I Got Some “Good” News Yesterday

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Hi, I'm Tina!

Iā€™m the owner of Carrots ā€˜Nā€™ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P). I use macros and functional nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

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I have a candida overgrowth!

I know… you’re probably thinking: “WTF, why would anyone be excited about that?” Well, after years and years of searching for answers, I finally feel like things are starting to make sense. Hopefully!

Photo by monica di loxley on Unsplash

Ok, so I was a little hesitant to share this news on the blog and social media because of what people might think (and say). I mean, candida is a yeast overgrowth. It sounds pretty gross. But even if one person can benefit from this information, it’s worth it. Plus, I know there are readers and followers who are lost and struggling with their health, so this could possibly be an avenue to explore. Candida issues are actually really common. Obviously, I’m not a doctor, but if any of this sounds familiar, please chat with your appropriate health professional.

Let’s start with the basics…

All sorts of fungi live in and on the human body, including yeasts known as candida. Candida is typically found in small amounts in the mouth, intestines, and on the skin. At normal levels, it’s not a problem and most people have some candida in their system. However, when Candida begins to grow uncontrollably, it can causes all sorts of health issues. Typically, the healthy bacteria in your body keep candida levels under control. But if healthy bacteria levels are disrupted or the immune system is compromised (aka autoimmune diseases), candida can begin to overproduce.

Here are some factors that can lead to candida overgrowth:

  • Taking antibiotics – I took antibiotics 4 times in 2008 and another 2 times (strong ones) in 2019 as well as a ton of them as a kid and teenager (acne meds)
  • Taking oral contraceptives – I took them for 15 years before getting pregnant.
  • A weakened immune system – Yep, thanks to UC and the various drugs I’ve been on over the years.
  • Using steroids – I was on and off Prednisone for 2 years.
  • High alcohol intake – I wouldn’t say high, but I like(d) to have a few glasses of wine each week.
  • Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbs – I mean, I like dessert.
  • High stress levels – 2017 and 2018 were rough years for me.
  • Diabetes

Common candida symptoms (from Dr. Amy Meyers):

  • Skin and nail fungal infections such as athleteā€™s foot, ringworm, and toenail fungus
  • Feeling tired and worn down or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
  • Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
  • Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimotoā€™s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis
  • Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and/or brain fog
  • Skin issues including eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
  • Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching
  • Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
  • Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

Can you relate to the risk factors and symptoms above? I’ve experienced some of the symptoms, and I basically checked all of the boxes for risk factors, so I guess you could say I’m not all that surprised by my diagnosis.

The test that my functional practitioner recommended was the “Candidiasis FingerStick” from Alletess Medical Labs. It measures various candida antibodies in your blood (IgM, IgA, IgG), which may suggest overgrowth. This overgrowth could be of digestive, respiratory (i.e. my gross cough), nasal, oral, genital, or urinary tract origin. There are other tests available as well as the DIY “spit test.”

So, now my basic treatment plan looks like this:

1. Anti-candida diet for a minimum of 3 months. Basically, starve the “yeasty beasties” by removing the foods that feed it. Giving up peanut butter (mold) is going to be hard! I’m also starting Betaine HCl to help with my digestion since I failed the “burp test” so badly.
2. After 2-3 weeks on the candida diet, start an herbal anti-fungal(s) to destroy candidaā€™s cell walls while supporting microbe balance in the GI tract and discouraging the growth of yeast. We might need to try a few different ones, and Diflucan is potentially on the table as well.
3. Repopulate gut with good bacteria using a high-potency probiotic to keep candida under control.
So, that’s the plan! I’m excited to get started and, hopefully, move in the right direction as far as getting me out of this flare once and for all. My practitioner even thinks that the yeast overgrowth may have even lead to my ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Isn’t that nuts? When I look back at what was going on in my life (i.e. antibiotics, birth control, beer, lots of wheat bread, stress), it’s definitely possible! I’m really hoping for the best with this plan of attack. I’m so sick of being sick!
If you have any experience with candida, please send it my way! I have a feeling these next 3 months are going to be tough (wahhh, no wine), but totally transformative! šŸ™‚
If you’re interested in learning more, my practitioner suggested The Yeast Connection by William Crook, MD. I just ordered it and can’t wait to dive in!

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