My Candida Story |
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My Candida Story: How I found out that I had Candida and lots of allergies
After years of being ill - tonsillitus, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, constant fatigue, sinusitis, colds, flu, chest rashes, and terrible period pains - I suddenly developed a serious hacking and wheezing cough in 1994 which was later diagnosed as asthma (as a last resort diagnosis). The asthma got worse and I nearly went to hospital. I did not want to keep taking the treatments and thought that now was the time to find out what I was allergic to.
I felt that my constant chronic illnesses and allergy type symptoms were getting worse since I had moved to my idyllic cottage in the Forest of Dean and was worried that I was allergic to my cats, or to old damp cottages, or the trees or flowers or the area. I did not know what to do and the NHS was not interested in allergies. The only thing that I was offered was a blood test to find out if I had glandular fever and a future of asthma inhalers. I knew there had to be more and I tried to be vegetarian and sometimes vegan. This diet did not help and I was very confused, but I did manage to learn to eat vegetables on a grander scale which was something that I had not really done previously.
Finally a friend gave me an address for Food and Chemical Allergy Screening in Gloucester, a centre which does not use needles!!. I telephoned for an appointment and was given a 2 hour session with a wonderful lady practitioner, Joy Bradley-Roake. She asked me many questions of my medical history and then started to do some basic allergy testing. I am totally scared of needles and was amazed at the muscle technique that was used. This technique relied on the principle that a substance which was not tolerated by the body when placed in the centre of the body energy paths, would cause the body's energy to become weak. It is usually called Kinesiology or muscle-testing and more people are able to offer this service.
The technique is very simple, harmless, painless and very quick and cheap, it is a shame that it is not more widely known and is not available on the NHS. I had to lie down, baring my tummy, which was then covered with a paper towel. I was then shown how to stretch out my arm in three directions, pushing slightly against Joy's when asked to push. Then a series of test-tubes of substances were placed on the paper on my tummy. All substances were unknown to me. For each substance I was asked to push my arm in each of 3 directions.
I was sceptical about the technique working and I successfully pushed in all 3 directions for the first substance. I was told that this was potato and I was OK with it. Good. Then the second substance was put on my tummy and when asked to stretch out my arm and push - I COULD NOT. I was amazed, my arm was weak and limp and could not push anything. Bad News, I was allergic to oranges. This was the start of a list of things that I found myself allergic to over the next 2 sessions. I am allergic to sugar, salt, yeast, dairy, citrus, peanuts, alcohol, coffee, cocoa, petrol, diesel, smoke, electricity, moulds, tap water, fluoride, and some other chemicals.
I was also tested for Candida, something which I knew little about. Although I have recently found out that many people have a blood test for this, I was relieved that my levels of Candida could be measured using this simple muscle technique. The technique involves placing jars of live spores of Nystatin (which can be used to treat Candida, but which has serious side effects) on my tummy. If my arm is weak then I have Candida. Then a number of jars are added until my arm is strong again, (until the levels of Candida in my body were equal to amount of Nystatin needed to neutralise it). My Candida level on the 29th January 1997 was 49 1/2!!!. I was told that this was extremely high, that I had had Candida for a long time and that this was probably causing most of my allergic responses. I had to reduce my Candida levels and then my immune system could start to cope better with many of the substances that it was not currently tolerating. I was also tested for low levels of zinc which is common with Candida sufferers, they were negative 38!. I was a bit overwhelmed and vowed to read up on Candida.
How I started my Candida Regime
I was told to avoid all the substances that I was allergic to and to take sea-salt and filtered water only. I went out and bought a filter jug for my home and for work. I then bought some books and tried to figure out what I could eat. I bought non-fluoride toothpaste and a purple disk which helps me to counteract electricity (especially computers!!). I could not take the advice of staying away from cars and petrol stations and all electrical goods. This was too much for a career woman in the 1990s!. I also had to give up milk, bread and coffee. THIS IS GOING TO BE HARD. I live on these 3 items. I was surprised that tea which I HATE, I was not allergic to, but I now know that this is because I have never built up an intolerance to it. I also needed to search for some good health food shops.
I found it hard but not impossible to start my new regime. It was very hard to give up coffee and bread, but use of tea, oat milk and soya milk, non-dairy margarine and baking of my own non-yeast bread helped. It was very hard to start liking water and to drinks lots of it. I started by forcing down 1/2 glass in the morning and 1/2 glass in the evening. I was told to rotate what I eat, but I find that this is impossible. I alternate porridge or bread for breakfast, and rice-cakes or potatoes for lunch. I find eating at work very difficult and am living on cashew butter and rice-cakes, or chips from the canteen. Using a filter jug at work, means using my own kettle and this is making me feel an unsociable freak. Fortunately most people have been kind, but when I tell them that I have Candida they do start to worry. In fact I find it more useful to say that my immune system has broken down, this gets more beneficial responses from people.
