I would be interested to learn of any studies examining the effects of long-term antibiotics/steroid use contributing to Candida and Leaky Gut, etc.
Approximately three years ago my doctor was prescribed a course of antibiotics and steroids to treat a relatively minor fungal nail infection. Regretfully, I continued to take this medication for over a year. The condition of my nails did not improve significantly.
I have a read a number of articles online that discuss the harmful effects of long-term antibiotics use, usually recommending alternative treatment such as Chinese/Japanese herbal medicine. However, there doesn't appear to be a great deal of information regarding if/how these therapies can be used to correct the imbalances within the body, allowing it to heal and overcome the harmful effects of the antibiotics.
If anyone has any useful information or advice, especially relating to Chinese/Japanese acupuncture or herbal medicine, I would be most grateful. While I believe I am doing all the right things to help my body (sugar-free candida diet, variety of antibacterials, parasite and candida cleansing, trying to exercise every day, etc.), perhaps the addition of an alternative therapy may also be beneficial.
Many thanks in advance!
J
EDIT: The following article is very well written, and contains recommended TCM treatments:
They won't exist. Big Pharma/Medical Mafia won't fund it or allow it. Treating symptoms, creating more destructive and difficult to eradicate illnesses = PROFIT. Curing = LOSS.
Anti-bacterial? But the beneficial bacteria is what you need to recolonize to be healthy. I'm not sure that all these different "treatments" are necessary, though I'm sure they're nice if you can afford it! :-) We all got in this boat by either taking antibiotics or eating antibiotics in our factory farmed meat and dairy, eating a crap diet of sugar junk and booze, and not eating naturally probiotic fermented food like kefir and kraut that would give us a steady dose of the good guys. Or all of the above if you're me. Especially the booze.
I'm not sure how getting acupuncture is going to correct a gut imbalance. Look at the science. You must change your diet, kill the candida with antifungals, and repopulate with real probiotics. Popping a few pills here and there will not help, and taking antifungals without dietary change is futile and a waste of money.
Let's not forget that there is a multi-billion dollar "natural" industry out there aggressively marketed to vulnerable people just like us.
BUT if anyone out there has been cured by herbal medicine do tell and I'll happily eat my words (and some herbal medicine)! haha! :-)
Please do not underestimate the human body's remarkable ability to heal itself. Yes, dietary changes are important, as is consuming antibacterials to reduce the canidasis and probiotics to rebuild the 'good' organisms responsible for digestion. However, I also believe that treatments such as acupuncture, that serve to rebalance the flow of energy within the body, should also be part of one's treatment plan.
Herbal medicine can also be very effective in treating illness with the body, and can often be taken without the negative side effects of conventional medicine. Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Ayervedic remedies have been used for centuries - if they didn't work, herbalists would no longer be practising today.
I wasn't trying to be offensive to anyone who uses these practices. I'm confused as to why you are asking for scientific case studies on one topic, and then defending acupuncture, which has no scientific basis (that doesn't mean it isn't effective!). Do you base your treatment method on Science or traditional medicines or meridians or all of the above? :-)
The human body can absolutely heal itself, but only if it is in good enough shape and given the proper nutrients to do so. A sick person can't go get acupuncture and miraculously be healed.
I guess my stance is that you can BELIEVE in treatments all day long, but how effective is it in treating candida? Has an actual person out there that suffers from candida been helped by this?
Again, no offense, I like to see the data on paper, but as you stated there must be something to it if it's been around for thousands of years!
PS - I make home made kefir with ancient kefir grains from the Caucasus mountains so I'm not completely devoid of traditional methods. :-)
Admittedly, my original post was a little confused...my apologies. ;(
However, I would still be interested to learn of case studies and research - scientific or otherwise - that examines the use of traditional medicine to treat leaky gut/candida etc.
The article I linked to contains a considerable amount of information, and is clearly written by a practitioner with considerable knowledgeable of his field. As noted previously, I believe a holistic approach that draws upon several different approaches and forms of treatment is the the best way to heal the body (or should that be allow the body to heal itself?).
In regards to fermeneted foods, I have a question (I don't mean to sway from the topic):
I found Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos and Coconut Vinegar at the healthfood store (These are WAY healthier than the Braggs stuff...plus, I'm allergie to apples, so I can't use ACV, which makes this coconut stuff even more awesome, not to mention that coconut is just pure evil against pathogens!)
My question is:
-one of my pathogenic strains is Citrobacter, which thrives on FOS. The vinegar contains FOS, which is vital for the good flora to prosper....but it also would be great fuel for the Citrobacter (and possibly the other strains). If I use the vinegar, would I be doing more harm than good?
Also, do the Aminos contain FOS? How do the Aminos support good bacteria?
