I have just completed a lengthy journey to healing that took 2 ½ years of my life, a ton of money, many tears, a whole lot of strain on those I love, and countless prayers. After a multitude of tests, doctors, treatments, injections, medications, and 2 surgeries, I was still not well. The medical profession could only agree there was a problem, but none of them could find its source. Although I have several theories on what may have precipitated the downward spiral, I’ll never know for sure. The important part of this story, is that I discovered a diet and two supplements that rapidly changed everything. My heart’s desire is to share my experience with others and provide an account of what worked for me, in hopes of helping those who journey through chronic illness without resolution. Perhaps my experience will help you find restoration for your own health.
Disclaimer: I must of course state at the outset, that I have no formal medical training, that I am not making any recommendations, but am simply relaying the story of what worked for me, and providing information so you can do your own investigation and draw your own conclusions. I also wanted to get this information out as soon as possible for all of my friends and family who saw how it worked for me and are eager to begin this process as part of their New Year’s resolutions. So this is the first draft and I will continue to improve upon it over time.
MY STORY:
My condition began as a throat infection that I never recovered from. After multiple unsuccessful rounds of antibiotics, an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat) doctor put a scope up my nose and told me that I had cysts on my adenoids and they needed to be removed. Being uninsured, I asked for antibiotics to help me put off surgery. After several months, the chronic issue transformed into a sense of swelling, inflating in the left side of my head. It involved my throat, left ear, left eye, and left temple. It was as though someone had put an inflatable balloon inside the left top front quadrant of my head and was slowly but surely blowing it up. I likened it to someone forcefully holding a pillow over the left side of my face. The energy I had to exert to focus around that pillow, to engage another person in conversation, to drive and participate in the world around me, was completely exhausting and impossible to make others understand. And it was getting worse.
The next ENT hinted at brain tumors, which led to MRIs and CT scans that ruled them out. An Allergist and Neurologist were consulted, but neither could define the source of the problem. Blood sugar tests were run to confirm what I already knew; I was hypoglycemic, but that was easily managed by eating a diet including lots of protein at each meal. I’d already been doing that since I was a teenager.
Yet another ENT removed my adenoids, which overcame the issue of chronic infection, but the pain and swelling and drooping left eyelid remained. A nuclear scan test for bone infections came back clear. So off I went to multiple Neurologists to investigate the possibility of migraine headaches. More medications were tried that increased the pain. Finally I was given a steroid in combination with a beta blocker (more typically used to treat high blood pressure) which removed the pain within 24 hours, but the pressure and swelling were un-phased. This new medication further reduced my already low blood pressure and slowed my heart rate to dangerously low levels, so that medication was discontinued. Back to square one, but at least I was now free of pain and pain-meds. It was time to try something else.
I saw an alternative medicine Nurse Practitioner who tried various supplements and hormone prescription changes, which eventually led to developing a condition of estrogen dominance (estrogen levels going off the charts even though I no longer owned a uterus or a set of ovaries). Further hormone medication adjustments left me with incessant hot flashes, preventing me from getting a decent night’s sleep for over 6 months. Insomnia had been a recurring issue throughout my life but this, repeatedly waking up on fire each night,was a new form of hell. I also developed hypothyroidism.
Because the syndrome affected my left eye, the eyelid, and caused my vision to blur, I saw an Ophthalmologist who decided I had narrow angle glaucoma, and he performed laser surgery on both eyes. It didn’t change a thing, except adding significantly to the stack of ever deepening medical bills. If it prevented me from one day suddenly going blind, then of course it was worthwhile, but frustrating to be that much further in debt and no closer to an answer.
A Chiropractor joined the team. She collaborated with the Nurse Practitioner, and I was given Trigger Point Injections in my head, neck. and back a handful of times, to try to alleviate the pressure, and persistent neck and back pain. The numbing effect of the injections made me feel ‘swirly’, but essentially left the symptoms unchanged. We speculated about the possibility of Lyme’s Disease.
