activity of the active ingredient of grapefruit seed extract appears to develop in the cytoplasmic membrane of the microorganisms. The active ingredients of the extract disorganize the cytoplasmic membrane, thereby preventing the uptake of amino acids.
At the same time, there is a leakage of the cellular contents with low molecular weight through the cytoplasmic membrane. The pathogen is then inactivated. The time for this is generally shorter than that of most comparable preparations.
Grapefruit seed extract does not allow germs to build up a resistance. To date there is no evidence that any type of organism has ever built up a resistance to grapefruit seed extracts active ingredient. Due to the mode of its activity it is believed that this resistance is impossible as grapefruit seed extract disrupts the organisms cytoplasmic membrane.
What is not known is how GSE can affect the cell membranes of such a diverse group of microbes with virtually no toxicity toward animal life (The "Acute Oral Toxicity Study" performed by an independent laboratory concluded that you would have to take 4,000 times the normal adult dose to risk a 50% chance of poisoning). And to complicate matters further, since viruses do not have a cell membrane of their own, how is it that GSE can act as a remedy as it does.
Grapefruit Seed Extract and Protozoan Infections
Louis Parish, M.D., investigator for the department of health and human services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, reported in his prospectus for the FDA that grapefruit seed extract is "...as effective as any other preparation now available, perhaps more effective ... it does not cause the side effects." For intestinal problems, including dysentery he believes that grapefruit seed extract, "Gives more symptomatic relief than any other treatment."
Nearly 200 patients were treated for Entamoeba histolytica and giardia lamblia by Dr. Parish and his associates over a two month period. Dr. Parish went on to say "it (grapefruit seed extract) gives symptomatic relief more than any other product. It would be hard to overstate the value of grapefruit seed extract to my medical practice. It has no inherent toxicity.
By Dr. Leo Galland
There's something unique about this particular substance (grapefruit seed extract). Whatever it does, it does without the debilitating side effects. It has the advantage of being very safe. In the treatment of candidiasis it appears as effective as nystatin, caprylic acid, and other non-absorbed intestinal antifungal agents.
Dr. Galland considers the availability of grapefruit seed extract to be "...a major therapeutic breakthrough for patients with chronic parasitic and yeast infections..."
Many drug sensitive individuals find GSE to be much better tolerated than other antifungal preparations, and I have several patients in whom this product alone helped control chronic candidiasis when no other medication was tolerated or effective. In a test of 20 patients with vaginal yeast infection, 15 had relief of their symptoms in only 3 days after douching with grapefruit seed extract every 12 hours.
Grapefruit Extract Safety
Grapefruit seed extract has been extensively tested and proven safe and effective by many laboratories and research centers throughout the world.
Grapefruit seed extract has no inherent toxicity and exhibits no negative impact on beneficial intestinal bacteria. There are no known side effects or interactions. Grapefruit seed extract can be taken for long periods of time with no ill or toxic effects.
It is non-allergenic. Even people who are allergic to citrus have had no adverse reactions. This is largely due to its harmonizing effects to cope with body stress. Although about 3 to 5 per cent of all people are allergic to citrus fruit and could therefore also display a sensitive reaction to grapefruit seed extract. These people should start with a low dosage and perform a patch test to be sure.
Grapefruit seed extract can be used safely by most people. Even infants and the elderly, as well as those with compromised health. Pets and animals of all types and sizes can benefit greatly using grapefruit seed extract.
Grapefruit seed extract has been safely used worldwide for over 25 years by countless doctors, alternative health care practitioners and veterinarians.
How is Grapefruit Extract Made?
Grapefruit extract (GSE) is made by first converting grapefruit seeds and pulp into a very acidic liquid. This liquid is loaded with polyphenolic compounds, including quercitin, helperidin, campherol glycoside, neohelperidin, naringin, apigenin, rutinoside, poncirin, etc.
The polyphenols themselves are unstable but are chemically converted into more stable substances that belong to a diverse class of products called quaternary ammonium compounds. Some quaternary compounds, benzethonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride, for example, are used industrially as antimicrobials, but are toxic to animal life. The B vitamin choline is also a quaternary compound, but is nontoxic and even essential for maintaining healthy neurological function and fat metabolism.
Grapefruit extract features the best of both worlds. While evidencing none of the toxic side-effects of chemically-derived quaternaries.
The finished product is a viscous, yellow-amber colored liquid that features a taste that is both bitter and acidic. Pure vegetable glycerin is added to reduce the bitterness and acidity to a tolerable level and to reduce the possibility that incidental contact could cause irritation to the skin or mucous membranes. Grapefruit seed extract has a slight citrus smell.
Eh, why no echinacea?
