Candida Overgrowth FAQ's

CANDIDA  FAQ'S

HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE CANDIDA OVERGROWTH?
For starters, you can do this FREE home Candida Spit Test:  http://docjana.weebly.com/wellness-blog/candida-spit-test. It is quite accurate. In fact, you can re-do this test monthly as you go through a Candida Detox to watch it decrease in your body, and also to help assess if it's actually gone or not. Most people think it's under control long before it truly is (usually because they want to add sugar/carbs back into their diet way too soon). 

Next, do you have a white-ish coating on your tongue? If so, that's likely yeast! We're getting warmer ;) To be absolutely certain of what's going on with your health (which is often MORE than just Candida overgrowth), you can schedule an appt with me, and I will evaluate you thoroughly for Candida overgrowth, parasites, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, food allergies and a whole lot more. You'll leave with a thorough plan customized JUST for you :) Regardless of what you decide, know this: Candida overgrowth is very serious and difficult to manage without professional help. I'll leave it at that ;) 

Other Symptoms of Candida overgrowth (Candidiasis) could include: 

1. White coating on tongue
2. ANY history of antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills or long-term prescription drug use is a setup for Candidiasis
3. Eat grains/breads/pastas, sugar, soda, cereals & starchy foods often or often in the past
4. Brain fog, chronic fatigue or chronic pain
5. Colic, thrush, cradle cap, asthma, eczema, spitting up as a baby
6. Digestion issues: gas, bloating, reflux, constipation/diarrhea, bad breath, food allergies, IBS, etc
7. Gall stones or gall bladder removal
8. Hormone problems, irregular cycles, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, no libido
9. Eczema, acne, psoriasis, dry skin, or other skin problems
10. Asthma, chronic sinus/respiratory infections, snoring
11. Auto-immune disease: Lupus, Hashimoto’s, Fibromyalgia, Celiac’s, Crohn’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc
12. Allergies: environmental OR food allergies
13. Chronic UTI’s or kidney/bladder problems
14. Toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, white spots/yeast on skin, yeast infections, thrush, dandruff (flaky scalp)
15. Lots of random symptoms that other (medical) Doctors can’t figure out
16. Elevated CRP levels or triglycerides or LDL’s on bloodwork …

NOW BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER...
I NEED YOU TO PROMISE ME THAT YOU WILL PRAY & CAST DOWN ALL FEAR IN THE NAME OF JESUS! If all signs are pointing to "Yes" for Candida overgrowth, then great, we are getting answers. This means HOPE. Don't freak out. Yes, there's a journey ahead, but God's got everything you're gonna need! None of this catches Him off guard ;) OK, promise??? OK, go! 

WHAT CAUSES CANDIDA OVERGROWTH?
Candida albicans is a yeast (fungus) that is present in all of us. It is a natural and normal part of the body’s gut flora. However, certain factors such as (over)use of antibiotics & steroids, birth control pills, the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet- highly refined, genetically-modified and sugar-loaded), stress, weakened immune function, lack of sleep, and environmental pollutants/toxins all contribute to the OVERGROWTH of Candida and other inflammation (diseases and dis-eases) in our body. Candida Overgrowth can also be called CANDIDIASIS. Candida overgrowth is sort of like having wet glue all over our “insides.” It thrives in warm, moist environments: mouth, gut, anus, ears, vagina, etc. It reproduces very quickly (same thing that happens with a vaginal yeast infection or thrush), and it lives on sugar. Therefore, we have to be very strategic in killing it off. It is one of the most over-looked “stressors” found in the body, and one of the major culprits in MOST serious conditions. I can easily say that about 80% of patients I work with test positive for this. It is epidemic. 

Here's a webinar I taught called "Balancing Your Microbiome" if you want to listen & take notes. 

WHAT DOES A CANDIDA DETOX DIET LOOK LIKE? 
First, I need to make something clear because there is a lot of confusion surrounding this topic. Almost no one will fully overcome Candida overgrowth if they ONLY change their diet or if they ONLY do supplements. BOTH the dietary changes and the "supplements" (different for everyone) are critical to succeed. Once someone has Candida overgrowth, it is a living organism that wreaks havoc on any of the body's systems: the gut, immune system, endocrine system (hormones), hepatic system (liver), genitourinary system (kidneys/bladder), circulatory system (blood/heart), integumentary system (skin), etc. The dietary specifics will be customized for each patient I work with based on their New Patient Exam findings. SO, all that to say..."In general", this is what I recommend after many years of revisions and working 1 on 1 with patients and personally going through this myself:

