Wow, I just noticed there is a follower of this blog. (Oh, it's GloZell. Didn't expect that.) Sorry I don't have much to say lately, but I'm low on time because I'm on the road and I probably will remain on the road for at least a few months.
Now that I'm on the road, it's pretty much impossible to adhere to the anti-Candida diet. The good news is that straying from the diet has not made me feel horrible (yet?). So if you're thinking about trying the diet, go ahead and do it for at least two weeks. I think you'll like the results, and it probably won't take two weeks to start feeling better.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Getting un-carried away
In case there is anyone following this blog, I just want you to know I haven't quit the blog and I haven't quit the anti-Candida diet, nor do I intend to. It's just that my mind has been on other things lately and I don't think there's really been much to say.
I've lost 10 or 15 pounds in the last 2 or 3 weeks, due to a combination of reasons. (At 5-foot-10, I now weigh less than 140 lbs, so I really didn't need to lose any weight.) The first reason I've lost weight, I guess, is that I kind of got sick of spending so much time cooking and preparing anti-Candida meals, in addition to constantly reading new stuff about Candida. At some point I became fed up with structuring my whole life around fighting Candida, so I took a break from what had become something of an obsession. But instead of reverting back to my old eating habits any more than I already had, I just kinda stopped eating. I thought about trying a fast, but I wouldn't call this a fast because I have eaten something every day, I think.
To be clear, I never really reverted back to my old diet. I just slacked off a little bit for a couple weeks. For the most part, I've felt very good since a week after I started the diet (early June, I think). But I know I'm nowhere near finished with this fight, and I don't want to wipe out all the progress I've made.
However, I'll be hitting the road in less than two weeks to do another round of Aimless. I'll probably be on the road for several months, and I will usually be broke and kitchenless. Consequently, there is no way I'll be able to maintain a diet remotely resembling an anti-Candida diet unless I eat nothing but granny smith apples, which is probably what I'll try for a while.
The good thing is that I'll be getting way more than enough exercise. I'll average about ten miles walking per day (if not more), carrying at least 50 pounds of gear at all times. Some days I will walk around 30 miles and some days I'll hardly walk at all, but 10 to 15 miles is normal. I can tell you from experience that this can be pretty damn brutal, particularly in conjunction with all the other aspects of tramping (like basically being homeless). So hopefully it won't be too much exercise and will not push my body so hard that Candida starts taking over again.
Oh yeah, and I quit smoking about three weeks ago. I only smoked 4 or 5 cigarettes a day, which I really don't think caused me much harm, but I guess there just comes a time to stop giving your money to people who don't deserve it, so I quit.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
I've lost 10 or 15 pounds in the last 2 or 3 weeks, due to a combination of reasons. (At 5-foot-10, I now weigh less than 140 lbs, so I really didn't need to lose any weight.) The first reason I've lost weight, I guess, is that I kind of got sick of spending so much time cooking and preparing anti-Candida meals, in addition to constantly reading new stuff about Candida. At some point I became fed up with structuring my whole life around fighting Candida, so I took a break from what had become something of an obsession. But instead of reverting back to my old eating habits any more than I already had, I just kinda stopped eating. I thought about trying a fast, but I wouldn't call this a fast because I have eaten something every day, I think.
To be clear, I never really reverted back to my old diet. I just slacked off a little bit for a couple weeks. For the most part, I've felt very good since a week after I started the diet (early June, I think). But I know I'm nowhere near finished with this fight, and I don't want to wipe out all the progress I've made.
However, I'll be hitting the road in less than two weeks to do another round of Aimless. I'll probably be on the road for several months, and I will usually be broke and kitchenless. Consequently, there is no way I'll be able to maintain a diet remotely resembling an anti-Candida diet unless I eat nothing but granny smith apples, which is probably what I'll try for a while.
The good thing is that I'll be getting way more than enough exercise. I'll average about ten miles walking per day (if not more), carrying at least 50 pounds of gear at all times. Some days I will walk around 30 miles and some days I'll hardly walk at all, but 10 to 15 miles is normal. I can tell you from experience that this can be pretty damn brutal, particularly in conjunction with all the other aspects of tramping (like basically being homeless). So hopefully it won't be too much exercise and will not push my body so hard that Candida starts taking over again.
Oh yeah, and I quit smoking about three weeks ago. I only smoked 4 or 5 cigarettes a day, which I really don't think caused me much harm, but I guess there just comes a time to stop giving your money to people who don't deserve it, so I quit.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
After nearly four weeks...
This is kind of an update, I guess. Not much to report, though, because the anti-Candida diet has made me feel tons better. Almost four weeks into the diet, I have felt fantastic for at least the last three weeks.
The last couple days, however, I've felt some minor symptoms like headache and nausea. Nothing like the headaches and nausea I had before I began the anti-Candida diet, though. Not even close.
I suspect one of two possible causes for these symptoms:
Here's why I think it might be my diet: I've eaten some things the last couple days that don't fit into the anti-Candida diet. It's not like I've gone on a binge or anything, but I've certainly loosened up the rules. The no-no items I've eaten include Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, milk (with the cereal), sour cream, cheddar cheese, and corn tortillas. I'll get back to the program and see if that makes a difference.
I don't know; maybe it's a combination of both prospective causes. Since I never experienced any serious die-off symptoms when I began the diet, I don't know what true die-off feels like. But because I'm pretty sure I've already killed off a lot of the pesky Candida, I also don't think the dietary cheating is responsible for the slight return of symptoms. We'll see.
And if you're wondering why I never experienced any serious die-off symptoms, it's probably because I've forced myself to drink tons of water. Probably at least a gallon of water per day (which is supposedly a lot more than adequate for a 150-pound guy like myself).
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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The last couple days, however, I've felt some minor symptoms like headache and nausea. Nothing like the headaches and nausea I had before I began the anti-Candida diet, though. Not even close.
I suspect one of two possible causes for these symptoms:
- Candida die-off, or
- Slacking on my diet.
Here's why I think it might be my diet: I've eaten some things the last couple days that don't fit into the anti-Candida diet. It's not like I've gone on a binge or anything, but I've certainly loosened up the rules. The no-no items I've eaten include Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, milk (with the cereal), sour cream, cheddar cheese, and corn tortillas. I'll get back to the program and see if that makes a difference.