Benefits and Reactions
So what are the benefits? I found that as I started the new diet, I was very ill for the first week. My catarrh and sinus problems then cleared up amazingly (although there are some occasional mild relapses). This must have been the dairy allergy. I also found that as someone who often slept for 24 hours, I started to wake up in the mornings!! I was really happy and this helped me keep to the diet. I now feel more calmer and less depressive or manic. I do have reactions to something ie, petrol and diesel from cars - especially on my walk to and from the health food shop!!!!
How have I done? What is my current progress?
MARCH/APRIL 1997: The diet is not as hard as I expected. I did not have lots of die-off symptoms and was pleased to find that sinus problems, colds asthma cough are clearing up. I had some dairy by mistake ( I used the wrong margarine ) and it gave me a very bad reaction. Like having food poisoning and flu at the same time. I will have to watch this when I go out. Contact with cars and perfumes makes me very tired, but this cannot be avoided, only catered for with lots of rest after meetings or long journeys. People have noticed a difference in me and many people have told me that my face is less puffy, with no more black bags under my eyes. My skin and hair have become a lot drier, which means that spots are going, but lots of moisturiser is now needed. My Candida is down to 38.
MAY/JUNE: The current bad news is that I am now going through the phase of getting rid of the Candida. Unfortunately this means lots of cold sores, mouth ulcers and painful diarrhoea. Still I hope that it will be worth it. I have been tested 3 times for Candida now. This is very good and I hope to keep up the good work. Good news, my Candida is down to 32 units and my zinc levels are increasing. I am surviving this diet which is a miracle knowing that I never managed to ever survive a slimming diet more than a week. I think that oat-cakes and cashews are getting me through. Also by cooking in bulk and freezing, I can have a quick meal (microwave) whenever I need to eat fast. May not be the most nutritional way of eating, but I can concentrate upon nutrition when I get better.
JULY/AUGUST: Bad news, I ended up in hospital. My diarrhoea and stomach aches were getting worse. Then one Sunday morning after a few days of travel, hotels and hot conditions, I got the worse stomach pain ever known. It went on and on and I could not go to the toilet. I rang the doctor who said it was probably wind and use a hot water bottle!!. I was in tears of pain on the phone, I couldn't even tell the doctor where I lived, I could hear him speaking on the phone, but I was on the floor and could not move. I finally managed to move to the bathroom and I am not sure what happened after that, but the doctor turned up and found that my temperature, my pulse and blood pressure were all extremely low and I was sent to hospital. Now the very bad news. Don't go to the GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROYAL HOSPITAL, because they do not cater for Candida or allergy sufferers. I was told that I could not go home until I had drank and eaten, but I explained my Candida and allergies to several people, who treated me as if I was lying or being duped. No-one who served foods or drinks could provide me with anything that I was allowed to eat. Everyone said that the hospital did not serve mineral water!! (so tough). I got more thirsty (it was August and very hot) and hungry. I could not go home without eating but no-one would give me anything I could eat. I felt lonely, depressed and really upset. One doctor threw my notes on my bed as I told him that I just wanted to get out and go home and get something to eat and drink. I have never been treated so badly before. The dietician was called who after listening to my diet told me that I should eat more dairy or I would get osteoporosis!. (Note vegans dont seem to get it, only people who have a high dairy diet!). I finally got to eat some microwaved white fish and broad beans and a car to take me home that evening. I WILL NEVER WILLINGLY GO THERE AGAIN. I do not know what happened, the doctors were not helpful. My own allergist was on holiday at the time, but at my next meeting, she said that it was probably lots of Candida being killed and gave me some Bach flower remedies to get over the shock. My Candida levels had gone down to 23.
SEP/OCT: I have started my new job as a lecturer and I have also started getting back my old symptoms of sore, itchy throats, runny nose, cartarrh and prick, sneezing nose. This is keeping me awake and draining my energy. I also had a bad attack of dizzyness and sickness when I started my induction course in a classroom that had just been cleaned with some very strong solvents. I am now very disheartened and feel that it is unfair. I should be getting better, not worse. I got a letter from the hospital to go back for some test, the time was inconvenient but as I cancelled for another appointment, my anger got the best of me and I told them that I never wanted to set foot in the hospital again. Fortunately my stomach pains have not come back so I do not feel that I need to have an enema, sigmoidscopy and endoscopy. I just need to stop my runny nose, now 2 months worth. I can't afford the paper tissues. My Candida is down to 18.Zinc levels are slowly increasing.