NO: grains (bread/pasta/corn/rice), potatoes, beets, mushrooms, peanuts/pistachios, cheese (or dairy for many), fruit, coffee, alcohol, sugar, coconut H2O
EAT: eggs/meat/fish/poultry, LOTS of veggies, RAW kombucha (<2g sugar), RAW sauerkraut, RAW kimchi, RAW apple cider vinegar, nuts/seeds, legumes/beans, non-grain flours (almond, coconut), garlic/herbs, lemon/lime
EAT UNSWEETENED: plain yogurt or RAW kefir (if no dairy allergy), coconut, nut & seed butter/milk
SWEETENERS: xylitol/erythritol/maltitol, Swerve & stevia will NOT feed yeast

BEWARE: aspartame, acesulfame (K)potassium, splenda, sucralose ("sugar-free" chemical sweeteners are toxic)

*You will see conflicting info between different Doctors & Nutritionists. I'm not trying to say I have the only plan that works. I'm simply telling you what I've found works with the way I practice & the wisdom God's given ME. Again, these are general recommendations. No one can write a protocol on a website that will work for everyone. Just sayin ;) 
​
SO...Pray. Ask the Lord who/what you should follow or listen to. Beware of what you read/find randomly on the internet. Trust. Proceed. You are not given a Spirit of fear or confusion in Jesus name! ;) If you are someone who doesn't like to ask for help and has been driving yourself crazy trying to get better... I graciously ask that you would seek the Lord about this. Ask if there is pride, fear or idolatry of knowledge or otherwise that needs to be dealt with. You can drive yourself insane and spend even more money trying to do this alone. 

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?  IS IT THE SAME FOR EVERYONE?
A CANDIDA DETOX looks different for everyone. In a "Candida Detox" there is the DIET part and the SUPPLEMENTS part. The time frame for a "Candida Detox" varies depending upon how well the bowels are moving, how sick the patient is, how severe the overgrowth is, the condition of the gut, liver, kidneys, immune system, etc, and the other layers of sickness going on. Most people are unaware of how deep this problem can go. Without knowing and testing you, no one can tell you how long it will take. My best advise is to remember that you walk by faith and not by sight. This journey takes Faith. Have you prayed for faith? Healing? Patience? Perhaps God's answering your prayers?! ;)

More people are becoming aware of Candida overgrowth, but we are being lead to believe there is 1 simple program every person does for a set amount of weeks and viola! It does not work like that. To answer the question of "how long" for this initial part of removing ALL sugar, grains & starch from the diet....we generally do this until your bowels are moving daily, your probiotic dose has reduced close to the recommended dosage on the bottle (because it often starts WAY higher than that! Some people need 20 capsules/day of even the really potent stuff!), AND your symptoms are reducing significantly. SO, that can be weeks for some and many months for others. At this point, we can be pretty sure we have the yeast under control and we can begin to (try to) add low glycemic foods back in first. We see how you feel for 2-4 weeks and then add more if we are continuously moving in the right direction. If any symptoms come back as a result of adding in more foods then we know it was too soon for those that caused inflammation/symptoms. 

Each patient with Candida overgrowth will have variations in their treatment plan, as well as other layers that need to be addressed (usually), so the plan is custom written for each person. The bowels HAVE to be moving daily, which means there is often extensive work to be done on the liver & gut simultaneously OR BEFORE triggering major yeast die-off. Most people have had Candida overgrowth for years, if not decades, so there are many other secondary layers (i.e. auto-immune problems) like an under-functioning thyroid, worn out adrenal glands, leaky gut, food allergies, liver congestion, hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), etc that we are working on. If they are not addressed a patient could become severely constipated and very sick, or be so run down during the process that it is hard to follow through/focus. Some people will have to be really strict in cutting out all sugars, while others can do a modified Candida Detox Diet. Those with leaky gut, food allergies and a compromised immune system can expect the overall process to take quite a bit longer. 

Last, yes, there is a small percentage of patients who God leads me to start on a modified Candida Diet, adding berries, sweet potatoes, quinoa and sometimes brown or sprouted rice from the get-go. The Lord is faithful to lead us from visit to visit, giving each patient the patience, perseverance & provision they need, and giving me the wisdom and discernment necessary to help you. He is a part of every visit!