I don't know; maybe it's a combination of both prospective causes. Since I never experienced any serious die-off symptoms when I began the diet, I don't know what true die-off feels like. But because I'm pretty sure I've already killed off a lot of the pesky Candida, I also don't think the dietary cheating is responsible for the slight return of symptoms. We'll see.
And if you're wondering why I never experienced any serious die-off symptoms, it's probably because I've forced myself to drink tons of water. Probably at least a gallon of water per day (which is supposedly a lot more than adequate for a 150-pound guy like myself).
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Garlic
From Fungus Focus:
What they're saying here is that there is absolutely no need for you to take any prescription drugs to combat your Candida overgrowth. There is basically only one drug that can even help at all, but this drug is less effective than simple, cheap garlic. Additionally, with garlic you'll never have to worry about side effects.
I just ate ten spoonfuls of raw chopped garlic. That's equivalent to about one head of garlic.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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According to a research report from Loma Linda University, garlic extract strengthens the immune system by helping the body's white blood cells gobble up enemy germs. Garlic has demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans in both animal and test tube studies. Greater anti-Candida activity has resulted from exposing Candida to garlic, than to nystatin - the most common prescription drug used to fight Candida. No clinical studies of garlic in the treatment of candidiasis have yet been conducted. However, some doctors suggest an intake equal to approximately one clove (4 grams) of fresh garlic per day; this would equal consumption of a garlic tablet that provides a total allicin potential of 4,000 to 5,000 mcg.
Garlic is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Garlic has been known to detoxify the body by cleansing the kidneys and increasing urine flow. Furthermore, Garlic's healing properties make it an ideal agent for fighting colds and flu, bacteria, and fungi. Garlic has also been used for lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, and treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
What they're saying here is that there is absolutely no need for you to take any prescription drugs to combat your Candida overgrowth. There is basically only one drug that can even help at all, but this drug is less effective than simple, cheap garlic. Additionally, with garlic you'll never have to worry about side effects.
I just ate ten spoonfuls of raw chopped garlic. That's equivalent to about one head of garlic.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What's the cause?
Have you ever wondered what causes your chronic illness or illnesses? Yeah, well so have I. Not just my own illnesses, but some of your illnesses, too. So I did a little digging, and here's what I found out about the causes of many common contemporary illnesses (listed in alphabetical order):
Acne
"The cause of pimples is unknown." -acne.org
Asthma
"The exact cause of asthma isn't known."
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Attention Deficit Disorder
"Despite intensive research, the exact origins of ADD and ADHD have yet to be determined." - The Health Center (See my note near the end of this post.)
Autism
"There is no known single cause for autism..." -Autism Society of America
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-depression)
"The cause of bipolar disorder is not entirely known." -Psych Central
Canker Sores
"The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear..." -Mayo Clinic
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
"The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown." -Medicine Plus
Crohn's Disease
"The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown." -medicinenet.com
Dandruff
"The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) is unknown. Most experts do know, though, that it is not caused by poor hygiene." -Medical News Today
Eczema
"The cause of eczema (atopic dermatitis) is unknown." -eczemaguide.ca
Epilepsy
"Seizures are symptoms of abnormal brain function. With the exception of very young children and the elderly, the cause of the abnormal brain function is usually not identifiable." -Epilepsy Foundation
Fibromyalgia
"The cause of fibromyalgia is not known." -WebMD
Headaches
"Experts do not agree about what causes headaches, but they agree that more studies are needed." -eMedicineHealth
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
"The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not known." -WebMD
Migraine
"The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood." -womenshealth.gov
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
"Experts don't know the exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder." -WebMD
Optic Neuritis
Pre-menstrual Syndrome
"Experts say that the definitive cause of PMS is not yet known." -ehealthMD
Psoriasis
"The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown." -skincarephysicians.com
Schizophrenia
"There are many theories about the cause of schizophrenia, but none have been proven." -WebMD
Tourette Syndrome
"The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known, and there's no known way to prevent it." -Mayo Clinic
OK, so let me get this straight: Doctors have no idea what causes any of these things, yet doctors continue to treat all of them with prescription medications anyway? Does that seem wrong to anyone reading this?
In just one sentence I've already identified two things these conditions all have in common. But there's more: Another thing they all have in common is that they are Candida symptoms.
Taking it a step further, all but a couple of these conditions can be explained by Candida. And unlike the medical establishment's approach, it all makes sense when you look at them as symptoms of Candida overgrowth. Additionally, Candida overgrowth does have a cause. Unfortunately, mainstream medicine does not even recognize the existence of Candida overgrowth (because it doesn't show up on MRIs). Worse, they treat many of these Candida symptoms with precisely the same medications that are responsible for causing Candida overgrowth.
This list only contains conditions that didn't require tons of detailed research. There are plenty more illnesses out there that your doctor knows nothing about but doesn't hesitate prescribing dangerous medications for them anyway.
ADD Note: I have taken medication for ADD since December 1992. Although I willingly take this medication every morning, I really don't even like calling it ADD anymore, first of all because it is not a disorder; it is simply a difference in how some people's brains process information. In fact, I'd call it an attention surplus because that's what it really is. The only reason it seems like an attention deficit is because "non-ADD-brain" researchers don't understand that the "ADD brain" is constantly trying to focus on 20 different ideas that are boucing around inside the head at any given time. When you're trying to focus on 20 different ideas at the same time, none of the ideas will receive as much attention from your brain as your teacher or parent expects from you. But every once in a while you get one of those magic moments in which you are able to turn off all the unwanted thoughts and focus on the most important one. It's during these moments that brilliant, world-changing ideas are born.
In the 16+ years since I began taking Dexedrine (or occasionally Adderall) for ADD, I have never experienced any side effects. If the medication didn't help, I wouldn't take it. After all these years, it's difficult for me to imagine that I could make the foundation of my "ADD" go away just by changing my diet for a while. However, now that I'm learning about Candida's link to all these illnesses, I envision a day when I will be able to focus and concentrate without the aid of Dexedrine.