NOV/DEC: Well I am not feeling full of energy, but I am getting to grips with my new job. I could really do with a week off, just to rest and sleep, but I will have to wait until christmas. I am still having recurring blocked nose, headaches and lots of sneezing, but cant decide why. I am resolved to drinking more water to help me clear away all the dead candida yeasties. Great news, my Candida test score is now down to 12.5. This is great news, is the water helping? Still don't feel great so I decided to have a wonderful massage. This was nice but the effects did not seem to be greatand I also had the worse period ever, I thought I was haemorrhaging, I decided no more healing massages.
JAN/FEB: A great rest at Christmas (well a couple of days) and perhaps the late effects of the massage, have left me feeling quite wonderful. Not sure how long this good feeling will last. Tummy problems seem to be much better. Perhaps drinking water is very good, but I cannot manage more than 1 glass. My new year's resolution is to try and do some exercise every day. Currently this is starting off as a few Yoga stretches. When I get more energy, then I can do some aerobic exercise (just now I do a few dances at home with my 80s disco CD!). Baddish News. Went for Candida and Zinc checks. Candida only down to 9 BUT zinc level has not improved much since last September. Need to double my vitamin and mineral dosage. Probably stress as teacher with marking, preparing and lecturing is to blame. I am keeping up a small exercise program and have not cheated on the diet. I do feel better and have more concentration, but it is very difficult being unsociable especially at Christmas. I survived by staying at home and stir-frying an expensive lobster. It was a treat. Still I will become better, I will become better etc etc.
MAR/APR: Work still very hard and stressful, but at least I am feeling more confident and healthier than usual. I was OK until Easter when I had 4 days of very bad food poisoning symptoms. Kept hoping that I would not end up back in hospital. I sometimes wish that there was something to eat, but manage to get through the day with cups of tea, herbal or ordinary. I have discovered pop-corn. I have a bought a new pan for the popcorn and I put in a tablespoon of olive oil and one corn kernel. With the lid on, I put in on a medium high heat and wait to hear the pop. Then I add a small handful of corn and shake every minute until all the corn has popped. Then I add sea salt and stuff myself. It is very good. It will help me get through the next few weeks. My test is at beginning of May. Hope to get down to 4 or so units. I have also discovered that Rivita is great and helps me alot. I can have this and some PURE spread.
MAY/JUNE: Can't believe it!!!!!! Candida level 0Yes its true, my test showed that I have no more Candida in my gut, though probably still have some in my system. I also was amazed that my zinc levels suddenly rose and are now nearly normal. This I am truly thankful for. I definitely feel lots better, and was told that my food poisoning session was probably the last lot of Candida going. My allergist then tested me on everything again, to see if my allergy profile had changed. It had. I was now possibly OK on yeast, mushrooms, oranges, peanuts, coffee, cocoa, lemons, salt, watches and flouride. However, I need to challenge these allergies to see if they really have disappeared. This means that I have to eat the pure substance each day for 4 days. If I have no reaction, then I can introduce this substance into my diet up to twice a week, whilst I am still improving my immune system. Every 3 weeks I can introduce another substance. If I have a reaction, then I have to wait a week on a strict Candida diet and try again. If there is a reaction, then I continue to avoid the substance. I was really surprised that I could try to eat things again so soon. I started with Vegemite. Unfortunately I think I had a bad reaction. I also tried mushrooms twice, and both times my tongue swelled with lots of mouth ulcers - is this a bad reaction. I am determined to be positive. OK so no marmite, no mushrooms, well oranges and lemons could be possible and that means that I may be able to have hummus, and tinned tomatoes (citric acid). Here's hoping.
JULY/AUG: Well I failed with many of the substances and got fed up of being ill all the time. After two weeks back on the strict diet, I felt better. I was really depressed that I have not achieved any success. Still I had the holidays to look forward to and was going to do some gardening. I then started to get ill again. Infact by beginning of August, I was back to square one with asthma, headaches, stomach troubles, lethargy, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throats etc. I went back for check-up with allergist who found out that I was now allergic to rye - (no more rivita). I was really depressed. One weeks later, most things were better but I was really fed up and had become a couch potato. Then the landscaper arrived, the sun arrived and I felt ready to tackle the garden. However, I then became very allergic to something - my bedroom. I couldn't sleep and finally went on the anti-hystamines. However three days later, the sun went in and I was OK again. I can't believe it - I seem to be allergic to to my bedroom when the SUN SHINES. Candida level 0 in gut but still lots in the tissues.