I need to support the good guys, but I don't want to give the bad dudes any more fuel than they already have. Any opinion?
I'm trying both to see how I do. The amino seem ok...so far, the vinegar does too.
The gas/bloating have increased dramatically lately...I'm praying it's because of die-off and not aggravation. I've increased my VCO/coconut butter and changed probiotics to a more potent one.
Have u tried SCD-legal yogurt? I'm tempted to see if this helps
Avoid anything that causes "extreme" bloating for a long time--this is usually fermentation..not die-off. Mild bloating that passes fairly quickly can be die-off because of the temporary gasses/chemicals candida releases when it is about ready to die off.
I think it was the probiotic I was using. I switched to ReNew Life Ultimate Flora Critical Colon 80 billion CFU, 14 strains (took one in AM and one in PM).
I did not take one this AM, and so far, I am not experiencing the massive gas, cramps, brain fog, sore joints, etc that I had when I usually take it in the AM. I instead took my usual Klaire lab's 12 strain 25 billion CFU (after breakfast and lunch). So far, no issues.
Should I completely STOP the ReNew Life...or just take it in the evening? It did seem to help my acne alot... the Klaire Labs probiotic made my acne worse, but I did not experience ANY GI complaints with the Klaire Labs product.
Muscle testing showed that the ReNew Life product tested fine for me...it was confirmed via frequency testing too (it tested higher than the Klaire Lab).
Is it possible that I was just taking too much of the ReNew Life (I was taking a total of 160 billion CFUs...I'm a very tiny person, so maybe it was too much for my size and/or causing too extreme of a die-off)?
I'm thinking perhaps to take 2 Klaire Labs in the AM (total of 50 billion CFUs, 12 strains) and 1 ReNew Life in the PM (80 billion CFUs, 14 strains).
The ReNew Life IS grown on dairy/soy....the Klaire Labs is NOT. Could that be a reason for my symptoms?
160 billion might be too much to start with. Listen to what your body is telling you. Cut back to mild syptoms. Are you sure the probiotic was causing the gas and not something you ate?
IDK anymore what is causing it. I did cut back, but I still got the gas/cramps/bloating/pain. IDK what the hell is going on! Is this die-off? I'm miserable. Gosh, I hope the infections aren't getting WORSE (candida is the least of my issues...I have over 7 extremely severe bacterial infections at a +4, too).
I'm miserable...
I'm used to taking high dose probiotics, so 160 billion isn't too far-fetched for me.
IDK what to eat anymore. I react to EVERYTHING (is it my FOOD? SUPPLEMENTS? THE AIR I BREATHE?!?!?!) and it gets worse week by week. My menu is so small already that I simply cannot cut anything out, or else I'll starve.
I literally don't know what to do...unless I get these infections out, I'll remain an emaciated weakling.
I already cut out fruits years ago, no sugars, most grains except for 1-2 organic brown rice cakes...
I pretty much eat steamed veggies, poultry (It has to be ground for me to digest it), VCO, coconut butter, almond butter, rice protein powder, 1-2 brown rice cakes, homemade veggie juice, carrots, avocado/pea non-bean "hummus" that I use as a sauce for stir fries. But, I'm STILL getting bloating, gas, major cramps, discomfort, pain, abnormal stools, brain fog, sore joints, etc.
I used to do eggs, but I think I have a sulfur/phenol/thiol sensitivity (common in people with high Hg levels).
IDK what I'm doing wrong.
That's why the GAPS diet sounds promising, for it is supposed to help heal the gut by eliminating carbs that require digestion, as opposed to carbs that simply get absorbed (and thus don't feed the pathogens). here is a site on it: http://www.gapsdiet.com/GAPS_Outline.html
My daughter and I are on a modified GAPS diet. Have you tried removing the rice protein powder? This popped out as the red flag to me for causing intestinal distress. I would not eat ANY vitamin supplements or probiotic pills. If your candida is really bad then this will feed it! It will utilize vitamins, protein, and carbs to live, and is documented to feed on lactobaccilli as well. You have to beat it back before the bacteria in probiotics have a place to "stick" in your gut. I will probably be blasted for saying this, but it's obvious if you do your research and look at the science. If it's completely overtaken your gut is what I'm saying, just to clarify. This was my case after child birth, antibiotics, and drinking alcohol and I could eat 6000 calories a day and was 100 pounds. I had to initially starve it out with no carbs and eating straight up leaves and green juice for days and also take an antifungal (nystatin powder). I think this is why most people struggle with an infection for years when you can really get control of it in a few months.
