How to Test yourself for Candida

[HeChangedMyName]

First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass and fill with water. Work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water after a moment or within 2-3 minutes, then within every 15 minutes.
If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings, like cloudy legs, traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings, the water is as clear as it was before you spit in the glass and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free. The more strings and cloudiness there is and the faster it develops, the greater the overgrowth.


I found this test at http://www.healthyeatingadvisor.com/candida-test.html

I didn't take this test, I will in the morning when I get up. I may have my kids do it too. There is another test as well which I just took. And by the results of the second test, My body has basically been taken over by Candida. Have any of you ever successfully rid your body of candida?

[HeChangedMyName]

Ok, here goes....Yes, it can be done without supplements or meds but it will take longer and you absolutely MUST NOT EAT ANY SUGAR OR STARCHES AT ALL!!! No cheese or pickles or vinegar either; no soy sauce too. For salad dressings you may use a little lemon juice in place of vinegar. I make my salad dressing with olive oil, a little lemon, water and greek seasoning. Eat as much meat/fowl/fish as you want. Butter and cream and natural cold pressed oils are fine. I'd stay away from any root veggies at all because even the low carb ones are higher in starch content. No fruit for now, not even tomatoes. Eat a lot of green veggies, especially cruciferous ones, and especially kale. Kale is very high in vitamin C. (I like kale fresh in with my salad greens, instead of shredded cabbage--red kale tastes best) Don't eat iceburg lettuce if you can avoid it as it has the highest sugar content of the lettuces. Leaf lettuces or Romaine/Cos are better. You may have some yogurt with live cultures, but sweeten it with sugar free sweetener and/or add sugar free fruit syrup to it for flavor. If you want a sour cream substitute get a carton of unflavored yogurt and let it sit in the 'fridge for a week, pouring off any liquids that seperate from it during that week. At the end of the week, you'll have a much thicker version of yogurt that substitutes just fine for sour cream.
Basically, you are not to eat anything that will encourage the little beggars to continue to live or multiply. The yogurt will help you replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut which will compete with the candida for nutrients. Eating yogurt every day for at least the first two weeks will help a lot. If you need to lose weight, it'll probably drop off very nicely. If you don't need to lose, you probably won't as long as you eat plenty of food. Don't try to starve yourself, it'll only make the die-off symptoms worse. Be prepared for the die-off symptoms. Lethargy, headaches, muscle aches, cramps, flatulence, light headedness, funny smelling breath/armpits, embarrassing itching....
Pamper yourself during this time. Take luxurious baths for the odors and use zinc oxide powder for itching. Take lots of naps whenever you feel yucky or headachy. Give it at least 3 months for most of the symptoms to start easing up. It may take up to a year to kill it off entirely. Please don't let that discourage you because once they're gone, they're gone. Think of yourself as an exorcist getting rid of a demon! :)
They're quite stubborn and as they die off you will get the most INTENSE cravings for sugar/starch/fermented products. If it gets really bad, then just stuff yourself full of something fatty like steak smothered in butter until you couldn't possibly eat another thing. It'll get better as time goes by.
Keep us posted as to how you are doing with it and feel free to cry on our shoulders when you get discouraged. We've all been there done that and we can help you through this.

I found this information on http://forum.lowcarber.org/archive/index.php/t-87672.html

I think this Candida is the reason for my recent extreme fatigue, weight gain, and all these cravings.

[Supergirl]

About the spit test, I did read something that said due to the surface tension of water and some other stuff, it is likely that any saliva (candida or not) would act as described above. Just wanting to share, and wouldn't want anybody to get upset if their "results" were "positive" when they really may not have candida.

[HeChangedMyName]

I did the spit test, with my spit test, combined with all my other results from the other test, I am pretty sure I have a candida overgrowth---I have been craving nothing but sugar and starches for a while now and it is showing, because I am gaining weight.

So has anyone ever had a candida overgrowth and gotten rid of it?

[fuchsiastar]

Yep. I have....I did two boxes of paragone with a strict diet for 1.5 months. I had two colonics in that time also. This was four years ago.

[HeChangedMyName]

Yep. I have....I did two boxes of paragone with a strict diet for 1.5 months. I had two colonics in that time also. This was four years ago.


Did you notice any marked differences in your healt, weight, general energy level?

For me, I knew something was wrong when I was napping in the middle of the day like a baby, hopefully that will stop.

[likewtr4chklit]

From what I've read about getting rid of Candida a serious colon cleanse and detox, along with a raw food diet would get rid of it. Then once it's gone you should take probiotics. I haven't had the guts to really go hard like this until now. I'm tired of feeling the way I do.