SEP/OCT/NOV: Well I have spent morning on toilet, having woken up with bad headache, at 1.30 in the afternoon. I think this is the result of trying mushrooms. So another 3 months later and I have had no improvement on the outside. I have had tonisillitus, bad colds, headaches, a 4 week old bad cough and I still feel tired and fed up. Is it worth it? I don't know any more, work is quite hard and stressful, my mum has lots of problems and in the last month (Nov) nearly everything in my house has broken down,(toilet, washing m/c, hot water, fridge etc) including my computer hard disk and backup tape. I hope that Dec will be better (can it be any worse?) I went to my allergist at end of Nov and she found that my allergies have decreased (in theory). I am now only allergic to sucrose, glucose, lactose, coffee, cocoa, cigarette smoke and electricity. This means chemicals have disappeared which means that I may be able to have tap water (and I suppose alcohol!!) However, in practice I am still trying yeast which I wasn't allergic to in May so I am not too excited. I am now going to take extra vitamins, and echinacea and I have an appointment with a reflexologist. It is my birthday on the 7th Dec, I will be 38. How do I celebrate, I feel that I am getting old and still have no social life and no idea of when I may be able to get one. Thank goodness for the internet, please keep your emails coming. Candida level 0 in gut but obviously still lots of immune system problems
Dec/Jan: Well I am now a year older and I celebrated by having some reflexology treatment, I will have more in January and chose this rather than acupuncture. The reflexologist in the Forest of Dean has had candida herself and said that I had very little energy for her to work with. I hope that with some more treatments I will start to have more energy and feel better. At present I feel almost as worse as when I started, nearly two years ago. I tried to start the year positively but it lasted a week, maybe it is the weather. Half-way through this month it has stopped raining and my cold/flu symptoms are better. I have had my hair coloured and tried citrus and then had lots of really bad headaches. My energy levels are very low, and I am sleeping a lot.
Feb: I have been doing a lot of reading and have been grateful to the Oprah Winfrey shows. I have been doing some of the "change your life" exercises and knew that I had a lot of anger and forgiveness to handle. I wasn't sure what would happen, but I am surprised at the results. I have also been reading the latest Optimum Nutrition book (thank god for Amazon). I finally got rid of the headaches, and my last reflexology session, made me feel a little better (but still no energy). I am taking lots of extra supplements and have got my first organic veg box. I now have really bad stomach pains and for first time in 2 years, no diarrhea for a week. Am I getting better or worse? I am definitely feeling more positive and feel that I am changing into a new person spiritually. To be well is more than gettting rid of Candida. My next test is Monday.
Mar/Apr: Such an amazing month. My journal is filling up and I feel different, hopefully much better. My allergy tests were all clear except for sugar, lactose and cigarette smoke. My zinc levels are normal at long last. My reflexology now shows strong energy in most points. The sun is starting to shine, the daffodils are out and I am sitting eating a tuna salad sandwich with slices of bread from the authentic bread company (health food shops). I have decided that I do not need to be ill any longer, I have rested and learnt and now I want to be well and to join the human race. Well I tried some wonderful bread and I had occasional dizzy spells. But I feel that I am now in charge and am ready to do battle with my mind, body, immune system, life whatever. A couple of weeks later I had some warm pitta bread dipped in hummous (water, salt, citric acid and yeast). One dizzy spell but my stomach expanded like a balloon. Still I enjoyed it while I could. I am now ready to keep trying and I know that by the end of the year, I will be able to eat some things again, but I will never resort to my junk food diet or lifestyle again.Canididiasis a hard battle to win, but I think that I have finally accepted the problem and now feel that I have the power again to stop feeling ill and helpless and am ready to find the energy and strength to live again. I hope that you all manage to fight your battle and emerge a better person.
May/Jun 1999: A very mixed month. I started to feel very tired again and have had to have several reflexology sessions. Only the last one made me feel well again. I was feeling so bad that I am even considering acupuncture. I am also going to see a rebirthing osteopath that was recommeded. I have been reading lots of energy healing books and feel that I want to learn about chakras properly so I will be concentrating upon yoga and meditations with this in mind (although my job etc gets in the way so I am doing from a "down-to-earth" point of view. My recent allergy tests showed that cigarette smoke is now OK. But it is depressing that I still can't touch yeast which changed a year ago. However recent slices of bread have not made such an impact, however I am feeling tired now so perhaps they do a few days later. I am also now saying to hell with it. I have searched for a suitablecereal as I now think that Kellogs Raisin Wheats are causing my stomach problems. I did not find one that I felt OK with. I have now decided that since I have no gut candida then I shall try an organic fruit muesli. I love this and could eat it forever. I hope that I am OK. But it is hard to tell. I will have to test at my next 3 month testing. Am also hoping to try out stevia drops which would be useful in porridge, rice pudding and carrot cake. If I like stevia then definitely cakes become a possibility. Stevia is proving difficult to find in the UK so I may have to get it from the states. I have found that yeast is now making my stomach bloat.
