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This site has been posted by a patient to provide information about chronic candida, a group of symptoms which appears to be caused by the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the gastrointestinal tract. The patient database lists symptoms and treatment results submitted by visitors to this site.
Last updated on: 2005-07-14

crc

Candida-Related Complex(CRC) FAQ

What is CRC/chronic candida?

Chronic candida refers to a cluster of systemic and gastrointestinal symptoms that some physicians report responds to anti-candida treatment. Nationwide there are a minimum of 300 MDs who recognize and treat the condition1. There is no reliable information on it's incidence, cause, or effective treatment because it has yet to be researched. In 1990 the New England Journal of Medicine urged further study on the condition, but no research is being done at present. Many patients demand treatment despite the lack of research because it is empirically effective, and other, more conventional approaches failed.

History

In 1983, Dr. C. Orian Truss published "the Missing Diagnosis"2, a treatise on his success treating what were thought to be psychosomatic symptoms with anti-candida measures. William Crook published "The Yeast Connection"3 the same year, in which he reported similar positive results.

Other practitioners have tried these measures and reported the same positive results. The pattern of symptoms in these patients were referred to as "chronic candida", but have recently also been labeled Candida-Related Complex(CRC).

The cardinal symptoms of CRC usually include the following:

Gastrointestinal: Systemic: Mental/emotional:
Constipation/diarrhea
Indigestion, bloating
Food intolerances		 Fatigue/lethargy
Weight loss		 Depression
Irritability
"brain fog"

Because the condition responds to anti-candida antifungals, it is presumed to be caused by gastrointestinal candida overgrowth. This is recognized as a side-effect of antibiotic use, which patients often link to the onset of their symptoms. The severity of symptoms and their response to treatment is variable. Some patients report a complete recovery. Those who have been sick longer may report improvement, but remain unwell.

How is it diagnosed?

There are some tests believed to be useful for diagnosing CRC3, but none are scientifically proven to identify the condition. MDs may make a diagnosis based on the pattern of symptoms listed above, after ruling out other possible causes (i.e. hypothyroidism, clinical depression, hypoadrenalism, celiac sprue, food alergies, etc). The symptoms should improve with one or more anti-candida antifungals and dietary changes(such as the elimination of sugar). A history of repeatedly or extended exposure to antibiotics prior to developing symptoms supports the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

There is no treatment proven to be effective against the cluster of symptoms referred to as CRC. I therefore cannot cite an effective treatment. I will summarize what practitioners have reported as effective in the various books on the subject.

Doctors who recognize CRC vary in how they treat it, based on their own experience. Many(possibly all) use prescription antifungals, such as nystatin, diflucan, and sporanox. Most practitioners and books on chronic candida advise dietary changes as a cornerstone of treatment. The most common recommendation is the elimination of sugar; in fact, an exacerbation of symptoms after eating sugar is a cardinal symptom of the condition. The elimination of "junk-foods" (i.e. potato chips) is also often advised; other dietary suggestions differ depending on the source.

If antifungals and abstaining from sugar fail to improve one's symptoms, I personally don't consider them to be caused by chronic candida. Since there is not definitive test that proves someone has it or not, this is the guide I go by. Others may use a different standard.

If you have found a treatment that works for you, please share your results with others by entering a profile in this site's patient database, so others may benefit.

What is the controversy?

New medical therapies are normally researched, written up in the medical literature, and officially recommended by medical societies before they are considered acceptable for use by a physician. There is no regulatory process for new medical treatments, so doctors can legally treat chronic candida. However, they are required by local medical boards to "conform to the prevailing standard", for better or worse. That means if you have an effective treatment for those with chronic candida, and it's not accepted by other physicians, you could jeopardize your license by using it.

Some doctors have provided anti-candida treatment despite the lack of research done on it because it's the only thing that works for some of their patients. On at least one occasion, this brought an MD under investigation, not for harming a patient, but because his practice was drawing such patients away from his peers, one of whom filed a complaint.

Some alternative/complimentary practitioners(naturopaths, chiropractors, herbalists, acupuncturists) promote their services for the treatment of chronic candida. Supplement makers have also marketed several products to relieve yeast or candida problems. This fuels the impression among the medical mainstream that this diagnosis is an invention of alternative charlatans to lure their patients from them.

What needs to be done?

Epidemiological research that defines the syndrome scientifically must be done. Clinical research need to test the various treatments purported to be effective against it. In the absence of such research, medical authorities have either ignored the disease or denounced it. The routine approach to patients with the clinical picture of CRC is to label their symptoms as functional or psychosomatic. They are not investigated further because they don't constitute a known medical condition.

Finding a doctor

I do not have a master list of physicians who are willing to treat chronic candida. Various lists have been compiled by the International Health Foundation(an organization Dr.Crook founded), CDIF, and in the back of some books on this problem. These lists are not necessarily maintained and kept current.

You may want to search for a doctor who is listed with the American College of Advancement in Medicine: http://www.acam.org/dr_search/index.php.

You may want to check the website of Dr.William Crook. He is the author of the most popular book on this cluster of symptoms, titled "The Yeast Syndrome". http://www.candida-yeast.com/.