Do doctors or scientists know why Dexedrine helps treat ADD? Nope. They just know it minimizes the symptoms. In my case, it also addresses the problem, and I consider myself lucky to not feel any side effects. But I also wonder now if ADD medication played a role in feeding Candida or allowing it to take over my body. I don't think it plays any role, but I'm going to try to find out.
I'm not out to debunk all the illnesses that other people suffer from. I'm just out to find an answer, and in finding that answer I'm willing to crush my own long-held beliefs if the evidence tells me I should.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Acne
"The cause of pimples is unknown." -acne.org
Asthma
"The exact cause of asthma isn't known."
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Attention Deficit Disorder
"Despite intensive research, the exact origins of ADD and ADHD have yet to be determined." - The Health Center (See my note near the end of this post.)
Autism
"There is no known single cause for autism..." -Autism Society of America
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-depression)
"The cause of bipolar disorder is not entirely known." -Psych Central
Canker Sores
"The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear..." -Mayo Clinic
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
"The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown." -Medicine Plus
Crohn's Disease
"The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown." -medicinenet.com
Dandruff
"The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) is unknown. Most experts do know, though, that it is not caused by poor hygiene." -Medical News Today
Eczema
"The cause of eczema (atopic dermatitis) is unknown." -eczemaguide.ca
Epilepsy
"Seizures are symptoms of abnormal brain function. With the exception of very young children and the elderly, the cause of the abnormal brain function is usually not identifiable." -Epilepsy Foundation
Fibromyalgia
"The cause of fibromyalgia is not known." -WebMD
Headaches
"Experts do not agree about what causes headaches, but they agree that more studies are needed." -eMedicineHealth
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
"The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not known." -WebMD
Migraine
"The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood." -womenshealth.gov
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
"Experts don't know the exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder." -WebMD
Optic Neuritis
- "Optic neuritis in young adults is believed to most commonly develop when the immune system attacks myelin covering the optic nerve, resulting in inflammation and damage. It's not certain what causes your immune system to attack its own tissue." -Mayo Clinic
- "While other disease processes can cause optic neuritis, MS is the most likely cause in a young, otherwise healthy individual." -National MS Society
Multiple SclerosisYeah, that's what I thought. Now tell me what causes the immune system to attack the myelin covering the optic nerve. I already know what causes it, but I want you to explain it to me, doc.
- "Doctors still don't understand what causes MS..." -WebMD
- "While the cause (etiology) of MS is still not known..." -National MS Society
Pre-menstrual Syndrome
"Experts say that the definitive cause of PMS is not yet known." -ehealthMD
Psoriasis
"The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown." -skincarephysicians.com
Schizophrenia
"There are many theories about the cause of schizophrenia, but none have been proven." -WebMD
Tourette Syndrome
"The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known, and there's no known way to prevent it." -Mayo Clinic
OK, so let me get this straight: Doctors have no idea what causes any of these things, yet doctors continue to treat all of them with prescription medications anyway? Does that seem wrong to anyone reading this?
In just one sentence I've already identified two things these conditions all have in common. But there's more: Another thing they all have in common is that they are Candida symptoms.
Taking it a step further, all but a couple of these conditions can be explained by Candida. And unlike the medical establishment's approach, it all makes sense when you look at them as symptoms of Candida overgrowth. Additionally, Candida overgrowth does have a cause. Unfortunately, mainstream medicine does not even recognize the existence of Candida overgrowth (because it doesn't show up on MRIs). Worse, they treat many of these Candida symptoms with precisely the same medications that are responsible for causing Candida overgrowth.
This list only contains conditions that didn't require tons of detailed research. There are plenty more illnesses out there that your doctor knows nothing about but doesn't hesitate prescribing dangerous medications for them anyway.
ADD Note: I have taken medication for ADD since December 1992. Although I willingly take this medication every morning, I really don't even like calling it ADD anymore, first of all because it is not a disorder; it is simply a difference in how some people's brains process information. In fact, I'd call it an attention surplus because that's what it really is. The only reason it seems like an attention deficit is because "non-ADD-brain" researchers don't understand that the "ADD brain" is constantly trying to focus on 20 different ideas that are boucing around inside the head at any given time. When you're trying to focus on 20 different ideas at the same time, none of the ideas will receive as much attention from your brain as your teacher or parent expects from you. But every once in a while you get one of those magic moments in which you are able to turn off all the unwanted thoughts and focus on the most important one. It's during these moments that brilliant, world-changing ideas are born.
In the 16+ years since I began taking Dexedrine (or occasionally Adderall) for ADD, I have never experienced any side effects. If the medication didn't help, I wouldn't take it. After all these years, it's difficult for me to imagine that I could make the foundation of my "ADD" go away just by changing my diet for a while. However, now that I'm learning about Candida's link to all these illnesses, I envision a day when I will be able to focus and concentrate without the aid of Dexedrine.
Do doctors or scientists know why Dexedrine helps treat ADD? Nope. They just know it minimizes the symptoms. In my case, it also addresses the problem, and I consider myself lucky to not feel any side effects. But I also wonder now if ADD medication played a role in feeding Candida or allowing it to take over my body. I don't think it plays any role, but I'm going to try to find out.
I'm not out to debunk all the illnesses that other people suffer from. I'm just out to find an answer, and in finding that answer I'm willing to crush my own long-held beliefs if the evidence tells me I should.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A very clear sign
For literally as long as I can remember, there has been a bump (or small lump) on my gums behind my bottom left front tooth (beneath my tongue). I wouldn't call it a canker sore, and it's definitely not a cold sore or fever blister. I really don't know what to call it, but it is annoying and I've always just figured I'd have to deal with it forever.
Whatever I should call it doesn't matter anymore, though, because it's gone. A few minutes ago, as I ate an apple, it was there and then it was gone. No pain and no blood. Now, as I run my tongue against the spot, I can barely feel any sign that it was ever there.
I had actually noticed that the sore had been shrinking lately, only since I've begun the anti-Candida diet. Almost three weeks into the diet, there is no doubt that my Candida treatment caused this sore to disappear, so I'd say it's a very good sign of things to come.
