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Calling all Candida Sufferers
Started
by Karen Ericson
on April 16, 2010
I just started the candida diet yesterday and so far so good. I did get a withdrawal headache this afternoon but it wasn't too bad. Of course I'm craving haagen dazs chocolate ice cream bars at this moment but instead I will eat raw cashews/walnuts. 2 days down, 2 months and 28 days to go! haha! I too am looking for some easy to grab snacks. The last time I did this diet, I snacked on veggies with hummus or rice chips and hummus from Trader Joe's..so yummy! You can also eat a variety of raw nuts.. but stay way from peanuts.
As far as Threelac goes, I did look into it but certain things about it made me feel weary. I think if you do a google search on it, you will find a lot of info on it. Some say it was a miraculous cure for candida and others said it didn't really work at all for them. Also, there is a strain of bacteria in it that is banned in Australia?! Like I said, just google it and find out more info.
I meant to say that Threelac is banned in Australia because of the specific bacterium that is in the product.
Hi Karen--I just posted a reply related to this very apropos topic on Alicia's "Health" post featuring yeast.
I'm so excited to share that I have newly-learned remedy (the quickest-acting by far) for yeast infections that strike right where we bring forth life (ironic isn't it?). GARLIC! Place a garlic clove in a gauze and leave it in there for 12 hours. You'll see a notable difference in minutes. Make sure the gauze long enough for easy removal. Who knows what sort of vegan concoction you can cook up if you leave it in and forget all about it ;D
Yeast: It's the beast, ain't it? Please visit my profile and check out under my "Notes" I've posted a lot of information there detailing foods that work towards being candida free and those that don't. I also have some recipe suggestions.
Well, it's Day 3 of the cleanse for me and I'm starting to feel pretty good. I had trouble sleeping last night (which I heard can happen when kicking sugar) but I'm still wide awake and full of energy this morning. The rash on my forehead and cheeks looks a little bit better. We had the Fried Udon Noodles recipe last night from TKD (I subbed black bean noodles) and it was good and satisfying. I also picked up some Lundberg Brown Rice Cakes and almond butter so that will be a good snack this afternoon. How are things going for everyone else?
I tried a 2 week candida cleanse called 'Vital Cleanse' by Gaia Herbs but didn't really feel a difference until I started TKD. When I started TKD a little over a week ago I felt amazing. But then we had a RockBand get together at my house on Saturday and I had two rum&cokes and someone brought stacks of movie candy. Needless to say I majorly fell off the wagon and I'm paying for it. I felt and immediate sugar rush that made me nauseaus beyond belief, my skin rash is out of control and felt constipated. Bounced back yesterday though by visiting a local CSA I am joining. I took my little guy and he loved walking around and seeing all the trees, flowers and vegetable gardens. Even my carnivore husband was excited about all the freshly grown veggies and fruits and joining the CSA.
I'm on day 4 and doing great! I still have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, I'm not sure why this is or if it has to do with candida but I literally feel like I have mono when I first wake up every morning. Anyway, I too bought the lundberg rice cakes and almond butter. I heard it's ok to have granny smith apples on the candida diet but I don't know if I believe it? Did anyone else hear this? I hear that they have minimal sugar because they're more of a sour apple?? If I can eat this apple with almond butter, I'd be a very happy lady. :) I also snack on rice chips and hummus which is totally satisying and so good. Day 3 and 4 have been wonderful.. I haven't been constipated and I haven't had any sugar cravings at all. For dinner tonight, I sauteed escarole in olive oil and garlic and paired it with white beans and put it over red quinoa. Very delicious and filling. Talk to you soon and keep up the good work!
Day 4 over here, too! My rash is looking better each day. Sounds like things are going well for you, too Karen - yay! I heard that as well about the granny smith apples. Maybe next week I will incorporate that in.
Last night I made Gingered Green Beans w/Hijiki and Pressed Salad from TKD. Very satisfying. I'm not having any cravings or anything. We are having a taco day at work today so I'm not looking forward to everyone asking me why I brought my own lunch. I'm used to those questions being vegan, but there are options I could have ate as a vegan, but can't now as a Candida sufferer. So far the most stress of this Candida cleanse comes from social situations. This weekend we are visiting friends in Chicago. They have a Whole Foods near their apartment so that is a blessing, but it's still awkward since I can't drink, eat at restaurants, etc.
How does everyone else handle social situations? Do you guys tell people or just be vague? I'm worried people will associate it with my veganism and think it's impossible to be vegan when really my restrictions are b/c of the Candida.
I've been looking into candida a little bit and wondering if my various problems might be related to that (acne, skin itchiness and rashes, pms, dandruff, sweet cravings, etc.). What are some good websites and books to find out more? Is this something that only alternative medicine practitioners would diagnose?
Melissa - I agree that it's important to show people how easy it is to be vegan. I would just tell people you think you have a yeast sensivity (or your doctor suspects you do or you're allergic to yeast, etc.), so you have to stay clear of wheat, beer, etc. You don't have to go too much into it but people will be more sympathetic when they realize it's a medical thing.
Granny smith apples once a day on a Candida cleanse is okay, but only if you're dizzy, lightheaded and getting headaches.
Another thing I would recommend:
Find someone you work with who has similar dietary restrictions and have a lunchpool where you take turns bringing in lunches for each other. Not only can you share recipes, but others will watch the two of you in envy as you eat large portions of delicious, guilt-free meals and be curious, if not encouraging as in, "What are you two eating today? Looks so good! I wish I could make something like that." Then you can share your recipes with others.
I've been doing that for the last year and some co-workers are now considering becoming a vegetarian!
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