Jul/Aug 1999: Found a source for stevia - The Rio Health Co. Tel: 01273-691226. They do stevia green leaf (horrible taste) and white extract powder (30g tun = £10.99). At last the summer holidays and I am feeling much better from not driving. I am hoping to go hiking with a friend and will cope with bloating from sandwiches. I have come across an allergist who believes that if you try foods that you have not eaten for a long time then you will get reactions. This is opposite to what my allergist says but I am going to try this out by having little amounts of organic lemon juice now and then. I am trying a couple of squeezes in mineral water. As you know I dont like water but a hint of lemon makes all the difference. It is certainly getting me through the hot weather. I am also feeling like more fruit and have decided to use a fruit concentrate. I add a very small amount to water and this also helps. I now drink more water and hopefully it is still hydrating. I am also now making some home-made mayonnaise and turning this into cole-slaw. I am not too bad. Lemon juice seems to give me mouth ulcers now but the symptoms are not too bad. I have now decided to try Leslie Kenton's raw food diet ideas. I have been on it for 4 days thanks to increase of fruit allowance and use of coleslaw. I am definitely feeling a bit of a zing which I have not had for a long time. Could be just being on holiday. I have tried stevia as a sugar substitute but have not been impressed, the taste is horrible. I have heard about something called TRUTINA DULCEM (try www.sweetbalance.com or www.sweethealth.com). Am trying to change from Demon to screaming.net to save money, but not had good connections as yet. Hope you are all on a strict candida diet and surviving the initial 6 weeks which are probably the hardest. Enjoy the summer and the eclipse.
Sep/Oct 1999: Thank goodness for the Internet. I have had a sudden passion to find out all about raw food and being a fruitarian. I have bought lots of books and have been trying to be raw. I managed a whole month, but then became ill with flu symptoms and a swollen jaw which I could not open to eat. I am living on the Hallelujah diet now. This is BarleyGreen (found a source in the UK) and then carrot and apple juice during the day with lots of fresh fruit. Then a big salad in the evening. However I am finding this much harder than the Candida diet. I craved potatoes and now I allow myself the occasional roast potatoes and other roast vegetables. I have now finally given up caffeine and have started to drink water - you may recall I hate water, but now I seem to be enjoying filtered water. I have read about this not being so wonderful and the best water is distilled water, so I am saving up. I am expecting my Green Power Juicer soon as I do enjoy carrot juice and would like to do other things. I am also sprouting alphalpha and am trying to follow some dried cracker recipes in Juliano's Raw Uncook Book. My support system is the UK FRESH organisation which have a great email group. ( see http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/karenk/top.html) I am sure that most of you are trying to cope with the Candida diet and this may not be for you, but for those who are recovering and have discovered more about nutrition, then this may be the next step. Anyway I have been eating lots of fruit for 3 months now and I have been tested. My Canida levels are STILL 0. This means that I am going to continue eating lots of raw fruit (cooked fruit will cause the candida to come back) and will report back next year. I think that this is the end of my candida journery. I think I will always be allergic to sugar and dairy, but I am quite OK with this. I am happy now to take lots of apples and bananas to work and eat on these. I will probably be able to keep 70% raw half being raw fruit. My main problems today are finding organic sources. There are two mail order companies on the net and I am trying organics direct. So good luck to everyone. Thanks for all the emails. You can still email me for support. But now I think I am on the RAW FOOD JOURNEY and this probably means a new web-site. Wishing all a good healthy and happy millenium.
Sep 2000: Just had my final candida check. My level is still ZERO. My zinc levels are good and I am still only allergic to sugars, dairy and MSG. Not bad after a year on fruit and salads and some soups and stir-frys over the winter. I have finally got some energy, but had to go to an acupuncturist to get it at the beginning of the year. Not the best experience but it certainly worked. I had low blood pressure and pulse but now I am feeling good. I am still pulled towards a raw food diet, mainly fruits and salads and am pleased that lots of fruit have not brought back my candida. I am about 70% raw over the year with winter being lower and summer being quite high. I am starting to enjoy life again and hope never to be that ill again. Good Luck to all those who follow - it is worth it in the end.
You can mail me at camason@btinternet.com