There's one thing I wonder about, though. Did oil pulling have anything to do with the disappearance of the sore? I've been oil pulling for two or three days now--since yesterday, I guess--so oil pulling may have played a role.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Whatever I should call it doesn't matter anymore, though, because it's gone. A few minutes ago, as I ate an apple, it was there and then it was gone. No pain and no blood. Now, as I run my tongue against the spot, I can barely feel any sign that it was ever there.
I had actually noticed that the sore had been shrinking lately, only since I've begun the anti-Candida diet. Almost three weeks into the diet, there is no doubt that my Candida treatment caused this sore to disappear, so I'd say it's a very good sign of things to come.
There's one thing I wonder about, though. Did oil pulling have anything to do with the disappearance of the sore? I've been oil pulling for two or three days now--since yesterday, I guess--so oil pulling may have played a role.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Monday, June 8, 2009
Oil pulling
I've been reading about oil pulling today. Lots of positive testamonials. Here's a good page to begin learning about oil pulling.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Sunday, June 7, 2009
Candida questionnaire
Here's a good Candida questionnaire (PDF) from The Yeast Connection. Print it and follow directions to find out if your problems are (or may be) caused by Candida overgrowth. I have not answered this questionnaire yet.
Using a different questionnaire (long version--second test on the page), my score was 198 just two weeks ago. (Any score over 140 in men indicates that "yeast-connected health problems are almost certainly present.") However, after adhering to the anti-Candida diet for the last two weeks, my score is down to 93. (Scores over 90 indicate that "yeast-connected health problems are probably present.)
With just a little more work, I'll be comfortably under 90, which will put me in the range that suggests "yeast-connected health problems are possibly present." Of course, I didn't have to retake the test to know I feel way better now than I felt two weeks ago.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Using a different questionnaire (long version--second test on the page), my score was 198 just two weeks ago. (Any score over 140 in men indicates that "yeast-connected health problems are almost certainly present.") However, after adhering to the anti-Candida diet for the last two weeks, my score is down to 93. (Scores over 90 indicate that "yeast-connected health problems are probably present.)
With just a little more work, I'll be comfortably under 90, which will put me in the range that suggests "yeast-connected health problems are possibly present." Of course, I didn't have to retake the test to know I feel way better now than I felt two weeks ago.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Candida spit test
OK, so this acne-related web site disputes the validity of Candida spit test results (scroll to the bottom of that page for spit test info), saying almost everyone 'fails' the spit test and that all the web sites with spit test directions are trying to sell you something. In their argument against the spit test, this web site begins its case by stating, "First, nobody explains how the spit test diagnoses Candida."
But I've looked at a lot of web pages about Candida, and most of them are not trying to sell me anything. (Or maybe I just instantly hit the back button every time I realize I'm on a web site that is trying to sell me something.) Anyway, I have learned enough to know that I have no reason to buy anything from any web site for Candida treatment. (Threelac comes to mind.) Mostly my treatment involves some things that cost nothing, and other things that are just a normal part of a grocery shopping list. ACV, coconut oil, garlic, and good foods.
Furthermore, I have read explanations for why the spit test is a pretty good indicator of Candida, though I wouldn't call it a diagnosis, nor has it been presented to me as a diagnosis. It's just a preliminary indication, which probably is pretty reliable if you 'fail.' The problem, in total constrast to the acne web site's claim, is with some people who don't fail. To the best of my understanding, some people who do have Candida don't receive positive results from the spit test.
Looking deeper into the acne web site, I see that their dietary recommendations are very similar, if not identical, to the anti-Candida diet. They vehemently attempt to assert that acne and Candida are not related, yet they propose the exact same 'cure' for acne as Candida web sites suggest for 'curing' Candida.
The creators of this web site seem to have a militant agenda to make their readers believe acne and Candida are totally unrelated, which, for all I know, may be true. It doesn't add up, but it may be true. This is one reason why I advise you not to just believe everything you read, including the things I write. There is bogus and conflicting information on a lot of Candida-related web sites, but if you look and learn, it all starts to add up. You have to decide for yourself which information makes the most sense.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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But I've looked at a lot of web pages about Candida, and most of them are not trying to sell me anything. (Or maybe I just instantly hit the back button every time I realize I'm on a web site that is trying to sell me something.) Anyway, I have learned enough to know that I have no reason to buy anything from any web site for Candida treatment. (Threelac comes to mind.) Mostly my treatment involves some things that cost nothing, and other things that are just a normal part of a grocery shopping list. ACV, coconut oil, garlic, and good foods.
Furthermore, I have read explanations for why the spit test is a pretty good indicator of Candida, though I wouldn't call it a diagnosis, nor has it been presented to me as a diagnosis. It's just a preliminary indication, which probably is pretty reliable if you 'fail.' The problem, in total constrast to the acne web site's claim, is with some people who don't fail. To the best of my understanding, some people who do have Candida don't receive positive results from the spit test.
Looking deeper into the acne web site, I see that their dietary recommendations are very similar, if not identical, to the anti-Candida diet. They vehemently attempt to assert that acne and Candida are not related, yet they propose the exact same 'cure' for acne as Candida web sites suggest for 'curing' Candida.
The creators of this web site seem to have a militant agenda to make their readers believe acne and Candida are totally unrelated, which, for all I know, may be true. It doesn't add up, but it may be true. This is one reason why I advise you not to just believe everything you read, including the things I write. There is bogus and conflicting information on a lot of Candida-related web sites, but if you look and learn, it all starts to add up. You have to decide for yourself which information makes the most sense.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Apple cider vinegar
There are two kinds of apple cider vinegar:
What you want is organic, raw, unfiltered ACV.
Last night I found what I was looking for. I bought two quarts of Bragg ACV from Whole Foods Market. It's pretty expensive--$5.69 per quart, at least where I bought it--but it's an expense you can deal with because you need it.
Here's why I know there's a difference between the two varieties of ACV: I have tonail fungus. The pasteurized stuff I used yesterday didn't do anything visible to my toenails. But today, after adding a little of the Bragg ACV to the other vinegar, then soaking my feet in the mixture, my toenails were different. The most noticeable difference was that some of the crusty outer layer came off of a few nails.