Or check the most most recently published list in a book, which is in the back of "Candida-Related Complex, What Your Doctor Might Be Missing", by Christine Winderlin and Keith Sehnert MD, Taylor Publishing Co, 1996(ISBN: 0878339353)

The psychosomatic label

Many patients who are diagnosed with CRC are considered by mainstream practitioners to suffer from somatization disorder. CRC patients usually lack the number and extent of symptoms necessary to be diagnosed with that disorder4. CRC is purportedly diagnosed only when there is a favorable and lasting response to anti-Candida treatment. This suggests a physical rather than psychological basis for their symptoms. This issue will remain unresolved until CRC is formally studied, and the value of anti-candida treatment can be substantiated.

Dysbiosis, a similar label

Some practitioners refer to both Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth(SBBO) and CRC collectively as "dysbiosis". Both conditions are initiated by a disruption of the normal gastrointestinal microflora. The symptoms of dysbiosis are attributed to "leaky gut", or an increase in intestinal permeability that allows antigens from the GI tract to reach the bloodstream. This has some support in recent medical literature on mucosal immunity and intestinal permeability. Additional research in the area of intestinal permeability may begin to answer the question of what is causing the symptoms seen in CRC/chronic candida patients. Better interventions could then be sought, such as probiotics that reverse this particular pathology. A second promising line of research is the effort to understand candida pathogenicity at places like the University of Minnesota. Their recent discovery of a key gene in Candida's pathogenic potential may lead to more effective antifungal drugs.

Some believe the fatigue and other symptoms seen in CRC are caused by disordered intestinal permeability, which allows intact antigens to pass through the GI mucosa. Disordered intestinal permeability

Scientific support

There is scientific support for some features of the CRC hypotheses. Antibiotics are known to promote GI candida overgrowth, and even penetration of the GI mucosa5. Elimination of sugar from the diet of mice can improve the outcome of a Candida infection6. The mechanism for symptoms such as fatigue and "brain fog" in CRC patients is more of a mystery. However, the same symptoms are common to SBBO.

chronic candida/CRC related links

  • The Candida Forum, a high-traffic bulletin board for chronic candida
  • Yeast-L, Information on a listserv group for people with CRC
  • National Candida Society, a voluntary organization set up by Dr. Christine Tomlinson, an ex-sufferer, in the UK in 1997.
  • Candida articles, from the American College for Advancement in Medicine website.

Review articles

Position statements

Commercial web sites promoting remedies for chronic candida

I do not endorse any of these sites, but list them to demonstrate the existence of a demand for treatments for chronic candida.

References

  1. Candida-Related Complex, What Your Doctor Might Be Missing, by by Christine Winderlin(with Keith Sehnert), Taylor Publishing Co, 1996 ISBN 087833-935-3
  2. The Missing Diagnosis, by C. Orian Truss, The Missing Diagnosis Inc, 1983
  3. The Yeast Connection, by William Crook, MD, Random House Inc, 1983
  4. Cater RE II "Somatization disorder and the chronic candidiasis syndrome: a possible overlap" Medical Hypotheses (35):126-135, 1991
  5. Kennedy, MJ et al. "Mechanisms of association of Candida albicans with intestinal mucosa" Med Microbiol 24:333-341, 1987
  6. Vargas SL et al "Modulating effect of dietary carbohydrate supplementation on Candida albicans colonization and invasion in a neutropenic mouse model" Infection and Immunity 61(2):619-626, Feb. 1993

  • crc, California -- 2007-11-06

    I've found great relief from candida following Bee Wilder's program, Yahoo group "candidasupport". It was hard to start the program, but now that I've been on it for 11 months, I'm almost "cured" of a host of health problems, skin rashes, UTIs, gastro upset, large fibroids, thrush, athlete's foot, vaginal yeast, worsening eyesight - you name it, I had it. Once you get used to the diet and supplements (which Bee makes no money from), it's not that bad. The only thing you have to remember is that your body will retrace every symptom you had, so it's a hard journey, but worth it!

  • crc, Nevada -- 2007-10-28

    I've had Candidas for over 15 years. I have managed to control it with diet. I gave up many of my favorite foods. Unfortunately, I would still get outbreaks on occasion until I was introduced to an incredible probiotic. This has helped me immensely. It was the final piece to my puzzle.
    It's very economical and organic The company only manufactures whole foods and all their foods and supplements are live.
    the website is www.myforevergreen.org/556546
    the item is Probitic Plus item #703100

  • crc, smyrna,ga. -- 2007-07-25

    hi i have been suffering fom yeast infction since 1992.i highly recommend every one to go on the internet to yeastinfectionadvisor.com right away this man dan is excellent belive me please. thank you

  • crc, Mozambique -- 2007-07-24

    i saw the page, but my doctor gave me taravid for fungal infection in my vagina so how am i suposed to take the pils? 1 each day? coz there are 10 pils. plz help me coz i cant reach my doctor.
    if u can answer me on my email.