Finally, food allergy testing was done which revealed a significant sensitivity to baker’s yeast. The Nurse Practitioner who ordered the test suggested I ‘look into Candida’. This was the third time in the past 20 years I’d considered the subject of Candida as a cause for chronic illness, exhaustion, and brain fog, when all other test came back normal. I’d had two previous seasons of undefinable chronic illness (one of the gut, and one of the sinus) in my lifetime, both involving lots to tests and treatments with dire possibilities, never finding a diagnosis and eventually resolving. But I never pursued treatment for Candida until now. The third time was a charm : )
I spent the next two days reading everything I could find on the Internet and came across a Candida symptom checker that fit me like a glove. I fit the profile for a condition known as Systemic Candida Overgrowth or systemic chronic yeast infection (not necessarily the vaginal kind although that can be part of it, however it was not an issue for me). It seemed that the copious amounts of antibiotics I’d been given since I was a small child until my tonsils finally abscessed and ruptured causing someone to finally agree to take out my tonsils, had set me up for a lifetime of infection challenges. But the surgeon had failed to remove my adenoids; a fact which would return to haunt me with chronic infections for years before they would finally be removed when I was 47 years old.
All of that to say that chronic infections followed by repeated doses of antibiotics, plus a MRSA infection following my hysterectomy that led to IV antibiotics delivered for 10 days through a PIC line in a hospital, leaves one prone to developing the condition of Candida Albicans, or yeast overgrowth, which can hamper the functioning of all your major systems and organs, really messing with your immune system as well as your hormones.
I’ve come across so many people whose health challenges seem a bit mysterious and lingering, that I wanted to share the information that was most helpful in my journey to healing. I’ve included some of the links I found most useful so you can see if you find your own story on these pages the way I did.
There are a couple ways of treating the condition: one holistic, the other involving powerful prescription drugs. And finding a medical professional to help you in your quest can also be disheartening at best, since most practitioners don’t believe in the condition, thus are not educated regarding its treatment. I opted out of taking any further prescription medications and instead saw a very elderly Naturopathic physician known for treating Candida. He agreed with my self-diagnosis and recommended I begin the Candida Diet and taking the Formula SF722 supplement manufactured by Thorne Research, as well as a natural hormone replacement, and a calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplement. I had nothing left to lose.
My sweet husband joined me in the rigors of the diet. Within two weeks the symptoms of Candida Die-Off were lessening, and I was seeing an improvement in my focus and energy. Then one morning I woke up and realized that the pain I’d had under my left shoulder blade for roughly 5 years was simply gone. The neck and back pain that I’d been seeing the chiropractor for also just gradually disappeared. The brain fog dissipated and I felt fully present to my life and conversations with friends and family. And my husband and I both lost 1-2 pounds a week. Definitely an added bonus!
Below, I have compiled a list of the websites I found most helpful. CAUTION: Please note that many websites are selling products that I did not use and many suggest eating foods that are not allowed on the diet. After much research, I decided to eliminate ALL the foods that some sites recommended eliminating. I decided to err on the side of caution. I have also given summary notes on what/how I ate on the diet. I do not endorse, nor have any affiliation with, any of the sites listed here. I simply found useful information, and am sharing it here.
I will caution you that many of the Candida sites are set up by individuals trying to sell you their products, many of which have been given really bad reviews on other Candida boards as you will see if you dig around the Web much on the subject of Candida, so be aware that they are highly biased. Therefore, I will simply tell you what I did and how it impacted me, and you can do your own research and decide what, if anything to do for yourself.
Wondering If You Have Candida? Take The Test
Karen Tripp’s Story of Candida Recovery
What You Can’t Eat On The Candida Diet
Foods To Avoid On The Candida Diet
Stevia – The Only Sweetener Allowed On The Candida Diet
THE SUPPLEMENTS that I used while on the diet and continue to use are the following:
I used Formula SF722, which is believed to kill the yeast overgrowth in our bodies. I found this supplement available on a site recommended by the manufacture, that offers free shipping and no sales tax: pureformulas.com
I have never been able to stomach calcium pills in the past, but given that I don’t drink milk and the Candida Diet doesn’t allow milk products, one practitioner recommended this calcium supplement, and it has worked well for me. No stomach upset, and there is some research that shows it may be part of why my pain went away.