This stuff (the Bragg ACV) is making a difference. The other stuff did not.
--
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- The crap you get at the grocery store; and
- The kind that works.
What you want is organic, raw, unfiltered ACV.
Last night I found what I was looking for. I bought two quarts of Bragg ACV from Whole Foods Market. It's pretty expensive--$5.69 per quart, at least where I bought it--but it's an expense you can deal with because you need it.
Here's why I know there's a difference between the two varieties of ACV: I have tonail fungus. The pasteurized stuff I used yesterday didn't do anything visible to my toenails. But today, after adding a little of the Bragg ACV to the other vinegar, then soaking my feet in the mixture, my toenails were different. The most noticeable difference was that some of the crusty outer layer came off of a few nails.
This stuff (the Bragg ACV) is making a difference. The other stuff did not.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Finding the right combination
Almost a couple weeks into my anti-Candida treatment, I've been learning a lot and settling into some behavioral and dietary patterns. Here are the main components that have been helping me fight Candida overgrowth so far, along with my primitive explanations for why these methods have helped me:
As an integral part of the anti-Candida diet, raw garlic is more a supplement than a cure; it's just part of the fight. Garlic has anti-fungal properties, and Candida, as you should know, is a fungus.
Raw, Organic, Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Same as garlic in ways. It's not the cure; just an important part of the fight. From what I've read, ACV is very acidic, but in the stomach it ends up making your body less acidic and more alkaline, which is one of your major objectives when fighting Candida.
In addition to drinking a shot of ACV every morning and evening, I've also been soaking my feet in ACV for at least half an hour a couple times a day, to fight athlete's foot and toenail fungus. It almost immediately fixed the athlete's foot (a few days), and it seems very clearly to be helping the toenail fungus. However, it's going to be at least a few months before I'll know for sure how effectively it works on the nails. (The anti-Candida diet will probably do more than the external application of ACV to help my toenail fungus in the long term.)
Diet (starving the Candida)
NO sugar (not even from sweet fruits). NO carbohydrates. NO dairy products. NO alcohol. This stuff feeds Candida, which makes you miserable. (Read more below in "NOT CHEATING ON THE DIET!")
Exercise
Exercise combats Candida overgrowth in at least two ways. First, it causes you to inhale a lot more oxygen than normal. (Candida doesn't like oxygen.) Second, it makes you sweat out toxins that can't leave your body in any other way (for example, through urination).
Water
Drinking lots of water keeps you hydrated and helps you flush toxins (or bad shit) out of your body. You probably do not hydrate yourself enough. Consequently, your body is unable to expel all the toxic crap you've put into yourself. If you just start drinking lots of water, you will probably begin feeling better just because your body will finally be able to evict the bad shit that's clogging up your whole freaking system.
Do you know why you have to pee so much when you drink beer or coffee? It's not the result of some magical property in these drinks; it's because you're basically poisoning yourself when you drink these beverages, which is why you feel buzzed or energetic afterward. When your body detects the poison, the body's job is to get rid of the poison, which it does by making you urinate. To make sure you expel the poisons ASAP, your body also borrows fluid from elsewhere in the body, which dehydrates you and leaves you with a hangover the next morning.
NOT CHEATING ON THE DIET!
Although it is very important to put the right things into your body in your fight against Candida, it is more important to keep from putting the wrong things into your body. Every time you put sugar or carbohydrates into your body, you feed the Candida. Until you stop feeding the Candida, the Candida will continue using your body as a hospitable host. Unless you starve Candida, it will continue to thrive and reproduce, and it will take over your whole body once again as soon as you revert to your old dietary and behavioral patterns.
You have to kill all the excess Candida by starving it before you can expect to start living how you used to live. Even if you maintain a disciplined routine of consuming plenty of raw garlic and ACV, in addition to exercising and drinking lots of water, Candida will remain a nuisance in your body for as long as you keep feeding it the sugar it needs.
Not cheating on your diet is probably the most important part of the fight against Candida.
Some other things that will help you beat Candida
I don't know much about 35% hydrogen peroxide or pH yet. When I learn more about these things, I'll write about them.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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- Garlic
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Diet (starving the Candida)
- Exercise
- Water
- NOT CHEATING ON THE DIET!
As an integral part of the anti-Candida diet, raw garlic is more a supplement than a cure; it's just part of the fight. Garlic has anti-fungal properties, and Candida, as you should know, is a fungus.
Raw, Organic, Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Same as garlic in ways. It's not the cure; just an important part of the fight. From what I've read, ACV is very acidic, but in the stomach it ends up making your body less acidic and more alkaline, which is one of your major objectives when fighting Candida.
In addition to drinking a shot of ACV every morning and evening, I've also been soaking my feet in ACV for at least half an hour a couple times a day, to fight athlete's foot and toenail fungus. It almost immediately fixed the athlete's foot (a few days), and it seems very clearly to be helping the toenail fungus. However, it's going to be at least a few months before I'll know for sure how effectively it works on the nails. (The anti-Candida diet will probably do more than the external application of ACV to help my toenail fungus in the long term.)
Diet (starving the Candida)
NO sugar (not even from sweet fruits). NO carbohydrates. NO dairy products. NO alcohol. This stuff feeds Candida, which makes you miserable. (Read more below in "NOT CHEATING ON THE DIET!")
Exercise
Exercise combats Candida overgrowth in at least two ways. First, it causes you to inhale a lot more oxygen than normal. (Candida doesn't like oxygen.) Second, it makes you sweat out toxins that can't leave your body in any other way (for example, through urination).
Water
Drinking lots of water keeps you hydrated and helps you flush toxins (or bad shit) out of your body. You probably do not hydrate yourself enough. Consequently, your body is unable to expel all the toxic crap you've put into yourself. If you just start drinking lots of water, you will probably begin feeling better just because your body will finally be able to evict the bad shit that's clogging up your whole freaking system.