  • crc, 1104 NORTH 6TH RAYMONDVILLE, TEXAS 78580T -- 2007-07-02

    TODAY IS JULY 2-2007
    I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL DOCTOR
    APPOINTMENTS. MY GASTROPERISIS
    DR. ADVICED I TAKE FLORA PROBIOTICS. MY MOM HAD ALREADY BEAT HIM TO IT TWO DAYS BEFORE. SHE ADVICED ME TO START ON SOME FLORA IMMEDIATELY AS DIRECTED ON BOTTLE. WELL TO MY SURPRISE AND THE GASTROPERIS DR. I HAVE
    BEEN FEELING A GREAT RELIEF ON
    MY HEALTH. I PRAY IN THE LORDS
    NAME I CONTINUE TO DO BETTER.
    I DO ADVICE PEOPLE TO READ ON
    PROBIOTICS. THANK YOU ELOY

  • crc, 1104 NORTH 6TH RAYMONDVILLE, TEXAS 78580T -- 2007-06-26

    TODAY IS JUNE 26 2007. I AGAIN
    I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR SEVERE CONSTIPATION AND UNCONTROLABLE DIAHRREA. MY PAIN WAS SO SEVERE WITH ABDOMINAL CRAMPING, I COULD NOT TOLERATE IT. MY FAMILY SUFFERS ALONG WITH MY FRUSTRATION AND PAIN AND DEPRESSION. I WAS GIVEN BENTYL AND FLAGYL FOR SPASMS AND FUNGUS. TWO DAYS PASSED AND I AM TROUBLED AGAIN WITH
    MY SEVERITY OF PAIN AND SO MUCH DIAHRREA AND DEPRESSION
    AND WEAKNESS. PLEASE IF SOMEONE CAN CALL ME FOR HELP
    AND ADVICE CALL ME AT 956-689-2615 AND ASK FOR ELOY OR MY WIFE BELINDA. THANK YOU
    AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I WISH
    FOR A NORMAL LIFE FOR MY FAMILY

  • crc, 1104 NORTH 6TH RAYMONDVILLE, TEXAS 78580 -- 2007-06-07

    CONTINUATION ON ELOY CASTRO
    I FORGOT TO MENTION I AM 31 YEARS OLD. I AM TYPE 1 DIABETIC ON INSULIN AND HAD
    CELLULITITIS ON MY LEFT LEG AND A AWFUL KNEE INFECTION. I WAS ON VANCOMYCIN FOR MORE THAN A MONTH BECAUSE OF A DEADLY BACTERIA GETTING TO MY KNEE BONE AND ANOTHER DEADLY BACTERIA *FLESH EATING BACTERIA* DUE TO THE SEVERE CELLULITITIS ON MY LEFT LOWER LEG. I HAVE LOST ALOT OF WEIGHT BECAUSE OF MY BEING ILL FOR SO LONG. AGAIN PLEASE HELP ME. MY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 956 689 2615. THANK YOU AMEN. THAT GOD HAVE MERCY ON ME AND MY FAMILY

  • crc, 1104 NORTH 6TH RAYMONDVILLE, TEXAS 78580 -- 2007-06-07

    I AM TIRED OF BEING SO ILL WITH GASTROPERISIS. I HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZE FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS. HOSPITALIZE FEB THRU MAY FOR SEVERE GASTROPERISIS, DEHYDRATION, STARVATION, EVERYDAY VOMITING EVEN IF THERE IS NO FOOD IN MY BODY, SEVERE DEPRESSION, AND SO WEAK. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN AND MOTHER AND BRO/SIS ARE BURDENED WITH MY ILLNESS. MY WIFE HAD TO STOP WORKING TO TAKE CARE OF ME. WE HAVE NO INCOME PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME. I WANT TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE. ELOY CASTRO.

  • Luc H, Minneapolis -- 2007-05-19

    Hi Does any one know of a good doctor in the Minneapolis/St.Paul MN Metro that treats Candida?

  • Nat, Canberra -- 2007-04-26

    I am not sure if I have Candida but I spat in a glass of water this morning and the legs developed soon afterwards. I want to know if this test is very acurate? I would also like to know if Zoloft and the pill have the same effect as antibiotics?

  • thomas, kintampo -- 2007-04-12

    Candistop it's adviceble.

  • Ramzan Karim, Darjeeling -- 2007-03-26

    Dear Sir / Madam,
    While serching for Taravid (500gm). your website does not support the search and always returns back with result that suggests "Search Result - 0" How do I get the information about the same ?

  • Steven -- 2007-03-17

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I am very sympathetic to everyone who is going through this crazy problem with candida since I am going through very similiar problems. I a normal joe just like the next. singer songwriter and love my family very much. I try to lead a normal life knowing I have AIDS. Yea, it's rough..believe me. Going through not only depression of knowing I have this, but all the physical stress that it has cause has put me in great risk for far worse things than I have now, which along with it, is candida. I was very blessed to come in contact with a nurse in the hospital in Feb 07 for seven days to which all my doctors had no clue as to what was going on with me. Yea, doctors really only know what they are taught in school and only know so much. But the nurse, who was an angel in disquish, told me about a book that I should read called, "Patient Heal Thyself" by Jordan S. Rubin, N.M.D.,PH.D. It's a best seller and I urge you to get this book! In just a few chapters I finally have some answers as to what was going on with me. The author of the book basically healed himself of Crohn's Disease. Well to anyone who knows, it's not curable!! But in fact he did cure himself and has been off all medications for 5 years now.It goes into depth on many different ailments including Candida. I will continue to read this incredible book and hope that what he did for himself will help me and in writing this, hopefully help you. Stay strong and keep a postive spirit inside you. With that and proper nutrition, probiotics and other necessary suppliments that will help you feel better, in every way possible, there is hope for all of us in battling this. Dont give up! Stay strong and keep the faith and thank God for the many blessings in your life that sometimes we may overlook. They are truly what makes it all worth while. I thank God and the universe for the healing powers that are within me!! My prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.