So what I did was eat as many (organic) dark, leafy greens as I could choke down with every meal, especially dandelion greens - this was my sister's strategy as well. Candida hates leaves, and you will actually have a "die off" from just doing this. Eat them until you're sick of them, then eat one more plate. Seriously. I have a gallon ziplock bag in my work fridge right now of arugula that will be lunch. mmm-mmm. Choke them down if you want to heal. :-)
avocados
organic free range chicken legs, eat the skin
organic, grass fed chicken eggs
almonds, soak and de-skin
steamed veggies that don't have carbs, like broccoli, with butter or coconut oil
home made kraut and real kefir for probiotics
I also make little pancakes for my kid with an egg, almond flour, milk, salt and some psyillium husk for fiber. They are really good as waffles too.
Put leaves and avocado in the blender and make "blended salads." It is quick to eat and easier to digest.
1. Always steam your veggies for easy digestion, and eat your leaves raw.
2. Always eat a massive amount of leaves with ANY protein as your gut uses the enzymes from leaves to digest meat.
3. Get rid of all pills, supplements, powders, etc. Again I will be blasted for this, but in my experience these are working against you if you have a severe systemic infection.
4. Save your $$ and use home-made probiotics like kraut and real kefir, which gives you a mega-dose of good bacteria (I've done the math and it's trillions). I use a probiotic pill as a starter for kraut. It does NOT take thousands of dollars to get rid of this! Again, I will be blasted.
5. Drink water like a fish. Even better with a pinch of aluminum free baking soda if you can (to alkalize)
6. Do a parasite cleanse. Order pure diatomaceous earth FOOD GRADE. You have to get online, don't use the stuff at a hardware store for insect control or livestock feed. I got a 10 pound bag for $14 so it's the cheapest and most effective cleanse available. Parasites and candida live quite harmoniously. Turns out I had at least tapeworms, if not more. Gross, I know, but getting rid of the parasites is just one less thing your poor immune system has to deal with. Eat 3 tablespoons of DE in water or tea every day for at least 2 weeks, and put in your pet's food as well. You'll also find that DE gives you amazing skin, nails, and hair because it's silica. Alot of people eat it every day just for those benefits and for the minerals, including calcium.
Kefir from real grains not starter actually has 3 strains of candida in it that is BENEFICIAL, and what I'm repopulating my gut with. I believe that albicans is a bastard mutation of what should be in our gut, and needs to go. My goal is to extinguish the albicans altogether with the candida strains in kefir.
Sorry for the long post, but I really hope this helps someone. Putting out the good karma!
Is rejuvination brand of raw organic sauerkraut ok?
can u post what a typical day's diet is like for u and your kid (sample breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)?
Why did u decide on GAPS instead of SCD?
Do u eat the 24 hr fermented yogurt?
I ordered a water kefir kit... is this ok?
Should I NOT be taking my probiotics? How do I know when to add fermented foods?
I have not removed the protein powder bc IDK what to use to replace those cals/protein. My diet is so limited and IDK what/how to eat. I DO know that grains ARE an issue (after reading Breaking the Vicious Cycle, it makes SO much sense why I never got relief from a GF/DF diet!....it's the GRAINS in general--not just gluten!)
How do I avoid nutritional deficiencies if I take out my supplements? I fear they are doing more harm than good, too, but i'm scared to stop them bc I'm already depleted.
What exactly is diatomaceous earth FOOD GRADE? How many times a day do I do this? Is this like Bentonite clay? What does it do?
I'm so confused by all of this. I hope to see a world-reknown doctor on infections/biofilms/autism to help with my infections and toxins. I need a "coach" and to be monitored thru this. My mom is freaked and doesn't trust me "doing it alone." I called the clinic and they DO support SCD/GAPS diet. They are entirely holistic, but they are MDs (harvard/yale!), and have incredible success for chronic infections.
Respectfully, it's my humble opinion that everyone is overthinking this. I think we do more harm than good putting all these supplements in our body and then we wonder why we can't get better. If the candida has taken over then it is absorbing everything - vitamins and probiotics included. My strategy was to eat ONLY foods that does not benefit candida - leafy greens and CO - take the most powerful antifungal I could get my hands on that doesn't do any damage to the body, and once I had made some space in my gut, repopulate with tons and tons of good bacteria. Oh, and stop drinking coffee and alcohol and eating crackers and junk. My laziness and self-indulgence had to stop right there.
I found out about candida because my only child was going downhill really fast. She was born perfectly healthy, but by age 2 was completely nonverbal and showing signs of autism. :-( I still cannot watch old home videos of her the memory is so traumatic.
I was researching autism and the GAPS diet popped up on youtube, and I adopted this diet because what Dr Campbell-McBride said made so much sense for my particular situation. I'm not saying this is an appropriate diet for everyone, but I was fending off a candida infection actually causing autism. The SCD diet is too complicated for me to even start to have time to do! For me, simple is better.