Do you know why you have to pee so much when you drink beer or coffee? It's not the result of some magical property in these drinks; it's because you're basically poisoning yourself when you drink these beverages, which is why you feel buzzed or energetic afterward. When your body detects the poison, the body's job is to get rid of the poison, which it does by making you urinate. To make sure you expel the poisons ASAP, your body also borrows fluid from elsewhere in the body, which dehydrates you and leaves you with a hangover the next morning.
NOT CHEATING ON THE DIET!
Although it is very important to put the right things into your body in your fight against Candida, it is more important to keep from putting the wrong things into your body. Every time you put sugar or carbohydrates into your body, you feed the Candida. Until you stop feeding the Candida, the Candida will continue using your body as a hospitable host. Unless you starve Candida, it will continue to thrive and reproduce, and it will take over your whole body once again as soon as you revert to your old dietary and behavioral patterns.
You have to kill all the excess Candida by starving it before you can expect to start living how you used to live. Even if you maintain a disciplined routine of consuming plenty of raw garlic and ACV, in addition to exercising and drinking lots of water, Candida will remain a nuisance in your body for as long as you keep feeding it the sugar it needs.
Not cheating on your diet is probably the most important part of the fight against Candida.
Some other things that will help you beat Candida
- Acidophilus
- 35 percent hydrogen peroxide
- An alkaline pH
I don't know much about 35% hydrogen peroxide or pH yet. When I learn more about these things, I'll write about them.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Minor setbacks
Friday night (four nights ago), after not eating all day, I ate a beef brisket sandwich at a Columbus Clippers baseball game. To stick as closely as possible to my anti-Candida diet, I could have eaten the meat without the bun, but I chose to eat my sandwich the way it was delivered to me (with only meat and bread). I felt a little foggy later on, and I also experienced a little head pain, but this was nothing like the pain and "brain fog" I experienced before I began the anti-Candida diet.
The following day I also ate a slice of pizza--1/8 of a 13" pepperoni pizza--to which I also had a minor adverse reaction. One clear effect is that my head was even more foggy Saturday than it was Friday, along with more minor head pain. This time, though, I also felt a little pain in my jaw whenever I opened my mouth wide, which is one of the many symptoms that made me miserable until recently. This wasn't so bad, though.
Then yesterday as I drove into town to buy some anti-Candida products, I stopped to offer a ride to a guy I saw walking out into the middle of nowhere. I expected to be home within two hours of leaving, but I ended up driving this guy around for two hours. Consequently, I was hungry before I even started my chores, so I stopped to get something to eat at Sonic. I ordered a double cheeseburger combo with a "Route 44" Dr. Pepper (44 ounces), which I knew might cause a Candida feeding frenzy within me.
Strangely I didn't feel much of a reaction to the poor meal choice. As I walked around the grocery store later on, I felt a little dizzy and fuzzy in the head, but I didn't feel any head pain or worsening of any other symptoms. About 20 hours later, I still haven't felt any kind of major effects. Maybe I'm just lucky.
Even though I haven't felt any signs of regression, I'm sure my unauthorized meal yesterday has slowed my progress, particularly the huge Dr. Pepper. If you are on the anti-Candida diet (or if you are thinking about beginning the diet), I do not recommend straying from the diet like this. Maybe you can do it once a week after you begin feeling better, just for a treat to keep you sane, but probably not any more frequent than that. And leave the Dr. Pepper behind. Order water instead.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
The following day I also ate a slice of pizza--1/8 of a 13" pepperoni pizza--to which I also had a minor adverse reaction. One clear effect is that my head was even more foggy Saturday than it was Friday, along with more minor head pain. This time, though, I also felt a little pain in my jaw whenever I opened my mouth wide, which is one of the many symptoms that made me miserable until recently. This wasn't so bad, though.
Then yesterday as I drove into town to buy some anti-Candida products, I stopped to offer a ride to a guy I saw walking out into the middle of nowhere. I expected to be home within two hours of leaving, but I ended up driving this guy around for two hours. Consequently, I was hungry before I even started my chores, so I stopped to get something to eat at Sonic. I ordered a double cheeseburger combo with a "Route 44" Dr. Pepper (44 ounces), which I knew might cause a Candida feeding frenzy within me.
Strangely I didn't feel much of a reaction to the poor meal choice. As I walked around the grocery store later on, I felt a little dizzy and fuzzy in the head, but I didn't feel any head pain or worsening of any other symptoms. About 20 hours later, I still haven't felt any kind of major effects. Maybe I'm just lucky.
Even though I haven't felt any signs of regression, I'm sure my unauthorized meal yesterday has slowed my progress, particularly the huge Dr. Pepper. If you are on the anti-Candida diet (or if you are thinking about beginning the diet), I do not recommend straying from the diet like this. Maybe you can do it once a week after you begin feeling better, just for a treat to keep you sane, but probably not any more frequent than that. And leave the Dr. Pepper behind. Order water instead.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sinuses AOK
Now about ten days into my anti-Candida diet, I've noticed the last few days that my sinuses are great. No pain and no congestion for the first time in a long time. I don't know if this is from the foods I've been eating (or, more specifically, not eating) or if it's a result of the apple cider vinegar or the tons of raw garlic I've been eating, but my sinuses feel fantastic. No minor pain. Nothing. No trouble swallowing, either.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Anti-candida diet: The first week
What led me to the anti-Candida diet?
About 10 weeks ago I visited a doctor, ailed by what I thought might be a sinus infection. After asking me a few questions and looking up my nose, the doctor confirmed my suspicion and quickly prescribed the antibiotic Amoxicillin for treatment of sinusitis. After ten days of treatment, I felt better but not healed, so she wrote me a new script, this time for SMZ/TMP DS 800-160 (generic for Bactrim). By the time I finished the second prescription, I felt better in some ways, but I also felt worse in a lot of other ways.
Over the next month and a half, my health went downhill big-time. Ever since I ended the antibiotic/antibacterial treatment, I've been in nearly-constant pain and discomfort all over, which just kept getting worse. Here's a list of my most noticeable symptoms:
This stuff was constant and it was driving me absolutely nuts, so I scoured the internet for answers. For a while I feared that I might have meningitis or a brain abscess, among other undesirable or deadly maladies. But then I started reading about Candida overgrowth. I'd already come across this condition once during my search, but I didn't look into it. Honestly, I can't even remember what made me click the "Candida" link this time, but I did, and quickly everything started making sense. It connected my recent illness with some issues I've dealt with off-and-on over the last five or ten years, including athlete's foot, toenail fungus, rashes, other skin conditions, numbness, and anxiety, as well as some of the symptoms I listed above.