  • Thereze, Florida -- 2006-12-18

    I have a question. Does anyone experience intching all over the skin? I have candida and I'm wondering if any else has this symptom. This may sound really strange but it seems like when I sitting in front of a computer monitor and working on a computer for extended periods the problem is exacerbated . Does this happen to anyone else or have I gone nuts?

  • Steve , WI -- 2006-11-24

    I'd recommend seeing a physician that is trained in holistic/integrative medicine.

  • fred, coconut creek -- 2006-11-16

    lots of symptoms i believe are attributed to candida.athletes foot,ring worm,cracks between toes w/itching and bleeding,tiny bumps that itch;when drained clear liq.comes out,then itching stops.excessive sadness,foggy brain,cant focus,tired,tired,tired.REMEDIES ACIDOFILUS,PILLS,POWDER,SUGAR RESTRICTION,NO YEASTY BREAD,ANTIDEPRESSENTS,CANDIDA CLEANSE.ITS WORKED FOR ME WHEN I DO IT

  • Mattie, Louisiana -- 2006-10-06


    MANIFESTATION OF PROBLEM: A digestive system crisis 6 months ago (I began passing undigested fruit and vegetables.) and severe diarrhea had symptoms such as a rise in blood pressure of 10 points and an inability to sleep. For several years I had experienced anxiety and a decreasing ability to cope. An undefined mental confusion or unrest was noticeable. Over the last 5 years, my abdomen has distended noticeably. I believe I have a massive intestinal and systemic yeast infection from the results with yeast treatments.
    TREATMENT: After exploring several alternative treatments I found success with the following alternative treatments, all available at a good health food store or on web vitamin sites (vitacost, vitaminlife). A strong probiotic, Garden Of Life’s Primal Defense that is available in regular and extra strength to repopulate the intestinal flora. This quickly decreased the diarrhea. Pure Essence Labs’ Candex, a high dosage cellulase enzyme dissolves huge amounts of material from my intestines. Oregano oil capsules available from American Herb and Spice (Visit their website for information.) or New Chapter treat both the intestines and the systemic infection. After beginning treatment with the oregano oil capsules my jaw line lymph nodes experienced considerable swelling which confirmed the systemic infection. As parasites are usually present with intestinal yeast overgrowth, a good parasite formula with wormwood was also used initially and every few months. Several times weekly I take about 20 cheap psyllium caps at night 2 hours after my supplements. Magnesium citrate or RenewLife’s CleanseMore is usually needed the next day to help move this huge amount of psyllium out of the intestines. The psyllium helps drag out the intestinal overgrowth described below in Symptoms.
    SYMPTOMS: I have had many hundreds of what I think is some sort of yeast pod discharged from my intestines over the last 6 months. These are usually the size of a large cooked kidney bean, but have been larger. They are a dark honey color with the well-formed ones having white dry yeast looking material in the center. The less well-formed ones have whitish material throughout the dark honey colored pods. These are often in tight clumps of 3-6. The same material has also come out in diffused clumps. Stringy structures and thin sheet like material surround these pods and clumps and attach them to the intestine walls. The psyllium helps force all of this material out often with 10 pods per movement. One day I passed 63 pods along with an abundant amount of the other material. My abdomen distention has reduced considerably as I have expelled these pods. As these hundreds of pods are being expelled, my sleep and mental clarity are returning.
    FEEDBACK: I would like some feedback if anyone has experienced the following symptoms. I have looked at web pictures for many hours but was unable to find anything like this or a matching description. Has anyone been diagnosed with the same pods? If what I am describing sounds familiar, I would be grateful if you would post a reply on this site to Mattie, Louisiana.

  • Sylvia, TX -- 2006-09-15

    Kelly. could you send me the information you have on curing candida.
    Thanks,
    Sylvia

  • Justyna, Richmond (Ottawa) Ontario -- 2006-06-03

    My daughter is 15 and planning a trip with her church group to a 3rd world country. 6 months ago she developed a shallow cough and chest pain. We went to the doctor who listened to her chest and said everything was clear...just muscles. She burst into tears when he left. "Mom, it's not muscles, something is WRONG. After giving up jui-jitsu and badminton and gym being put on puffers for "asthma" she stil suffered great pain and we began talking about her not going on the outreach trip. At the same time her younger sister had had swollen tonsils and sore throat for about 2 years, on and off of antibiotics for strep throat. My third daughter has exzema and asthma and has been diagnosed with asperger's syndrome which is a spectrum of autism. My husband seems to have chronic sinusitis and I have been suffering from an ear problem and post nasal drip for months. Since doctors have ruled out anything serious I have made appointments for us to see an environmental doctor but in the meantime I began to search the internet to see if our symptoms could somehow be related. To my surprise I found the candida information and that helped me recall that my father in law has been on a no sugar no flour diet for several years. When I called to ask what symptoms he had had first my mother in law said a shallow cough. More research and I came upon Threelac. I was sceptical but it claims a money back guarentee so I figured I would order three boxes for the 5 of us to try. It has been a week now and we all have a cold. But the great patches of dry skin on my arms and behind my ears have cleared up. Hey... it is summer here and it only gets worse for me in summer with the pool and everything and I haven't done anything else different. Last night I asked Kathryn if her cough had improved and she didn't think so but everyone in the family thought she was coughing less and certainly not complaining of pain. This morning she came to me and told me the chest pain is gone. We had the appointment with the ear/nose and throat specialist yesterday for my second duaghter.... her tonsils are normal and her sore throat is gone. My third daughter's skin is looking much better and at her appointment talking with her psychiatrist and social worker they verified my observations that she has become more social, laughing and making more eye contact. My husband has no comment yet but I will post a follow up to this in a couple of weeks. It is an amazing coincidence or threelac is making a difference and candida is the cause of our symptoms. I certainly was sceptical but we are going to finish our supply. I am taking 2 packets a day, Kathryn 3 and the others just one.

