I was tested with a stool sample back in July and it said no candida.
I have NEVER had a vaginal yeast infection.
My tongue is normal.
No bloating, not much gas ( normal ), no diarrhea.
However....
I have a baby toe that has what looks like a fungal infection.
I have a quarter sized patch of psoriasis behind my ear.
Dandruff so bad it looks like a blizzard.
I do take Nystatin with my abx, and I started eating coconut oil for its antifungal benefits.
But how do you REALLY know you have candida?
Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Up
Posted by lymegal23 (Member # 28573) on :
Honestly. you probably dont have it. yes I know alot of people on here talk about candida. and yes it is a common issue and a possible issue but. given the fact that you dont have any vaginal yeast, oral thrush, or any stomach symptoms such as bloating or digestion issue. then I'd hafta say you probably dont have a yeast issue. some people just dont. just be on the look out for symptoms in case it does happen in the future.
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
Thanks Posted by Lauralyme (Member # 15021) on :
lyme symptoms and yeast symptoms overlap so it's difficult to know if you have yeast.
lab tests for yeast aren't very accurate
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The symptoms you DO mention are pretty indicative that you could have a problem with it.
I RARELY EVER have vaginal yeast and have NEVER had thrush.
And yet I battle yeast a lot.
When it's BAD I have bloating.
Itching is another sign.. esp the scalp. ( I have broken out in a rash behind the ears too when it's been really bad. )
Lab tests are pretty lousy and will miss it most of the time.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
how do you know??
go on the diet and treat it .. see what happens!
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
just wanted to pat myself on the back...was gonna post the same question Hambone but searched and found your post...
so bumping this up... any other ways to know?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thank you for searching!!! This question is asked about once a week!
I only WISH I was a chocoholic, Mr Tony!! Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
So if one does not have thrush, vaginal yeast problems, or positive yeast test results, and one has a clean tongue and does not have any "die off" symptoms from anti-candida treatment despite severe gastrointestinal problems (thought to be from Lyme/Bartonella), is it safe to say they are free of candida?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
No. I don't think so. My main symptoms are itching if I eat sugar or too many carbs and bloating if I do the same.
Posted by TS96 (Member # 14048) on :
My first sign of Candida/yeast is my ears itch after eating something "carbie" and it doesn't have to be a sweet. a piece of bread, a white potato.
Carb cravings are a sure sign.
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
I was just going to ask this same question! Taking probiotics but have had a yeast infection and have been abnormally tired, so I'm thinking maybe yeast.
So I have had a couple dreams where I am surrounded by chocolate cake and other deserts and start chowing down and loving it. LOL Isn't that just crazy? I cut out soda and sweets and now I dream about them! Funny, huh?
Anyway, I'm gonna look into the candida diet. Hope I can stick with it, I really hate diets!!
Oh, can anyone recommend a really good probiotic that isn't crazy expensive??
Posted by fourwinds (Member # 14114) on :
You can always try the "spit test" but then there are articles that say it's a scam;
I tested positive for IgM and IgA (as well as IgG) antibodies in my blood (I have systemic yeast) after 4 yrs of ABX
My stool culture had no yeast, but I had killed all but 2 of my friendly flora's even with probiotics.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
I don't crave sugar or carbs, and the only thing eating sugar does to me is cause mood swings if I eat a lot of sugar all at one time - but I don't even like the taste of foods that are too sweet.
Posted by terv (Member # 29410) on :
Which is better for treating yeast? Nystatin or Difulcan?
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Simple - if you are on long term antibiotics, you have systemic yeast. It's unavoidable, diet or no. Abx (think chemo) kill all your bacteria (even the good ones) allowing the candida to flourish.
The spit test is the easiest to clearly show you.
Nystatin helps with oral thrush. Diflucan is best for systemic. Plus tons of probiotics, oil of oregano, capryllic acid, grapefruit seed extract..... tons of choices.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by terv: [QB] Which is better for treating yeast? Nystatin or Difulcan?
Nystatin for prevention, Diflucan for killing yeast when you get a bad case of it.
Nystatin liquid or powder are used for thrush. I hear both are nasty and the liquid contains sugar. I have always taken the tablets.
(Mycelex lozenges are also good for thrush)
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by lymeinhell: Simple - if you are on long term antibiotics, you have systemic yeast. It's unavoidable, diet or no. Abx (think chemo) kill all your bacteria (even the good ones) allowing the candida to flourish.
The spit test is the easiest to clearly show you.
- AGREE on the first paragraph... but the spit test only measures oral thrush. You can have a bad case of yeast and a clear spit test.
Posted by canaanbites (Member # 32852) on :
After reading this thread, I guess I should stop avoiding the yeast issue and take the Diflucan that I somehow keep "forgetting." I have chronic yeast infections (vaginal), tremendous painful bloating before my period, sugar cravings like Crazy....AND yes, I have been on abx for several years now, on and off.
It seems so overwhelming a task to combat yeast that I procrastinate...
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
But if you don't, you'll never be able to conquer Lyme.
Posted by 8man12 (Member # 7664) on :
Razzle is correct. Some take things too far out of context, it takes severe yeast invasion of the body before some even have symptoms, but it never hurts to keep it in tact.