Beginning the Candida diet
One week ago, after reading about Candida overgrowth, I began a Candida detox, which means I eliminated sugar, carbohydrates, and dairy products from my diet, along with other types of food I don't normally consume anyway, like alcoholic beverages. For the last week, my diet has consisted of only a handful of different foods, including eggs, chicken, fish, granny smith apples, raw garlic, peppers, berries, almonds, pecans, apple cider vinegar, acidophilus tablets, and tons of water, along with some exercise (though not as much as I've intended).
Before I began this anti-candida diet, I ate the same thing almost every day. Usually I would eat a couple bowls of Frosted Mini Wheats in the morning. (Sometimes instead of cereal, I would eat a few "fun size" candy bars.) And almost every evening I would make myself a pepperoni pizza (from scratch). Maybe a little candy at night, too. So essentially my diet consisted of a lot of carbs and sugar.
In the week since I ditched the cereal, pizza, and Milky Way diet for the anti-Candida diet, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my health. Pretty much all my symptoms have diminished drastically, and many have disappeared. Right now I feel pretty good, and it seems like I'm going to keep improving, as long as I stay disciplined. But I know I'm nowhere near "cured" yet.
I've read a lot about die-off symptoms that occur shortly after you begin an anti-Candida diet, which happens because your body becomes overloaded with dead microorganisms (or waste) that the body simply cannot process very quickly. According to a lot of the information I've read, die-off usually can be felt in the form of the same symptoms you had to begin with, although it's not the same thing. I can't say for sure that I've experienced this die-off yet. Maybe it's because I've forced myself to drink lots and lots of water, which has enabled my body to flush out the waste efficiently. Or maybe I just haven't experienced die-off yet. That's why I created this blog; to share my experiences as they happen so other people can learn from them.
I'll try to keep updating this blog as my condition changes.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
About 10 weeks ago I visited a doctor, ailed by what I thought might be a sinus infection. After asking me a few questions and looking up my nose, the doctor confirmed my suspicion and quickly prescribed the antibiotic Amoxicillin for treatment of sinusitis. After ten days of treatment, I felt better but not healed, so she wrote me a new script, this time for SMZ/TMP DS 800-160 (generic for Bactrim). By the time I finished the second prescription, I felt better in some ways, but I also felt worse in a lot of other ways.
Over the next month and a half, my health went downhill big-time. Ever since I ended the antibiotic/antibacterial treatment, I've been in nearly-constant pain and discomfort all over, which just kept getting worse. Here's a list of my most noticeable symptoms:
- constant headaches and head pain
- jaw pain
- tooth pain
- eye pain
- vision disturbances (specifically optic neuritis)
- clumsiness
- emotional instability
- neck pain
- tender throat
- sinus inflammation
- nausea
- uncomfortable digestive gurgling
- chest pain (respiratory)
- confusion
- "brain fog"
- forgetfulness (I felt very stupid)
- unexplained general pain
- fatigue
- and surely some other things I can't think of right now.
This stuff was constant and it was driving me absolutely nuts, so I scoured the internet for answers. For a while I feared that I might have meningitis or a brain abscess, among other undesirable or deadly maladies. But then I started reading about Candida overgrowth. I'd already come across this condition once during my search, but I didn't look into it. Honestly, I can't even remember what made me click the "Candida" link this time, but I did, and quickly everything started making sense. It connected my recent illness with some issues I've dealt with off-and-on over the last five or ten years, including athlete's foot, toenail fungus, rashes, other skin conditions, numbness, and anxiety, as well as some of the symptoms I listed above.
Beginning the Candida diet
One week ago, after reading about Candida overgrowth, I began a Candida detox, which means I eliminated sugar, carbohydrates, and dairy products from my diet, along with other types of food I don't normally consume anyway, like alcoholic beverages. For the last week, my diet has consisted of only a handful of different foods, including eggs, chicken, fish, granny smith apples, raw garlic, peppers, berries, almonds, pecans, apple cider vinegar, acidophilus tablets, and tons of water, along with some exercise (though not as much as I've intended).
Before I began this anti-candida diet, I ate the same thing almost every day. Usually I would eat a couple bowls of Frosted Mini Wheats in the morning. (Sometimes instead of cereal, I would eat a few "fun size" candy bars.) And almost every evening I would make myself a pepperoni pizza (from scratch). Maybe a little candy at night, too. So essentially my diet consisted of a lot of carbs and sugar.
In the week since I ditched the cereal, pizza, and Milky Way diet for the anti-Candida diet, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my health. Pretty much all my symptoms have diminished drastically, and many have disappeared. Right now I feel pretty good, and it seems like I'm going to keep improving, as long as I stay disciplined. But I know I'm nowhere near "cured" yet.
I've read a lot about die-off symptoms that occur shortly after you begin an anti-Candida diet, which happens because your body becomes overloaded with dead microorganisms (or waste) that the body simply cannot process very quickly. According to a lot of the information I've read, die-off usually can be felt in the form of the same symptoms you had to begin with, although it's not the same thing. I can't say for sure that I've experienced this die-off yet. Maybe it's because I've forced myself to drink lots and lots of water, which has enabled my body to flush out the waste efficiently. Or maybe I just haven't experienced die-off yet. That's why I created this blog; to share my experiences as they happen so other people can learn from them.
I'll try to keep updating this blog as my condition changes.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Introduction
(Note: I am not an expert about anything in this post. Much of what I have to say is obviously my opinion, but it might be worth taking seriously.)
Hi, I'm Ryan and I recently realized I have a systemic Candida overgrowth, which basically means my body has been taken hostage by a fungus (or yeast, Candida Albicans). I did not receive this diagnosis from a doctor; I figured it out on my own after months of scouring the internet for clues about what may be wrong inside me, then finally putting the pieces together about a week ago. Unfortunately, that's pretty much the only way to diagnose Candida overgrowth because modern medicine has lost sight of its ultimate objective, which is to heal by eliminating the cause of our illnesses, not just symptoms.