  • edmund, st.lucia w.i -- 2006-04-17

    there is a cure through dr earl mindal's nutritional product .it have been proven .i can mail an attachment with information on the product.
    "effort is noble... but it's resoults that count"

  • Kelly , Tucson, AZ -- 2006-04-06

    For anyone searching for answers or a way to start healing I would reccomend reading "Natural Cures 'they' don't want you to know about" by Kevin Trudeau. You'll learn why you are sick and how to start getting better. You'll have to do some researching and decide what products to trust but you'll have a better understanding of what your up against and how to help yourself. Take control of you health because most doctors these days just don't care enough to do it for you. Good luck and God bless.

  • Myque -- 2006-03-24

    Typo on the website I just gave. It is www.bodyecologydiet.com

  • Myque -- 2006-03-24

    Hi Everyone,
    I have struggled with candida for years now. With no help from doctors except more meds. I found out my 2 year old daughter had it as well, I breast fed her and she kept getting yeast infections, the doctors kept giving her antibiotics. I happened to fall upon a website that deals with candida wonderfully. I've been using all the techniques and feel like a new person. You will feel bad at first but thats from die-off. So expect that to happen, but after awhile you will see how you feel better. Bifidophilus Flora is something you should take everyday to build good bacteria in the intestine again. The website is www.thebodyecologydiet.com, there is a book you can buy with the same name, by Donna Gates. Look into this if you all are or were like me, I'm confident this will be your last search for help. (I should be on salary with her because I promote her book daily.) By the way, I give my daughter the same things I take and she has not had another infection. Hope this helps someone....

  • Gavman Australia -- 2006-03-18

    While struggling with Candida I notice that the times of feel best are when i am heard out and feel like i'm connecting with someone on an emotional level. So many people focus on Candida at a dietary level, i'm interested to hear of people meeting it on a psychological level also. I realise i've felt disconnected from the world for a long time and when i feel connected, my candida feels like it disappears.

  • James chicago -- 2006-03-02

    Chronic fatigue, bad skin..I totally cut out sugars, went organic fruits and vegetables..juiced..
    Try researching the negative health effects of Flouride in the public water supplies.. as well as chlorine,chorlamine, etc.. Effects on your health may surpise you as well..follow the dollar$$
    colonix, is next on my list.

  • Jeana Olympia, Washington -- 2006-02-28

    I have diabetes, and a couple years ago now was diagnosed with Gastroperisis. I believe that the symptoms I have are Candida, not gastroperisis. All the symptoms I experience with Gastroperisis seem to sound more like Candida. The diabetes has only made my health worse over the years. I have out of control blood sugars and even trying to get them in control is a challenge. The so-called Gastroperisis is terrible. I hardly ever sleep for over a two hour period before I have to take a trip to the bathroom. I'm only 22, I want my life back. I want to go out and not feel like I have to search for a bathroom every place I go. I stopped drinking a year ago, and eat very little sugar items. Dairy is hard for me to avoid, but sounds like I need to. Does anyone have any suggestions, especially with Diabetes being a key factor? I'm interested in learning.

  • NotSure Indiana -- 2006-02-16

    I guess this is more of a question than a comment I have taken several online tests and have always gotten the answer that I have Candida,but I have not been on antibiotics for a long time. Nor have I taken them for long peroids of time. When I discussed this with my mother she began to think,(She works for a large pharma company) and told me that while she was pregnant with me she worked for 8 months in a filling room with nothing but antibiotics and breathed in the dust 8 hours a day (this was 27 years ago). Does anyone think this may have caused this problem with me from birth?

  • Josh G Michigan -- 2006-01-25

    I believe I have Candida because I have acne. Not just normal acne but chronic whiteheads and blackheads. I have done my research on the subject. Yes I have taking antibiotics when I was young around 8 for an ear infection for which I then had surgery on my ear. And i took antibiotics as an acne medication. I recently read a book called "Natural Cures" They Dont Want You to Know About which I highly reccomend you read. Under the discription for a natural cure for acne one of the causes was Candida. I stopped my acne medication from learning from the book how bad drugs were and that they lead to other diseases so I quickly stopped and started only eating ORGANIC food as I still do till this day. My acne came back even worse. It's ruining my life to the point I have actually stopped going to college because I was not having fun with crap all over my face. I couldnt talk to girls etc. Right now for a diet I am eating a low sugar diet. I eat mainly organic salads, organic eggs, and organic fruit but I need to watch how much fruit I eat. Im on a colon cleanse and then my next step is a Candida Cleanse.
    The cleanse I am going to do is from a website called lifeforceplan.com. I really think you should check it out. The Dr Jeff Mcombs of the sight was recomended from the "Natural Cures" book where I could email him and then I found out he specialized in candida. From my understanding he's a healthcare practioner that does not use drugs or surgery.
    I figured this was what my problem was for having acne. My skin gets really really oily throughout the day, so the over production of sebus(oil) would mix with bacteria in my hair follicles then resulting in whiteheads and blackheads. I figured that because of antibiotics killing the good and bad bacteria It had made it so since there was no more good bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria my skin released more oil mixing with bacteria and resulting in ance. So right now I am on a Colon cleanse, I recomend Colonix only found on the internet because it works, trust me. It's quite disturbibng to see what comes out. Anyways, after my colon/intestines are clean and ready for better absorbtion I will start the Candida cleanse. Im running out of options to make my life go back to normal. But also it may be hormonal imbalances causing my acne which I will fix with Essenctial fatty acids.