Posted by Kramberry (Member # 34032) on :
Does that mean the use of probiotics to counter yeast is useless? Or does it mean ones taking not enough dose of probiotic vs. The dose of abx taken?
Posted by ukcarry (Member # 18147) on :
Most of us are likely to have systemic yeast and the more important question is whether it is being 'managed' so that it doesn't get out of hand.
Some may not realise that you can get candida/other yeasts in the airways [as I have at present!] and this can cause very uncomfortable breathing problems...the air hunger often mentioned here may not all be about babesia!
I blame my current situation on my having allowed myself to drink alcohol for a while because of a cnacer scare and then a close bereavement, though it could also be a reaction to some chelation cycles with DMSA.
Since Monday I have been strict with the candida diet and have taken 3 drops of oil of oregano in coconut milk 3 times daily: the result is MUCH more comfortable breathing [and fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation + ectopic beats] and it's only Thursday!. I have also restarted NSI's Candida Yeast Management.
BTW,I have been taking high quality probiotics of various brands for over 11 years and they have never been enough to keep yeast under control for me.
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
I have had to take a break in treatment because of my GI issues. Extreme bloating (over 4 in.), gurgling, pain, gas, diarrehea. I don't have any vaginal yeast issues, or thrush.
My Dr. wants me to treat with an increase in probiotics to balance the flora in the gut.
I brought up yeast.... and Nystatin as well as Diflucan. He didn't want to do either. He didn't want to take the chance of putting more stress on the liver with the diflucan, my liver enzymes are normal right now, but have been high before. Kidneys are showing minor damage.
He basically dismissed the issue of yeast, didn't think it was an issue.
However, he wanted to stop the abx for a bit, so that I don't develop c-diff. Wanted to get the balance of good bacteria to bad in better relation.
I need a better understanding... of this all.
I have grape fruit seed extract that I am going to be taking to try to naturally kill off the yeast, since he wont help. (I hate the headaches from it!!!!!)
And upping my probiotics.
He wants to take a month break of abx.
Comments??
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Kramberry... it is NOT useless!! If you don't take enough probiotics, you will be fighting yeast for the rest of your life. Take the best and follow the diet.
ukcarry... You are so correct!!! ___ "Most of us are likely to have systemic yeast and the more important question is whether it is being 'managed' so that it doesn't get out of hand."___ I agree with you on the many symptoms yeast can cause!!!
Laura_W .. That "LLMD" has got to get a grip. Yeast is not an issue?? HA! And he doesn't even know that Nystatin has NO EFFECT on the liver??
Take the best probiotics you can find and take tons of them. MINIMUM of 100 billion CFU's per day.. Triple that if you can afford it.
And follow the diet.
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
Lymetoo... I will do the best that I can.. and i agree about the Dr. I have always known that he isnt very literate
Reacting to the Grape fruit seed extract with headaches and brain fog does prove yeast issues, right?
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
Oh, and how long should I wait after taking GSE before taking other supplements or probiotics? Is it the general rule of 2 hours from anything else?
Posted by viva (Member # 8183) on :
Another question: is it helpful to switch up your anti-yeast supplements (for example, caprylic acid for a while, then grapefruit seed extract for a while), or does that not matter?
Thanks for this thread!
Posted by Laura_W (Member # 31491) on :
Good question viva, I'd like to know that answer as well.
And, is more better?
Should I be taking more than just the GSE? Like Oregeno?
And if so, should I take them separate of each other.... one in the am, one in the pm?
What type of schedule would you guys recommend?
Posted by mom2kids (Member # 31972) on :
I started ABX 6 1/2 weeks ago, LLMD gave me tetra and diflucan. Should I be getting a liver test done?
How can you afford 100 billion CFU's a day of probiotics? That would be $270.00 a month for the one I am taking and I don't have that kind of money.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
This is a fantastic one by Sedona Labs - IFlora It's temperature stable so you don't need to refrigerate it. That said, I typically bought by the case and keep it in thr fridge.'
6 pills a day = 10 days for 1 bottle. If you shop right, I bottle coast $25 or less. So that's $75/month
This link has a good description, but you can find it cheaper on Amazon. They have many formulas, but this is the professional grade.
quote:Originally posted by Laura_W: I brought up yeast.... and Nystatin as well as Diflucan. He didn't want to do either. He didn't want to take the chance of putting more stress on the liver with the diflucan, my liver enzymes are normal right now, but have been high before. Kidneys are showing minor damage.
Ok..I agree with the Diflucan part. But not with the Nystatin. I take two 500,000 unit pills (1M total) 2x / day (2M total). Nystatin is VERY gentle and only stays in the GI track. There is zero impact on your liver. Why not try this?
I'm on Nystatin as described above. I also take GSE Capsules, Oil of O capsules, Olive LEaf Extract capsules, and about 160B probiotics / day. (2 VSL, 2 Theralac, 4 PB8, 1 Florastor)
I have had zero issues to date, and my diet, particularly on the weekends, is not very strict. No bloating. No / little thrush. etc. Form time to time I do get itchy toes (a la athletes foot) but I apply powder and it is gone. I've always had issues with athlete's foot.
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but then there are articles that say it's a scam; ![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)
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