After reviewing this article I went to a health food store and found a 5+ strain of REFRIGERATED probiotic that had both the lacto- and bifo- strains of cultures listed as critically beneficial in multiple articles. I have changed brands several times and not seen any noticeable difference between brands. NOTE: Always buy the refrigerated types.
I stayed on the diet, being extremely disciplined for 45 days (the minimum, but many sites recommend longer), while taking only the recommended supplements. On day 45 I began to add back the eliminated foods and did not detect any problems other than the more carbs I ate, the more the pain returned under my left shoulder blade, and the less energy I had. But I was still living in hotflash hell.
I finally saw Dr. Lisanne Laurier, an Endocrinologist specializing in women’s hormone and thyroid health. I will note she is not a follower of the candida theory. But my bloodwork verified hormonal depletion which were quickly remedied with an estradiol patch and progesterone topical cream, and I’m now able to sleep through the night without hot flashes or night sweats. Praise God! When resolving the hormonal issue still did not improve my energy or brain fog complaints, given that my thyroid function was on the low side of normal, thyroid medication was added that rapidly improved my focus. I also came across this interesting article that summed up so much of what happened to me. Candida – Hormone – Thyroid Connection. It doesn’t explain the pain and pressure I experienced in my head, but it does explain how Candida may have been an instrumental part of the hormonal component of the problem.
After a year and a half of mostly being recovered and essentially pain-free, I saw a new family doctor who said the three-pronged pain in the left side of my head was most likely Trigeminal Neuralgia, which she suggested may have been brought on in my case by shingles, an infection, or a tick-born illness. I have suspected that the intense hot flashes may also have played a part, but that is unconfirmed. From what I’ve learned of this illness, I am very fortunate to be free of it.
I have learned that in order to stay healthy, the simple basics of proper diet (especially as close to yeast, sugar free, and gluten and refined carb free as possible), ample nightly sleep, with intermittent days of rest are critical. I stay healthy as long as I don’t over-do. It’s as simple as that. Go too far, too long, eat junk, get sick. There you have it.
I stress that I am in no way offering medical advice, but am simply sharing my story, and my journey to healing in hopes that it will help others to find their way out of the maze of chronic health issues that seems to be afflicting so many of us today.
The following is a more detailed overview of the candida-reducing eating plan.
SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU CAN EAT:
The easiest way to think of what you can and cannot eat is to remember that if it is slightly sweet, it has a natural sugar of some sort in it, and that sugar or carbohydrate feeds the yeast that you are trying to starve and kill. Once you have successfully killed off the yeast overgrowth, and reestablished a healthy gut by taking proper probiotics, then you can begin reintroducing foods, one by one, to determine what, if any adverse reaction you have to them.
You can eat chicken, beef, fish, eggs,all GREEN vegetables, cauliflower, onions, garlic, cabbage, avocado, coconut milk, coconut, (the only fruits allowed).
Anti-fungal foods to enjoy: Onion, garlic, olive oil, coconut oil, and coconut milk are your friends. Coconut milk makes a really yummy sauce for stir-fried veggie and meat dishes, but be sure to find a brand that doesn’t have fillers or sweeteners.
Grains: Brown rice, brown rice pasta, brown rice cakes. (NOTE: there is a lot of information from the Paleo Diet side of the story that all grains should be eliminated from the diet.)
Nuts: Almonds, almond butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.
Oils: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Coconut Oil (now available at Costco).
Beverages: filtered water-64 oz. per day, chamomile tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea. Beware that teas must be without other added ingredients. You may add pure stevia, Stevita, or ground cinnamon. You can have rice milk but finding one that has no other additives is tricky.
Sweetener: Pure powdered stevia with no additives, or Stevita liquid stevia. CAUTION: Almost all stevia sold includes other ingredients (such as maltodextrin or inulin) which are are NOT allowed because they are believed to feed the yeast.
Carbohydrates: The goal is to restrict your carbohydrate intake to 50 gms per day. This is really challenging when you start snacking on nuts, rice cakes, or eating rice pasta.
SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU CANNOT EAT:
No bread, grains, sugar, sweeteners, honey, yeast, yeast extract, soy sauce, vinegar, condiments, dressings, broth, bouillon, gravy, soup, pickled anything, fermented anything, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruit of any kind, coffee, tea, no caffeine, cheese, milk, milk products, cottage cheese, yogurt, crackers, chips, noodles, prepared packaged foods, beans of any kind, corn, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, sauerkraut, soy products, peanuts, peanut butter, butter, margarine, potatoes, sour cream.
No sweeteners including maltodextrin, honey, corn syrup, sweetened cane juice, sugar, artificial sweeteners, inulin, xylitol, sorbitol, Splenda, Equal, Sweet & Low, raw sugar, dextrose, mints, gum.
When buying salt, check the label to be sure there are no other additives. One of the most common brands of salt has dextrose, a sugar, added to it.
You MUST read the label on EVERYTHING you consume. Even your vitamin supplements will have hidden ingredients that can feed yeast. Buy only supplements that say “yeast free, gluten free, sugar free”.
SUMMARY:
I know it sounds overwhelming, but when you read some of the testimonials by Linda Tripp and others who have stories like mine, going from doctor to doctor for years and years without improvement, feeling terrible but finding no diagnosis, let alone a cure, then finally finding relief by taking some supplements and changing how they eat… Well it’s a choice I was willing to make, and a lifestyle change that was worth it.
I am off the diet now, but continue to aim at a sugar, yeast, and gluten free eating lifestyle, and I continue to feel better than I have in years. I am 95+ percent recovered and grateful every day for a pain-free life, with energy and mental focus that is better than I’ve had in years. It is still a journey however. I still have low-grade recurring infections involving my left sinus, ear, and throat. I’m still in the battle to fully regain my health. Some days I am better at eating right than others. We aim for eating Paleo style because it is the closest to the Candida diet I’ve found with readily available recipes. And I still pray to get to find the root of the problem and remove it once and for all.
I can also honestly say I am grateful for this extended challenge because it has drawn me much closer to the Lord, and it has answered my life-long prayer to be made useful to others. Nothing gives me great satisfaction than to know that I have encouraged someone else who is struggling to find their way.
I pray this information blesses you or someone you know who has grappled far too long with chronic health issues.
God Bless!
SPECIAL NOTE: I am sorry, but I can not respond to personal emails asking for medical advice about your specific health conditions. I am only able to offer the story of my own journey toward healing as a prayer that it will aid others in finding hope and healing for their own unique circumstances. I can only say that we must educate ourselves and prayerfully, ACTIVELY, seek healing.
Wow. Fascinating. I’ve run across so many people talking about candida lately. I enjoyed reading your info and I am so happy you feel better!
Thanks Bridget,
The testimonies of those with autoimmune issues, fibromyalgia, IBS, chronic pain, and other syndromes, who felt relief and were able to go off all other medications was impressive. It sure made me realize how addicted I was to sugar, flour, yeast, and how much of those three things or their derivatives are in all of our favorite foods. I know so many people who I suspect might benefit from the diet. But it’s a big commitment. One so worth the journey however : )
Hi Cousin,
So thankful that you finally have an answer and a solution to your health issues–what freedom for you in so many ways!
Just curious, why no Soy Sauce? Tamari soy sauce has no wheat or gluten in it-at least the brand I bought. Is it because of the ‘soy beans’?
God bless you as you continue on your journey to complete health!
Thanks Tawny,
It’s been quite a journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My faith and relationship with the Lord grew miles deeper through this experience.
And yep, you guessed it. No soy, no beans of any kind. It’s not easy to adhere to the diet, but it’s so worthwhile. I learned to carry cucumbers, boiled eggs, and natural almonds with me when we traveled, after having the experience of going into stores to buy lunch and discovering there was nothing in the entire store I could eat.
Thank you for your prayers!