[Supergirl]

SuperNova,

I started a thread on the Skincare/Makeupboard called "Maybe Candida is Causing my Acne" or something like that. Anyway, many ladies shared helpful tips and links if you're interested.

[HeChangedMyName]

From what I've read about getting rid of Candida a serious colon cleanse and detox, along with a raw food diet would get rid of it. Then once it's gone you should take probiotics. I haven't had the guts to really go hard like this until now. I'm tired of feeling the way I do.


I'm not really ready to go hard either. Today hasn't been so bad. No bread today, no carbs(except 3 g which are in this aquafina water I am drinking right now)

I had bacon and eggs for breakfast, a breadless ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. Not sure about dinner yet. But I feel satisfied.

[Nonie]

I didn't know about the spit test. When I discovered my candida-related complex, I just read a booklet that had a questionnaire on your history of symptoms...and just on suspicion, went on the fight gung-ho. The second article is very close to the diet I embarked on. Only sweeteners were also not a go. Anything that was "artificial" was a no-no. But yes, no fruits or toms the first month. And yes, the die-off was a nightmare. If you have had a serious bout of vaginal yeast infection, multiply that a few times. It was HORRIBLE. Add to the multiple times the regular itching to soreness that made me just curl up and cry. It was best when I could sleep and not think about it. Lasted maybe 3 days or 4...I don't remember exactly. But after that week, I was completely free of it.

I think going hardcore against Candida is the only way to get a handle on things. It's like giving up drugs. You have to do it cold turkey and deal with the withdrawal symptoms and know you will be OK after that passes. Otherwise, you will just be fighting a losing battle. After I was going through that die-off, I knew I never want to feel that way again, so I stayed off Candida treats for years. I carried sparkling water and apple juice to parties to make my own bubbly. I also made sure I had bottled water because the booklet I learned all this from said chlorine in tap water destroyed acidophilus supplements. I share more about my journey from Candida control in a link in the thread Supergirl mentioned.

Ladies, in the US you have so many substitutes that really there's no excuse to not give up sugar, breads etc. I mean, I even discovered candy at Trader Joe's made of 100% fruit. NO ADDED SUGAR!!! Who knew! When I did this, I was in the UK. We had health food stores, and there were gluten-free goodies. But I never knew of egg-free, dairy-free yogurt, or gluten-free, dairy-free pizza...or the candy I found at Trader Joe's till I came here. Might be a sign of the times; or maybe there's just more variety here.

Today Supergirl and I just found a bunch of cheese substitutes that are dairy-free as well as soy-free. All it takes is a determination and you can find a replacement for just about anything you have to give up for your health and comfort.

[HeChangedMyName]

I am so afraid of the die-off. I tried to do a salt water cleanse last week and I think that started something up because I had terrible stomach cramps and my skin just was sooooo itchy and I started having a light discharge--not normal but noticeable.

[Nonie]

SuperNova, get the book Candida-Related Complex: What Your Doctor Might Be Missing (http://www.amazon.com/Candida-Related-Complex-Doctor-Might-Missing/dp/0878339353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223177208&sr=8-1) and read it. It has natural remedies for some of the symptoms you might have during die off.

Alternatively, you could get one of those kits from say The Vitamin Shoppe that I believe hasten the die-off and help you get through it faster and with less suffering. I wish I had known of them back then. One such kit is: Candida Supreme Vital Cleanse (http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=GH-2061). Another is Candistroy (http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=SD-1024). Just be sure to avoid the foods you shouldn't have so that the cleanse is successful. No margarine or any hydrogenated oils. You can get non-hydrogenated oil spreads at Whole Foods and sometimes in the grocery store.

I highly recommend taking garlic supplements (eg Garlinase 4000), probiotics (PB 8), an EFA (Evening Primrose Oil or Flax or Fish Oil), a yeast destroyer (Capricin, an easily absorbed form of Caprylic Acid found in coconut which is an antifungal agent or Yeast Fighters or Yeast Defense), and a multi-vitamin to boost your immunity (eg Twinlab Allergy Multi). Drinking 100% Aloe Vera juice is also a good weapon against Candida. Make sure your yogurt is plain ie no sugar.

[HeChangedMyName]

Thanks nonie. I ordered the candistroy the other day. hopefully it will arrive soon. My money is a little funny right now, so in the mean time, I have bought some activia(tastes aweful but i figured some probiotics are better than none. I've been adding coconut oil to my foods until I can work my way up to taking it straight. I'll check the library to see if they have that book. I've got fish oil already, I guess I could start taking it as well. I might be covered so the die-off isn't too bad. I am making Kale for dinner today, it is a candida inhibiting food.