  • marianela -- 2006-01-11

    I have candidas and it goes in cycle. I'm not sure if wheat is a problem but eggs are a killer for me and so is dairy. I'm trying to eat less red meat but poultry is fine. The thing is, I've been suffering from this illness for a while and I just wnat it to get better. Every time I go in the sun and sweat, I tend to get white spots on my face, Tinea versicolor. I think it's the candidas building up becuase during the winter time, there is no sign. What should I avoid to make my skin and stomach at ease. I get so much gass even if I don#t have any milk products. I like to have some diet that can hela this awful pain emotionally and phsically. Sincerly, M.

  • John -- 2006-01-08

    Andrea,
    Be cautious about the wonder probiotic Three-Lac. I took 3 packs a day for 6 mo. with a slight improvement in my candida condition. Those who say they notice a difference the next day are lying about their candida overgrowth. If you have a candida overgrowth there will be a die-off and you will feel really bad for a few days when it kicks in and actually kills candida. Those who say they feel better without experiencing die-off are lying about their symptoms and are just trying to sell a product.

  • Andrea New York -- 2005-12-28

    Hi everybody. I read all your comments and I am in the same position concerning many of the symptoms you all have.
    I could write a really long comment here on how my problems started, but that would take too long. I was on line the other day to look up one of my symptoms, to see what remedies are available and just by accident discovered that it could relate to intestinal yeast. After I found this out I saw a product named "Threelac" which is suppposed to help without harsh dietary restrictions and checked into further.
    I could not find any negative comments on this product and I searched for about a week. I am very sceptical about claims that sound too good to be true!!! Anyhow,since my doctors could not help over the years of consulting them I decided to order"Threelac". I am on it now for 12 days at 1 packet a day. You can take up to 5 a day, but I wanted to first see what it does before taking too many.
    I took one before having dinner and the next morning I did not feel as groggy and tired as I had for the longest time. I am truly amazed how quickly you notice a change. It is not a miracle drug that works in one day,but the more I take it the more progress I see. I have no more joint pain in my knees. I have not had diarrhea since, my face does not look puffy anymore and the texture of my skin is even improving. Like many others I also had anal itching, which I was embarrassed about. I thought it was hemorrhoids and tried all kinds of creams- nothing worked, but now it is slowly getting better,too! I feel more energetic,less anxious and just overall like myself again. I had almost forgotten what that felt like!!!!!!
    My problems started at age 30 and I am 46 now. After having all kinds of examinations and tests by doctors and them telling me that they could not find anything wrong, I chalked up my problems to getting older and being stressed. I also got my husband to take "Threelac" because of his constant sinus problems and he has a white coated tongue. He only took 2 packets so far and he noticed more enery.less tiredness and his tongue is looking better, like the coating is breaking up.
    I am so impressed with this product I wanted to tell you about it and recommend to try it out. You have nothing to lose. There are no side effects other than feeling better than you have in a long time.
    I saw only to negative remarks from people on line that took it for 3 weeks and didn't see any improvement, everybody else noticed a difference. Again I am very sceptical and I wish a doctor would have confirmed that I have a yeast problem, but after taking "Threelac" there is no more doubt in my mind that I found a product that is improving my health. I can only recommend this to you all!

  • Maureen St. John -- 2005-12-20

    I am learning about the candida related complex. I have been to six doctors over the past ten months and no one was able to help me. I have lost weight, have painful sex sometimes, have mild itching outside the vagina, and all of my lab work has been returned normal. I took diflucan many times and symptoms disappeared and then reappeared after a few weeks. All of the symptoms started after starting birth control (demulin) and having sex regularly. I have a history of antibiotic use from urinary tract infections. The only thing that has helped has been Dr. Cook's recommendations...eliminate sugar, prepacked foods, fruit, juice, reduce wheat and take supplements: I am taking olive leaf extract, caprylic acid, acidophilius, cranberry, garlic, and a few others. For the first few days, I had a massive headache and persistant symptoms and after a few days, I reduced the supplement intake and kept with the diet and symptoms disappeared- these symptoms had not left for 3 months until these dietary changes. Over the past few days, I had cheese and beer and the next days symptoms reappeared. I am again elimating alcohol and diary (except for yogurt). If anyone has more information to help, I would be appreciative. I am always researching and trying to get better and stay better. Thanks.