I suspect you found this page because you are miserable and your doctor's orders haven't helped you. Consequently, just like me, you've been searching all over the internet for an answer. Am I right?
Well, now that you're here, let me help you confirm one of your suspicions: Yes, the chances are very high that your doctor is a moron. Sorry if my bluntness offends anyone, but I'm a no-bullshit kind of guy. I know you've suspected for years that your doctor is an idiot, so I just want to let you know that you've been right the whole time. The sooner you accept this as the probable truth, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Now let's get started...
Candida overgrowth is a little-known but widespread condition which I suspect may be the cause of many (or most) common human illnesses, including skin disorders, mood disorders, and neurological disorders. The last week has been a "Eureka" kind of experience for me because I think I've finally found an explanation for why I've been miserable for so long, experiencing nearly constant headaches, confusion, uncoordination, nausea, skin problems, and a long list of other issues.
Many common illnesses are probably not illnesses at all. More likely they are symptoms of Candida overgrowth. Unfortunately, as I said before, medical professionals are trained to treat symptoms instead of the underlying problems that cause our symptoms. As a result, we're all messed up inside, largely because our doctors have helped us destroy our immune systems by prescribing us antibiotics.
Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria inside us, which allows the opportunistic yeast Candida Albicans to replace the good bacteria that once kept the yeast's growth in check. With our contemporary diet, which is high in sugar and carbohydrates, Candida can then easily find a paradise within our bodies because sugar is yeast's favorite food. When yeast has an adequate supply of sugar, the yeast reproduces and takes residence where good bacteria once lived, and it all goes downhill from there.
There's a lot more to it than that, but that's the basic idea of how this medical condition starts. To find out more about Candida overgrowth, start here. Don't just look at one of the search results; look at as many as you can because this thing is a big puzzle. However, most of the puzzle's pieces are not in the same box. You'll probably have to look around at a lot of different web sites if you can expect to put the pieces together. But it'll be worth it if you're patient because you'll need to know about Candida either now or in the future if you want to feel alive.
Candida overgrowth treatment is not a kooky "alternative" to modern medicine. This treatment is simply science that has been ignored by an industry that once was grounded in science.
I created this blog because I have recently begun learning about Candida overgrowth and I want to share my experiences with people in hopes that it may help others. I'm not an expert about Candida, but what I've read about how we get it and how to get rid of it makes a lot of sense to me because it's the same process that leavens pizza dough. Having experimented with pizza dough almost daily for the last 12 years, I understand that process very well, and I hope I can use that knowledge to help myself and you understand Candida.
So this blog is kind of a public diary of my journey through Candida detox and all the steps that follow it. I hope my upcoming documentation of this process can help you understand the similar journey you may be about to begin.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
Hi, I'm Ryan and I recently realized I have a systemic Candida overgrowth, which basically means my body has been taken hostage by a fungus (or yeast, Candida Albicans). I did not receive this diagnosis from a doctor; I figured it out on my own after months of scouring the internet for clues about what may be wrong inside me, then finally putting the pieces together about a week ago. Unfortunately, that's pretty much the only way to diagnose Candida overgrowth because modern medicine has lost sight of its ultimate objective, which is to heal by eliminating the cause of our illnesses, not just symptoms.
I suspect you found this page because you are miserable and your doctor's orders haven't helped you. Consequently, just like me, you've been searching all over the internet for an answer. Am I right?
Well, now that you're here, let me help you confirm one of your suspicions: Yes, the chances are very high that your doctor is a moron. Sorry if my bluntness offends anyone, but I'm a no-bullshit kind of guy. I know you've suspected for years that your doctor is an idiot, so I just want to let you know that you've been right the whole time. The sooner you accept this as the probable truth, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Now let's get started...
Candida overgrowth is a little-known but widespread condition which I suspect may be the cause of many (or most) common human illnesses, including skin disorders, mood disorders, and neurological disorders. The last week has been a "Eureka" kind of experience for me because I think I've finally found an explanation for why I've been miserable for so long, experiencing nearly constant headaches, confusion, uncoordination, nausea, skin problems, and a long list of other issues.
Many common illnesses are probably not illnesses at all. More likely they are symptoms of Candida overgrowth. Unfortunately, as I said before, medical professionals are trained to treat symptoms instead of the underlying problems that cause our symptoms. As a result, we're all messed up inside, largely because our doctors have helped us destroy our immune systems by prescribing us antibiotics.
Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria inside us, which allows the opportunistic yeast Candida Albicans to replace the good bacteria that once kept the yeast's growth in check. With our contemporary diet, which is high in sugar and carbohydrates, Candida can then easily find a paradise within our bodies because sugar is yeast's favorite food. When yeast has an adequate supply of sugar, the yeast reproduces and takes residence where good bacteria once lived, and it all goes downhill from there.
There's a lot more to it than that, but that's the basic idea of how this medical condition starts. To find out more about Candida overgrowth, start here. Don't just look at one of the search results; look at as many as you can because this thing is a big puzzle. However, most of the puzzle's pieces are not in the same box. You'll probably have to look around at a lot of different web sites if you can expect to put the pieces together. But it'll be worth it if you're patient because you'll need to know about Candida either now or in the future if you want to feel alive.
Candida overgrowth treatment is not a kooky "alternative" to modern medicine. This treatment is simply science that has been ignored by an industry that once was grounded in science.
I created this blog because I have recently begun learning about Candida overgrowth and I want to share my experiences with people in hopes that it may help others. I'm not an expert about Candida, but what I've read about how we get it and how to get rid of it makes a lot of sense to me because it's the same process that leavens pizza dough. Having experimented with pizza dough almost daily for the last 12 years, I understand that process very well, and I hope I can use that knowledge to help myself and you understand Candida.
So this blog is kind of a public diary of my journey through Candida detox and all the steps that follow it. I hope my upcoming documentation of this process can help you understand the similar journey you may be about to begin.
--
Aimless: The Adventures of an American Vagabond.
Become a fan of Aimless on Facebook.
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