[HeChangedMyName]

well, between the oil pulling, the senna tea to clear out my bowel, and me inhaling coconut oil on anything I can put it in/on, I am feeling better. I just got my candistroy in the mail and will prob start it monday. I have been cutting way back on sugar and all things bleached. eating tons of protein and veggies. Does anyone know of any other ways to eat coconut oil other than mixing it is foods/frying with it? I would love to make some type of candy with it, wonder how well it mixes with cocoa power????

[Juliagizzle]

I'm gonna start back on coconut oil pretty soon. Some other things You might want to try are Braggs organic apple cider vinegar. Take about two table spoons and dilute with glass of water drink it first thing in the morning. Also drink kefir its had more probiotics in it than yogurt. I heard ist best to make your own but I get lifeway brand organic kefir. You will experience die off I dont think there is anyway to avoid it, especially if you have it as bad as I do. But to minimize, definetely frink a lot of water. Also the salt cleanse is a good Idea, You definetly want to keep system flushed out. Just dont do the master cleanse. It will make symptoms worse because you're feeding the candida by consuming just the sugars in the lemon and maple syrup.
I have had it since birth. I probably would have gotten rid of it if I had stayed off cheese and carbs like I was supposed to. :nono2: It's just so hard cuz I LOVE them(which is a symptom of the candida).

Oh A good way to eat coconut oil would be on sweet potatoes instead of butter. If you want sweetness use grade A maple syrup on them too. If you must have sugar its better to get it that way then processed sugar. ALso try EVCO on popcorn gives a nice buttery taste without the butter.

[poookie]

oh gosh... i'm testing myself tomorrow. i'm pretty sure this'll come up positive for me. i've been a carb FIEND the past couple months, and have been gaining weight, too. if its positive, i'm master cleansing starting monday.

ETA: ok, re-read thread. nix the master cleanse! what are some good detoxes that won't require me going out and spending a ton of money?

ETA again: took the test. got a 150. urgh...

[Nonie]

well, between the oil pulling, the senna tea to clear out my bowel, and me inhaling coconut oil on anything I can put it in/on, I am feeling better. I just got my candistroy in the mail and will prob start it monday. I have been cutting way back on sugar and all things bleached. eating tons of protein and veggies. Does anyone know of any other ways to eat coconut oil other than mixing it is foods/frying with it? I would love to make some type of candy with it, wonder how well it mixes with cocoa power????

:spank: <---That's for the candy. Will you stop thinking sweets if fighting candida is your focus! :look:

[Nonie]

oh gosh... i'm testing myself tomorrow. i'm pretty sure this'll come up positive for me. i've been a carb FIEND the past couple months, and have been gaining weight, too. if its positive, i'm master cleansing starting monday.

ETA: ok, re-read thread. nix the master cleanse! what are some good detoxes that won't require me going out and spending a ton of money?

ETA again: took the test. got a 150. urgh...

Is the Master Cleanse expensive? I've never really looked into it because the little I know made it seem a little too drastic for my liking. I do the Ultimate Fasting Cleanse. It's not cheap ($29-$40-sth) for the kit but it is for 5 days during which you save money on food, so that seems like a good bargain to me. If you do a search of it with my name, you will see why I prefer that over Master Cleanse.

[poookie]

Is the Master Cleanse expensive? I've never really looked into it because the little I know made it seem a little too drastic for my liking. I do the Ultimate Fasting Cleanse. It's not cheap ($29-$40-sth) for the kit but it is for 5 days during which you save money on food, so that seems like a good bargain to me. If you do a search of it with my name, you will see why I prefer that over Master Cleanse.

the master cleanse isn't expensive, considering the cost you save on actual food. total cost is definitely cheaper than the $29 - $40 for the ultimate fasting cleanse. it'll depend on how many days you go for, because that'll effect how many bottles of grade b maple syrup and lemons you'll have to buy.

but considering candida feed off of carbs, and the maple syrup is nothing but carbs, the master cleanse is definitely not a good idea.

___

so... i've decided to completely nix carbs altogether for the next month.

breakfast was a cinch (bacon and eggs), but lunch was a bit depressing. i had steamed broccoli, carrots, green beans (and a bit of corn, which is a no-no, but WHATEVER, it's my first day!) i'm sure dinner will be equally as depressing. :nono:

plus i did a smooth move tea last night... and with my tummy jumping up and down all over the place, poookie is not a happy camper.

[sillygirl82]

:bump:

Ever since I had my wisdom teeth removed last year and I had to take antibiotics, I think that I have candida overgrowth as well.

Flaxseed oil and cutting way down on the sugar has helped. I think that I will go to GNC and get one of those candida cleansing supplements.