I have candida syndrome, but a total different story! After doing my best to live with it for over 5 years, I finally found what was right for me. I am juicing and taking probiotics. Along with the healthy lifestyle I already live, that is what worked for me. I was told to see a psychiatrist as the traditional doctors don’t believe in candida or know how to deal with it. I was under the care of a holistic doctor for several years also. While being on a special diet and taking a lot of pills helped, I was always so fatigued and living in an endless brain fog. It wasn’t until the last three months when I started juicing that I feel myself again. I am energetic and have clarity back in my life.
Thanks for sharing your story Nancy. Seems that probiotics are crucial. It’s so frustrating for those who are already dealing with the exhaustion, brain cloud, and pain of chronic illness, to be told what they’re experiencing isn’t real, or might just be ‘in their head’. Not that our mental and emotional health doesn’t drastically impact our physical health, but it seems more and more people are having miracle cures from these mystery illnesses by avoiding yeast, gluten, and sugar. Glad you’ve found something that’s working for you. Nothing like feeling like you’ve just come back to the land of the living : )
So inspiring to read your story! Hank you for sharing. I too have candida yeat overgrowth and after several months of constant ear fluid and colds, I finally found the answers. My symptoms were right along the lines of candida and hypothyroid. I’m on the diet and am doing better. I hav a long way to go but it is so encouraging to read stories from people like you. I also have a great homeopathic doctor, but it is expensive!!!
God bless you and keep me in your prayers!
Terilynne mccurry
Thanks for sharing. I’m going through the candida diet now due to long list of symptoms and chronic illness. I’m presently working with a homeopathic doc and I’m doing better but it is a long haul! Up and down days for sure but definitely on the upwards way!
I too have shared my story with everyone I meet. It is such a misunderstood illness, and so many are suffering and not getting answers.
God bless you,
Terilynne mccurry
Sorry I posted twice. Just wanted to add that the verse you posted is my life verse! So inspiring!
Thanks for sharing your story Terilynne. So glad my story was able to help in some way. I struggle to stay on that strict of a diet, and must admit I’ve paid a price for falling off the wagon. I’ve done some investigating of the Paleo diet, and recently watched the movie “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead” and that got us motivated to start juicing and making smoothies. I need too much protein to really just do the juice fast, but it is helping me kick my cravings for sugar and carbs. So I’m doing a combination of things now, eliminating pretty much all grain but if I have to cheat I eat brown rice only. No yeast, no soy, no milk products. And take thyroid medication now. So it’s an ongoing battle and journey, but definitely far better than I’ve felt in a couple years, am pain-free, and am slowly regaining my health. I look forward to being 100% again one day soon. My prayers and heart go out to you and all of those of us who suffer from food-related issues.
God bless!
Joanna
I was just diagnosed by a holistic doctor. I have suffered for over 6 years and also have hyperthyroidism. I am wondering if it’s ok to eat avocados? Thank you, God bless!
Hi Billie, Sorry for the delay, but yes, avocados are allowed. They seem like a luxury in the midst of the restrictions. But it’s oh so worth it! Hang in there, and God bless you as well in your healing journey!
I want to let everyone know about a website I found several years ago that really helped me and I think you all will find extremely helpful and eye opening on your journey…..please check out http://www.knowthecause.com. Doug Kaufmann has studied the fungal/yeast link to illnesses and diseases for years, and provides education and recommendations. Dig in to all the information he has available and I believe you will be blessed. He doesn’t sell any products, but does give great recommendations of products to use. Some great companies to look into are: Bioactive Nutrients, Seagate Products, Longlife Unlimited, NSC-24. Let me know what you think! I pray that you find the key information that you need!
Thanks for the link to yet another resource, Becky. I sometimes think we women with these complex, mystery, health-issues, are merely canaries in the coal mine, regarding all the things that are poisoning our food supply. The diet I used was much more restrictive (no fruit, no tomatoes, no quinoa, etc.), and it worked well for me. But I felt so deprived after being on it for 45 days, that when I went off, I went way off. I still feel much better and am so thankful that I am pain-free now, but I need to get back on board because I am not symptom-free. I appreciate that there are recipes on this website as well, as an alternative to buying their books. Praying that you and your mom find answers and healing soon.