  • Mary Cochran Landenberg, PA -- 2005-12-03

    As a result of Lyme disease of over 30+ years and consequent antibiotic treatment, I developed severe candida. I also have had multiple silver fillings beginning at age 3 and a root canal a age 17. In 1996, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After mastectomy, I became severely ill with an unrelenting mycoplasma pneumonia (near complete respiratory failure. Again treated with more antibiotics.
    The candida symptoms are the same as those outlined by in every book - thrush, severe nasal bleeding and an actual candida like root called a rhizome, sugar craving, headache with brain fog, hypoglycemia, bloating, constipation, IBS, abdominal pain, inability to tolerate fruits and vegetables and the list goes on. I have used many treatments that have been ineffective including the candida diet, coconut, oil of oregano, oliveleaf, and multiple combinations of enzymes, probiotics, fiber, herbals as peppermint with little improvement.
    WHAT WORKED - A combination of probiotics, colloidal silver (mesosilver) pau d' arco from Life Force and SAMENTO. OF these -Probiotics and Samento have been most effective. Another herbal, Burbur by Nutramedix is hugely benefical but the key is heavy use of probiotics with the herbals.

  • Richard -- 2005-12-01

    I have been researching candida and have found a number of candida treatments on the Internet, threelac, Coconut oil, Syntol, Immune Booster, tea tree oil just to name a few. The only independent scientific research avialable on any of these treaments is tee tree oil.
    While there are many favourable testimonials on the other treatments particularly threelac there isn't any real evidence to support claims that they work.
    I live in Australia and none of these treatments are sold here except tee tree oil which cannot be taken orally because of its toxic properties.
    If candida is such a world wide problem why hasn't any independent scientific reseach been done to support any of these treatments?
    Also how credible is the saliva test (spitting into glass of water) in determining whether one has candida?

  • Jim Pacific Northwest -- 2005-11-06

    I have suffered from candida for many years. There is a free test to see if you have candida. I also know of a prescription free method of ridding yourself of it. Email me for more info:
    addletter-candida@yahoo.com

  • Kate St. John's -- 2005-10-30

    Hi, this is the first time I've been on this website and it seems to be quite good. I have had candida symptoms for about 5 months, and have been following the diet & taking supplements for the last couple of weeks.
    Most of my info I gleaned from Dr. Crook's book on yeast, and from the internet. I am having difficulty in one area of the diet: fibre. HOw do you get the required 30g of fibre a day on this diet? And can I eat oatmeal, cornmeal, and rice flour? Some sites say yes, some say no, and Crook says to eat grains "sparsely". ANyone have any suggestions?
    Thanks, Kate

  • Sandra Tollette 1055 Trinity st. apt. # 143 Redding, CA. 96001 -- 2005-10-09

    I started taking a yeast cleanse, by Solaray.. I knew there would be a short period of diarheia, sleepiness.. but now I have a headache that wont go away, and pain in my jaw and left wrist joint.. is that normal? I also found out the yeast cleanse doesnt mix well with B-complex vitamin.. got a bad stomach ache! Should I be worried?

  • Cathy Palm Beach, Florida -- 2005-10-08

    I would just like to tell anyone who thinks they have a candida problem to go to their local health food store. You will get some very useful information from the employees and they also carry books on the subject. The most effective cure for candida is your diet. You must eliminate all sugar, vinegars, fungi and yeast from your diet or you will not get better. Cut down on fruit intake until you feel much better, too. You can find bread without yeast and sugarless products at the health food store too. I don't know what I would have done without mine!

  • dieguin Clown Grove, CA -- 2005-09-09

    This is my correct e-mail adress:
    veekay@zootsuitclown.com

  • Dieguin Clown Grove, CA -- 2005-09-09

    For several years, doctors could not diagnose why my chest feels very cold deep inside, at center of chest, or my severe fatigue. It was not until I learned about Candida that I begun to help myself. Now I need to convince my doctor that his is a real condition. I still can not explain the severe cold I feel in my chest area. Some doctors feel that it is "white lungs," a condition that affects profecional clowns when they inhale too much talcum powder.
    I am grateful to this site for helping me this far.
    Dieguin

  • Amy Columbus, Ohio -- 2005-08-26

    I have been to seven doctors this year,including specailists. I think I contracted this nasty disorder from my fiance. I had an abnormal pap for the first time in ten years. Blood tests, treatments for depression, severe abdominal pain, vaginal yeast infections that won't go away. Headaches, pain and burning in my neck and shoulders,grinding my teeth so bad that I had to have them built back up again.I already have asthma,this has gotten so bad I use an inhaler at least three times a day. Usually I use it only for acute symptoms.I refrain from going to the E.R. bacause I know they will send me home with a RX I don't need. I am overly medicated as it is, trying to treat this myself. People think I am nuts. Well this is what is making me nuts. I will try threelac because if it dosen't work I am only out of a hundred dollars, instaed of more medical bills. With all of the technological advances, Know one knows what this is? That is amazing. I guess it is up to us, the ones that suffer, and who figured it out for ourselves.
    Suffering in Ohio.

  • edie new jersey -- 2004-08-19

    i was so amazed to read your site.i have been having all kind of problems since i was younger.mainly stomach.i have been to every dr. and had every test.nothing.went to my primary and he said there is nothing wrong with u ,u r fine go home.met up with someone when on vaca.that told me about candidis,went back to my dr. now mind u my health has gotten severly worse.numbness in arms,hands,legs,headachs,shortterm memory,severe stomach pain,cant eat(seem to b allergec to everything,etc.any way went to him because now i know what i have and im know im not nuts like they all said.well told him what i thought n didnt get past the name,no u dont have that u r fine.im 40 n still suffering with all the stmptoms and depression and dont know where to go for help.would like to know what test other then the quetionare and the saliva test both of which i have taken n r pos. what other test r there?