The GAPS info rang so true that I stayed up all night researching candida, gut dysbiosis, and autism. Everything made sense! Antibiotics! Colic! Neurological delays! Cravings! SUGAR!!! I pulled all fruit, rice, crackers, and dairy out of our diet - all sources of sugar for us both. We both had fever and flu like symptoms for 3 days just from this, but then - she snapped out of her "brain fog." She started making word attempts and connecting with things that were going on around her. She has made so much progress in the last 2 months that her speech therapists are amazed, though they laughed at my perceived ignorance when I told them I thought it was the dietary changes. Get used to people thinking you are crazy! I'll take crazy over sick any day.
Below is info on DE. It's gross, but most people are walking around with worms. Do you have a pet? If so then be assured you have worms. We worm our pets but somehow think that we are immune! Worms rarely cause major symptoms, but do bog down your immune system which helps the candida. It is all natural ground up diatomes (from the ocean) and is silica and also minerals. And it's cheap. Everyone should be drinking this stuff every day just for the benefit of having great skin and hair and getting absorbable minerals.
I also wanted to add that we both take nystatin powder as an antifunal after I implemented the diet. This is mostly to help her since she needs to make progress quickly. Taking any antifungal and not adhering to a restricted diet will make you worse! I have also ordered water kefir grains to see if she will drink that. Water kefir is a good probiotic, especially if you are milk intolerant. I plan to make mine using raw virgin coconut water.
Personally, I think probiotic pills are a huge waste of money and studies have shown that candida can use it as a food source. Well, candida actually uses EVERYTHING as a food source, even your muscle tissue if it has to. I would not supplement with probiotics of any kind until you have beaten back the infection enough to leave space for the good bacteria to adhere. This all depends on how severe your infection is.
Sorry for ANOTHER long post! But what I did was remove ALL starch and sugar, except for almonds, but I limited the little cakes to just a few a day. I eat dandelion greens and arugula and kale by the bunches. Eat leaves for every meal, as many as you can stand, then eat another plate. I bring my leaves to work in a gallon ziplock bag and get laughed at sitting at my desk and munching on plain leaves - not chopped up or anything - stems and all. I get made fun of for "eating my yard weeds," but that's just fine with me. :-) I'm only 120 pounds, so not much weight that I can spare, but once you knock back the candida your body can actually absorb some nutrients and you don't need nearly as many calories. I do eat several teaspoons of coconut oil a day as well.
Here's what we ate today as an example.
Breakfast:
Start your day with a tall glass of diatomaceous earth and 2 tsp psyllium husks in water. My kid gets scrambled eggs (lots of CO in there), a few little almond flour waffles - I just eat some almonds. I eat my eggs on a bed of spinach or mixed greens, or if I'm in a hurry drink a few raw eggs mixed up in a cup of milk. I have my OWN backyard chickens so it is safe for me to do this as I know I am not going to eat a salmonella bomb!
pau d'arco or dandelion root tea at work when I get hungry
Lunch:
A gallon ziplock bag of dandelion and arugula leaves. Yes, I said a gallon and it takes me about an hour to eat it. Then I have about 1 cup of home made kefir. All those leaves are filling. My kid usually has a snack of either avocado or a pancake if she didn't eat them for breakfast. Her dad doesn't really cook so she's starving by the time I get home.
Dinner:
When I get home I make a blended salad real quick with avocado and yes, more leaves, usually spinach. My kid will usually pick at this while I'm furiously getting supper ready. I steam at least one vegetable - acorn squash, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. The whole time I cook dinner I'm choking down more leaves or it probably won't happen. At first we did NO grains, but by now I've added rice back in and she is not losing any ground. However she is still getting the antifungal. I do not eat the rice, just leaves, veggies, some seeds, kefir, eggs, and meat. I'll have a baked chicken leg with the skin on it tonight. The fat and skin is what heals your gut, the protein is not really what you want since it can feed candida, so be sure the meat is organic (grass fed is better) and the bone is in and skin on. BUT, I'll say again, until you've beaten back the candida nothing you eat can be absorbed and the candida will take all nutrients. That's why I did only leaves and blended salads at first for several days at a time. I lost weight at first but then I leveled out once my body adjusted.
So what I did that worked for me was just simplify everything. I stopped counting calories and obsessing on how many grams of protein I got, etc. I had to get rid of the worms, eat leaves, deal with feeling hungry for awhile, and stay away from things I knew proliferated the fungus. The antifungal definatly helped speed the process. Now that I have a clue what's going on, I will never be in the same boat again!
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