Thankyou for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing you journey! Mine is similar to yours, and it gives me hope. Just started with SF722 about a week ago. Die-off was horrid but woke up today feeling better 🙂
Sending out prayers for healing on your journey.
Dear Joanna,
My name is Jessica and I have been battling candida for over three years since my daughter was born and I was given intravenous anabiotics while in labor. A little over a year ago I thought I had won the battle but just this past month I got a cut on my arm that the Candida severely attacked revealing that my battle is not over. It sucks but I am so much more prepared this time as I’ve studied a great deal on the subject of Candida and continue to study.
About a week ago I went to my local healthfood store and picked up some Colloidal Silver after reading it was a very effective anti fungal amongst other things. I was quite desperate to get my arm healing as the Candida was now taking over much of my forearm and had already creeped into my upper arm. All of the antifungals that I had used in the past were not working (Lotrimin, Monistat and even fresh aloe plant which helped some but not enough) and I really didn’t want to go to an Urgent Care yet again. I found a colloidal silver spray and began to spray my arm 3-4 times a day. Less than four days later my arm was not only getting better but I was actually starting to see systemic “die off”! I continued to research Colloidal Silver and realized most brands sold in stores (which is what I had) are ionic silver which is not near as potent or good for you long term as “true colloids” and yet it WAS helping me. So I continued to do more research and found a brand that has actual silver particles and not just ionic silver. The testimonies I read are astounding! It’s called Mesosilver. I’ve started taking it orally as well as spraying it on my arm and breakouts. My arm is getting better every day and I’m excited to see how quickly it works for my systemic candida issues!
I sat down today and decided to look up some Candida success testimonies (trying my best to stay as positive as possible though it has been a long 3 1/2 years) and found yours… after reading it I wanted to share with you just how powerful colloidal silver is, and not just for candida but also for any kind of infection, virus, etc. in the body (humans and animals!). When I read the end of your testimony and you said that you still have nasal infections occasionally I just had to share what I learned about colloidal silver with you and highly encourage you to do your own research because I think it might really help you seal the deal on overcoming your infections!
Sincerely, Jessica
Side Note: Colloidal Silver does kill some good bacteria along with the bad so make sure you take good probiotic a few hours after the Silver at least once a day, which I’m sure you already do ?
Thank you Jessica for sharing a part of your journey with me as well. I am so glad it is helping you. I did use colloidal silver back when I first began having sinus problems over ten years ago, but without much success. What does help me a great deal now is using a saline sinus rinse every morning (and evening much of the time) similar to this sinus rinse bottle and saline packets but I bought mine at a local pharmacy so it’s a different brand. The squeeze bottle seems to have the power that helps rinse the sinus in a way the netty pot doesn’t. I also stopped drinking chlorinated water, stopped going to public gatherings (where I always seemed to catch the latest infection which would last for months and require more medications with complications), and several other things that have helped restore my health. One day I will write about that continuing journey here on the blog. But for now, life is very full and I am grateful for ever increasing health and strength as we enter our second year of our homesteading adventure, growing and raising more of our own food, and getting lots of exercise from the effort that entails. Thank you again for your kind words and sharing.
God Bless you and your healing journey!
What dosage of the sf722 did you take?
I just took the dosage that was recommended on the bottle. Good luck!
Thank you so much.
Hello, what probiotic do you take? It is very hard to find one that is dairy, yeast, soy, gluten, and extract free.
Thanks
So sorry for the delay in responding. I know it can be challenging. After quite a bit or research I chose to use PB8 which has a vegetarian version. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your story. I am in the same boat as you were right down to the sinus infections and Lyme. Now I have IBS, rashes, and arthritis. Realize I likely have had Candida Overgrowth most of my life. Changed my diet and taking supplements to kill it now. Thank you for giving me hope that I can feel better again!
I’m glad to share some hope. Healing is a continuing journey for many of us. Sending healing prayers your way Heather! Thank YOU for dropping me a note of encouragement as well.
Hi Joanna, thank you for sharing this. I will definitely try the REFRIGERATED probiotics as I have been trying loads of dif ones and I don’t think I found the right ones yet!