  • Nancy W. -- 2004-08-16

    My therapist just recently told me that I might have a candida problem. 7 years ago, I had major sinus problems, and 6 years ago right after I had my son, I couldn't drive, because I had vertigo. (and mind you, I only have vertigo while driving and not as a passenger) But no doctor can find anything wrong with me, so I went to a psychiatrist. He diagnosed me with general anxiety depression. I've tried several depression/anxiety pills along with psychotherapy. We've tried hypnosis, EMDR, and other methods of getting over my anxieties, but my driving has worsened and my anxieties have increased. I have just recently been written up twice and may get fired if I have another outburst. After looking at the Candida sites, I do have quite a bit of the symptoms, so I agree with the therapists. He put me on Pau D'arco, but after reading some of the sites, I'm not sure if I should be taking this. Should I be taking Threelac, or does anyone else have any suggestions.

  • Jackie B Chicago -- 2004-08-12

    I am so excited to have finally stumbleing across a sight that I can relate to. I have suffered from anxiety, dizziness, sinus promblems, slight tightness of the chest, tighness in my neck and shoulders, brain fog, depression, and night strain and the craving of sugar, and low sex drive for about 6 years now. I thought I was loosing my mind. I went to the doctor for the sinus and of course he put me on every sinus medication there was. I thought that the sinus promblems had a g reat deal to do with my promblems. I was on anitibiotics, steriods and so on and nothing helped. One day I went into a pharmacy and asked him about my sinus and then thats when I was indtroduced to Candida. I began doing research for my self because no one seem to know what my promblem was. I recenty got a colonic done and she has put me a a light diet. I stopped cold turkey with the sweets. She also advise me to start yogo classess. I purchased a juicer and I started that procedure as well. I also did some research on Vitamins and the lack of and what It could do to your body. This is all new for me. I also purchased yeast-cleanse and Flora jen from the health store. I am hoping this will get rid of the yeast thats in my body and by using my juicer, that will help me rebuild my immune system. Reading everyones testimony to this has made me feel so much better to know that I am not alone. Any additional information that anyone feel that might be helpful, I am willing to listen.

  • Karen -- 2004-07-24

    I have been suffering from depression,bacterial infections,boils,and short temper since I was 16 years old. In recent years I have heard about candida,I believe I am suffering from this. Your site has been helpful,and due to lack of income,I will try to fight candida on my own.It is very sad that Dr.s do not treat candida how it should be treated.It has taken much of my self-esteem due to reacurring infections,interfering with relationships,I always thought I was abnormal, now I now different.

  • Bernadette Ocala, Florida -- 2004-07-24

    Thank you for this site! I have had IBS all my life for the past 5 years I have had thrush, intestinal/bladder problems sinus problems and skin problems. I believe we are our worse foe's! I am addicted to sugar. I will as of today cut back. I thought I was feeling better with soy now I read stay away from soy? I did find something that makes matters worse, all pain medications and sinus medications have some kind of acid that will trigger my problems. It is not asprin because it will happen with any non asprin product. As for tired lets say exhausted 24-7! I will post again if I get any form of comfort. Thank you to everyone who has posted on this site and Thank you God for this site!
    Bernadette

  • Linda Laine Ontario, Canada -- 2004-07-21

    I have tried kits, and a number of different treatments, and know from the different symptoms that I have the chronic systemic form of yeast infection. My lifestyle does not allow me to go on a yeast/sugar/mold free lifestyle until the problem is finally rectified. I have tried since September to eliminate this yeast with kits, probiotics, diet, and still have the thrush, intestinal/bladder problems, and had ultrasounds done, and was told I do have some infection in my urine, but, they want to give me Antibiotics which are the cause of my problems in the first place. I was on antibiotics 6 times over a short time period. The doctors should have told me to take a good probiotic while on the medication. When I talk to a Medical Practioner he rudely, insults me if I bring up any such topic of having Candida ( systemic yeast internal infections of any type), he simply tells me it's antibiotics or nothing/leave. Go elsewhere. I do not have the money for Wellness/Holistic Practioners as they are not covered financially. This is totally frustrating. I have purchased herbs etc., but the length of time to go through the cleansing process varies, and I end up at square one again.
    Can anyone out there help me gain my life back. I also have low-thyroid, and Menopause. Wow, what a winning combo. No wonder I'm going bonkers.
    Help...

  • jennifer PA -- 2004-07-10

    I ahve been ahving problems with fatigue for years. My MD keeps doing the same tests over and over with no + results. Finally I voiced to my chiropractor about it, many of my S/S fell into candida. Tired all the time, bone pain, intolerance to cold, constipation unrelieved by meds, brain fog, poor concentration, bloating at times, food allergies,not feeling well all over, Chronic sinus infections with frequent antibiotic use and recently frequent vaginal yeast infections, IBS or C-diff episode 2 years ago. My chiro. did a blood test which showed strong candida in the blood (1:5000). my family Md does not believe in this condition. What do I do now? any suggestions? Any further Info?

Disclaimer: Information on this site, including comments on medical treatments, is not intended as medical advice to visitors. It should be evaluated critically and should not take the place of medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.

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