Example: If I have recommended a patient to do 3 boxes of my product called Candida Clear, then THAT PART of your program will last 6 weeks. However, the process of "Candida Detoxing" lasts far beyond the time you are on Candida Clear and the initial Treatment Plan I wrote for YOU. We may have to stay strict on the Candida (no-sugar) diet and other supplements for a while AFTER you finish the supplement part of the cleanse. Your custom Treatment Plan will specify what YOU need to do, and specific changes/additions will be determined through each re-evaluation as your body heals and gets stronger and healthier. You can expect to experience unpleasant symptoms in the very beginning as your body detoxes (possible: headaches, breakouts, body odor, fatigue, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, cloudy urine, brain fog, body aches, etc) but this is perfectly normal, and doesn’t last long (usually a few days up to 2 weeks). Some people have very few detox symptoms while others are pretty severe. Please do not compare yourself to your friends or someone you know who has been through a Candida Detox. We are all different. Our bodies and circumstances are not the same.

WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO MY “NORMAL” DIET?
For starters, our goal is not to return to an un-disciplined lifestyle, holding on to the idolatry of "food", eating lots of sugar and highly processed foods whenever we want. The goal is to "fast" from sugar for a time, in God's grace and according to His will (this takes faith), in order to receive healing and restoration, and to end in a place of greater health and freedom, eating & enjoying whole foods (those that feed YOUR body) and a life of discipline.  We will slowly add in low-glycemic foods like quinoa, sweet potato, brown/sprouted rice, berries and grapefruit first, when YOUR BODY is ready. This can be 2 weeks for some and 6 months for others. On average it is 1-2months. 

HOW CAN I MAKE GOOD CHOICES AT RESTAURANTS?

• Focus on meats/proteins & veggies.
• Watch/avoid hidden sugars in sauces/marinades.
• Ask to substitute potatoes or rice for extra veggies or salad. If it's on your plate you're likely to be tempted. 
• Drink water (with lemon wedges). 
• Keep liquid stevia or packets of truvia in your purse if you ever use sweetener. 
• Dressing: ask for lemon wedges & olive oil. Add salt if necessary. OR keep a small jar of RAW apple cider vinegar/homemade dressing in your purse when you eat out ;)
• Don't even look at the dessert or drink menu. Don't torture yourself (wisdom). 
• Graciously invite your dinner guests or the server to "help" you. Many people come across frustrated, demanding or obsessed. Let your friends/family know you have made some changes because you have been quite sick. This isn't a "diet", it's a wellness plan, for healing, not weight loss. Help them understand. Let them know you have serious food allergies. Ask them to help you or to KINDLY hold you accountable. Say "I choose not to" instead of "I can't" or "Dr. Jana won't let me..."
• When we are humble & our loved ones know "the struggle is real", they better understand and will often want to help you more than mock you. 
• Pray. Self control is a fruit of the Spirit :) You CAN do ALL things through Jesus!

CAN I HAVE KOMBUCHA?
YEP! 

OTHER SOURCES ARE SAYING I SHOULDN'T EAT ANY FERMENTED FOODS ON A CANDIDA DETOX?
I disagree. Alcohol-free, RAW fermented foods (RAW sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, etc) are natural sources of probiotics and enzymes and will immediately kick in the detox process. You cannot catch a buzz from the TRACE amounts of alcohol found in THESE foods. They can be great for the liver/gut and are traditional foods that have been removed from the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet). However, they do contain histamines, so for other reasons some people may not do well with these. For those who suspect these foods bother them, I recommend coming in as a patient so we can specifically test YOUR body and see what is best for YOU. No "food rule" will apply to everyone. As a general rule, these foods are a "yes". 

I DO AGREE that regular (alcohol-containing or pasteurized) fermented foods like beer, wine, aged cheese, etc will actually make you worse and feed the yeast. These are necessary to avoid in order for the body to heal. And no one would suffer in any way for laying down alcohol once & for all ;) 

WHAT ABOUT LEGUMES/BEANS, TOMATOES, CARROTS & PEAS, etc??
*ALL of these will simply depend on the person, their blood type, digestion, symptoms, severity of illness, etc. 

Some people will thrive with them. Others will notice a (significant) setback. I typically say all of these are ok on a Candida Detox UNLESS you eat them and feel bloated, foggy, constipated, diarrhea, fatigued, joint pain, get breakouts or YOUR symptoms return. If I am testing you as a patient, I can confirm whether or not you are sensitive to any of them. 

Dairy: If any history of asthma, sinus problems or eczema/skin problems, then NO DAIRY. 

