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Healing Your Gut – Overcoming Candida Overgrowth, Part 4

Current Healing Path

A nutritionist friend introduced me to a mind-blowing book called, Medical Medium by Anthony William. He believes Candida, and many other health situations, are actually “mystery illnesses.” William suggests that Candida is a side effect, not the actual culprit of what is really going on.

He turned what my western doctors and even naturopaths have recommended – on its head. Everyone has told me I no longer produce enough hydrochloric acid for my digestive system to effectively break foods down. Yet no one has had a plan to strengthen it other than enzymes (which I still take now – they offer some support), Apple Cider Vinegar before a meal, which did nothing, and HCL (supplements to rebuild it, which didn’t do the job). William suggests a unique program with food to repair the hydrochloric acid within 3 months which I’m considering. I found his successful case study inspiring so I took a few other steps. I’m a firm believer in the power of ‘baby steps.’ Any size makes a difference when one is moving forward!

Here’s what IS working:

• He suggested eating fruit for the antioxidants and fiber. Most candida diets say to avoid it.I’m sticking with organic mixed berries and an organic Granny Smith Apple – a couple servings a day and this is working well for me. I also have about ½ an avocado each day (technically a fruit) as it’s such a healthy fat source (and delicious too).
• I had gone off of my Gluten Free organic oatmeal and replaced it with eggs. He recommends having at least 1 serving a day of a grain for the fiber. I’m having my oatmeal again, with the mixed berries in it, and am now having more productive BMs (I know TMI – yet this is critical for healing).
• He recommends either cutting out animal proteins or at least minimizing to every day or other day (only 1 serving) and making up the difference with greens, sprouts or other vegetables – and some limited servings of nuts, seeds. Wild Salmon is the best choice for protein (as a meat source). Hydrochloric acid is likely damaged by overeating protein as it takes a lot of effort for the digestive system to break it down. The combination of low hydrochloric acid and high protein meals contributes to bloating, stomach discomfort, constipation, and/or fatigue. I’ve reduced portion size and also am alternating between 1-2 days on having a serving of protein. I’m measuring out ¼ cup of sunflower seeds as a substitute and am exploring other possibilities.

Below is a chart which may be helpful:

So far these nutritional changes have made a difference. I haven’t had any bloating or constipation and my energy level has been higher. I will let you know next week about the food plan William recommends to improve hydrochloric acid and overall digestive health. I’m “almost” ready to take another step! I wish you the clarity and wisdom to make the right choices for your health – and the courage to step into them.

Prior Healing Path 6 years ago – What Worked and What Didn’t

Along with taking supplements and following a strict diet plan as mentioned in my previous article, Dr. Humiston recommended I do a few liver cleanses. Since the liver is the critical detox organ of the body, it needs assistance so it can effectively eliminate the Candida. I spaced the cleanses out every 4-6 weeks during week-ends as it is a two-day process. Drinking the mixture of Epsom salts, which I later chased with olive oil, did not taste good, yet it sure helped. The racing thoughts I experienced in the middle of the night which kept me awake quieted down, and I felt some relief from the constant bloating. Here’s a link to the same liver cleanse he recommends: http://www.curezone.com/clark.  Just scroll down to the area on cleanses and click Liver.

After three liver cleanses I retook my Liver Function Test and my AST and ALT numbers had come down significantly. The commitment to my health and giving up fun week-end plans had been worth it.

Unfortunately the supplement program Dr. Humiston recommended did not work as well for me. The liver cleanse and step one kept the bloating at bay yet as soon as I began step two, the nightly distension returned. He suggested I repeat step one as not everyone had the same reaction to the supplements, some people needed more time. I felt my stomach drop like an elevator. Another month? Turning down social invitations to meet friends at either restaurants or for meals at their homes had been difficult. Feeling I had no other options, I extended the plan.

He also recommended I go off all supplements, the Candida program and any others I took for five days to see if I might be having some type of reaction. After this experiment, nothing had changed. My typical pattern was to wake up with a flat stomach, begin bloating around lunch-time and gradually reach full distension by nighttime. This continued.

Throughout this process I kept a detailed journal of the foods I ate, supplements taken, exercise, and anything else which could impact my health. Nothing made sense. I also had some consultations with a naturopath and holistic nutritionist. She recommended I take Calm, Magnesium Powder which eased the chronic constipation and helped me fall asleep. She also suggested I take stomach enzymes to aid digestion and to make sure I chewed my food slowly (about 30 chews before swallowing). When we “eat on the run” we’re often gulping air down with our food which can contribute to bloating.

During steps two and three I experienced stomachaches, nausea, and some dizziness along with headaches-normal reactions to the toxins releasing. Yet after four months my bloating and distension issues persisted. Dr. Humiston encouraged me to repeat the program and remain on the limited diet for another 3 months. Since Candida is not easy to remedy I stuck with the program. As a Candida sufferer himself, he shared that he does regular liver cleanses and repeats the program, or aspects of it, when it reemerges (about once a year). I did not find this reassuring.

Seven months later after completing the supplement program twice, my symptoms remained. Many people have had successful results from this regimen http://www.candidamd.com/store/index.html , yet it does not work for everyone. In spite of all the time and energy I’d invested, I refused to give up. This whole process taught me to be an advocate for myself. The Philosopher, Nietzche, once said: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I had a renewed energy to resolve my condition, not only for myself yet also for anyone else who might experience it.

Stay tuned for the final article, Part 5 where I will share how I finally healed from Candida Overgrowth six years ago.