Here is my Candida journey – https://frigginexensive.com/2019/12/14/my-so-far-9-months-candida-fight/
Best,
X.
I’m sorry you’re going through a health battle. A good probiotic and so many other dietary changes for healing the gut are so critical. God bless you in your journey!
Praise God you are now well. And thank you for sharing your story.
Its quite strange, because even before I found out I had systemic Candida and bedridden as a result, The Lord Jesus led me to a passage in Daniel about the diet that he did, which included all fruits, grains, legumes and vegetables, and to abstain from meat, bread, alcohol and drink only water. I tried the candida diet advertised on the internet but it did not work long term and was too harsh. The Daniel diet has worked for me, I am not 100% yet because there has been issues in my life that needed to be worked through and changed as well, like saying goodbye to bad relationships that stress me out and cause me to fall off the bandwagon and go back to my old eating habits. However, I am 70% better and no longer bedridden and suffering from Chronic Fibromyalgia. I lived a very stressful life and God has continually told me to learn to Be still and give Him my battles, instead of fighting my own. Not sure Why the Lord led me this way because the way you did it does work but for some reason by body rejected protein and fat so without them two staples, I would have wasted away. Good Carbs and tiny amounts of fat with an occasional portion of meat once a week is sufficient for me long term. I believe that when I have finished working through my issues with God that He will make me 100% well. He promised to “strengthen me on my sickbed and make me well again” Praise God!
Thanks for sharing your story Nicola and I’m so glad you have seen so much improvement as well. The journey to healing for me has very much been about my walk with the Lord as well. I wouldn’t have made it without His comfort, healing, and guidance each next step of the way. And food is such a challenging key piece of the puzzle. Bless you!
Your story is inspiring. I have had candida for years and years and finally this year I found a wonderful naturopathic doctor. I never knew these people existed, until I was reading someone else’s blog. I’m really interested to know what natural hormones you took? I am at the age myself where my body is changing and I am loth to take any prescription HRT.
I hope you are having success with beating back the candida storm. I have needed to stay on prescription estradiol patches because I have no ovaries and without estrogen I can’t sleep which leads to many more problems. I’ve tried not using it or weaning off and did not go well. So I wish you luck in your healing journey. I’ve recently been reading a book I am finding helpful and intriguing titled STOP THE PAIN: THE SIX TO FIX b y Dr. Scott K. Hannen, and it has much to say about many of the health issues I’ve experienced so I’m eager to see what new information I can glean. But the bottom line for me is about what I put in my mouth and the impact those choices have on my health, so I am once again in the process of making better choices : )
Hi Joanna,
I just came across your story. I’m so glad I’m not the only one. My symptoms started after a course of broad spectrum antibiotics and after 3 years of no help from traditional doctors I finally figured out about my very invasive candida overgrowth. I’m finally on a healing journey thanks to my functional medicine doctor. I was especially interested in getting more information on the pain in your left shoulder blade pain. I have right shoulder blade pain that is unexplained but started during my treatment of antibiotics. Was yours unexplained as well?
My most severe symptoms are brain fog, head pressure, feeling hungover, weird head sensations, anxiety, and pain pain pain in my shoulder blade, neck, and upper back. All started after the antibiotics. I had ZERO symptoms before the antibiotics. I cannot believe our medical system is so oblivious to this.
I’m glad you found a doctor that will help you in your healing journey. I experience similar symptoms as you list here. The bottom line for me is all about what I put in my mouth and I have been making poor choices for too long and am now working on moving in a healthier direction because I’m really tired of being tired : ) I recently found a new book I’m reading that you may find helpful: STOP THE PAIN: THE SIX TO FIX, by Dr. Scott K. Hannen. The author is a doctor with a focus on natural health and he discusses shoulder blade pain, among many other pain related issues and symptoms, so I sent the book to a friend who has right shoulder blade pain. I’m just now moving in the direction of going back on the very restricted diet I outlined in this post. The good news is that it is only so restrictive for a season. It is outlined in the book as well. Best of luck to you!