WHAT IS “DIE OFF” AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Die-off is properly known as a Herxheimer Reaction. When these yeast (fungal) cells die and are passing out of your body, (some sources say) up to 79 different noxious toxins are released in the die-off (detox) process. You can expect to experience unpleasant symptoms in the very beginning as your body detoxes (possible: headaches, joint pain, breakouts/rash, body odor, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, cloudy urine, brain fog, body aches, chills, mood swings, sleeplessness, etc) but this is perfectly normal, and doesn’t last long (usually just a few days to 2 weeks). Some people have very few detox symptoms while others are more severe. Please do not compare yourself to your friends or someone you know who has been through a Candida Detox. We are all different. Our bodies are not the same.

If the die-off symptoms are really severe or you are not having daily bowel movements, I highly recommend being less aggressive with what you are doing and making an appointment with me or another Holistic Doctor who knows how to help you. Your liver (and possibly kidneys, etc) need additional support. Professional help would be advised at this point. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I EAT SOMETHING THAT IS NOT ALLOWED... DO I HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN?
Nope. God's mercies are new every day. Most people stumble at some point, some more than others. Sanctification is a process. Don't give up. Ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. Forgive yourself. Bind up any shame, doubt, fear, or guilt the enemy is trying to throw at you, and pick right back up on your next meal. Press on! If your symptoms linger, exercise patience & ask the Lord what to do: schedule a re-evaluation or appointment with me, do a water fast, nothing, take some of the following supplements, eat more veggies, etc. 

Drinking some extra RAW apple cider vinegar or kombucha, eating some extra sauerkraut or kimchi, or taking some extra probiotics or enzymes may help (if you have them) if you are feeling bloated or constipated. If you have my Silver Shield or Pau D' Arco tea, a little extra of these may also help. 

WHY DO I NEED TO EAT SO MUCH COCONUT OIL?
2-4 Tbsp/day is recommended for adults. 1 Tbsp/day for older kids/teens (when possible). Do your best. If it's making you nauseous, then decrease to 2 Tbsp/day. It contains Caprylic acid and other amazing benefits which help kill the yeast, detox and heal the liver, feed the thyroid, feed your brain and help with energy, skin, bowel movements, memory, etc. As always, buckets of grace. 

Avoid if you have known gall bladder issues or if coconut oil makes you nauseous. 

HOW CAN I GET MORE COCONUT OIL IN MY DIET?
Add 2 Tbsp to any smoothie or soup or try my Matcha Latte or Healthy Hot Cocoa recipes. Try my Pumpkin muffin recipe and smear on some coconut oil or any of my soups could have a spoonful of coconut oil melted into them. My recipe blog is a great resource to help you. 

WHAT CAN I SUBSTITUTE FOR COFFEE AND TEA?
Check out my recipe blog for "drinks" you can have. You can use the search box at the top right of any page on this website and search "drinks" or "tea" or whatever you are looking for :) We are always adding new ideas! Check out my Matcha Latte, Healthy Hot Cocoa or Detox Lemonade to start!

CAN I DO THE CANDIDA DETOX DIET WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?
Not intensely. However, you CAN change your diet and significantly reduce sugars/grains/processed foods in your diet, slowly add probiotics and/or take certain herbs to support the liver to gently detox/support the body on a daily basis. However, to more specifically advise, I would need to see you as a patient, test your body and talk in greater detail with you.

Know this though: Keeping Candida overgrowth in the body is keeping both mommy and baby sick. So this IS something that needs to be carefully addressed at the proper time. 

HOW DO I STAY MOTIVATED ON THE CANDIDA CLEAR DIET?
Stay close to Jesus. HE LOVES YOU. HE KNOWS…He knows every fear, every weakness, every financial struggle, every addiction, every stronghold and EVERY DESIRE OF YOUR HEART. He will make the crooked places straight. He is doing something so much more than you’ll ever imagine THROUGH this journey…if you’ll let Him. I watch Him use this to build character, perseverance, faith, patience, trust, self-control, discipline, and deep respect for His amazing creation of the human body. He wants to be a part of our journey. HE is our source of strength and self-control as we make these sometimes drastic changes in our lives. Please don’t try to do this in your own strength. Surrender and watch your life change in more ways than you can ever imagine! I am honored to see people fight for their health and follow JESUS into these hard places! Let us not give Satan the foothold of unnecessary infirmity and disobedience to hold us back any longer. Freedom awaits. Remember that you are fasting & sacrificing the "lusts of the flesh" in order to receive so much greater from your Father in Heaven. It will be worth it!

"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."  -1 Peter 2:11

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE!!
Philippians 3:12-15 (NKJV)  Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. {13} Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, {14} I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. {15} Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.