Why do I feel like I just failed PE? I should know this.
Pip
Pip,
I have read that Echinacea shouldn't be used by people with Auto-immune diseases. This is in the German E-Commission. (Kind of like the bible of natural medicine).
From my own experience, my symptoms really set in after I had a cold which I agressively treated with Echinacea ( every 2 hours for almost 24 hours). My cold went away but then the joint pains set in.
Here is an interesting article on 3 cases studies against the use of Echinacea in people with auto-immune diseases.
Medical Herbalism: A Journal for the Herbal Practitioner A German regulatory commission has recently listed several contraindications for echinacea, including "progressive systemic diseases like tuberculosis, leukosis, collagen disorders, or multiple sclerosis." This class of diseases would include auto immune conditions such as systemic lupus. I recently researched the question of echinacea contraindication in auto immunity thoroughly, and published the opinion last Spring in the book The Healing Power of Echinacea and Goldenseal (Prima Publishing) that echinacea was not so contraindicated. The best clinicians are always ready to eat their words, or their previous opinion, when clinical facts get in the way, and a patient may be hurt, and I now have to do the same. In ten years of searching scientific literature and interviewing both physicians and scientists on the question, I had been unable to find a single case or even a rumor where echinacea in oral doses made any auto immune disease worse. Within a month of the book publication, however, I met my first patient with a severe exacerbation of an auto immune disease possibly due to taking echinacea. A month later, one of my long term lupus patients told me that echinacea had caused a worsening of flare-ups before she became my patient. And then a third had an aggravation of ulcerative colitis within twenty-four hours of beginning to take echinacea for the first time. Unfortunately I was not able to take a detailed case in any of these instances. The facts I do have follow. The first was a case of unidentified auto immune disease with damage to the kidney. The kidney component of the illness was being controlled by unidentified immunosuppressive drugs, and the dose had recently been reduced by half. About a week later, the patient began to get a sore throat, and took echinacea for it in large doses, again unidentified. The pathogen affecting the throat is also unidentified. Very soon the kidney inflammation returned, and the patient was hospitalized to receive dialysis. The flare-up could have been caused by the reduction of the medication, or by the organism that provoked the sore throat, but echinacea must still be held suspect. The patient, who has professional experience with herbal medicines, thought that echinacea was in fact responsible. The second patient had severe systemic lupus with kidney inflammation, poorly controlled by steroids, methotrexate, Plaquenil, and other drugs. She reports that when she took echinacea during an active lupus attack, many of the symptoms would get worse. She repeated this with the same results, and the symptoms would subside when she stopped the echinacea. She is now completely off drugs and managing the lupus with diet, herbs, and other lifestyle factors, and says that now echinacea does not cause the problem it did in the past. The third patient had ulcerative colitis reasonably well-controlled with steroids. She had never taken echinacea before. When she heard about it, she thought it would be good for her. Within twenty-four hours of beginning to take a dropper three times a day, the ulcerative colitis flared up with a severe attack of bloody diarrhea. This dose of echinacea can elevate with white blood count within twenty-four hours, and could reasonably be the culprit in this case. I invite the reader to form their own opinion of these facts. The details of the cases are too scanty to prove anything. For myself, I no longer hold that echinacea is harmless in auto immune disease. Echinacea is known to increase phagocytosis (and thus antigen presentation to the T cells) and it rapidly (within 24 hours) increases lymphocyte counts. Each of these may be related with an acute auto immune attack. Due to the rarity of reports of such instances, the word "contraindication" is too strong, but practitioners may be prudent to carefully observe reactions to the use of echinacea in auto immune conditions, especially in patients undergoing an acute exacerbation or whose condition is kept in precarious balance with immunosuppressive drugs.
Based on my own experience, I choose to avoid this herb. Marybeth Marybeth - Is the German E Commission something we can check ourselves? Is there a web site? Did you see the 'safty checker' for vitamins etc I just posted on one of LevLarry's posts? Pip Sorry, haven't had my tea this morning and my brain feels mushy. Not like Safety Checker is better - trying to find the better checker. Does that make sense? Pip
Cautions with echinacea in auto immune disease?
by Paul Bergner
Case #1
Case #2
Case #3
Copyright 1997 by Paul Bergner. All right reserved
http://www.frot.co.nz/dietnet/basics/sweeteners.htm
Thanks for the info on GSE---I'm a little nervous because of all it's
drug contraidictions, but it's worth looking into it deeper.
Shelly, I was going to say I'm more of a hipster, but judging by pics
of me lately maybe I've crossed the line-----arg! I need a haircut! I'm
a hipster with a hippie heart that looks like a hippie?
A simpler Candida Diet: http://jralife.com/?p=52
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