A reader named Carrie wrote last week…
“I’m 19 years old. I believe I’ve been suffering from Candida overgrowth for a few years now.
“I suffer from all sorts of mental side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, depression, lack of focus, and an overall lack of real awareness most of the time. Also, some physical side effects that aren’t quite as debilitating.
“I’m confused on whether or not to waste my energy on such an exclusive [Candida-reducing] diet or my money on antifungals such as threelac.”
My Response…
You write about “wasting” energy on such an exclusive diet. Are you sure “waste” is the right word here? Right now, it sounds like the Candida is wasting you away, physically and mentally.
People usually only find a Candida diet “exclusive” if they are accustomed to eating processed “foods.” The sugar and additives in modern foods create that “I can’t live without” feeling that makes manufacturers rich and their customers sick.
But, I assure you, even the strictest Candida diet is far more inclusive than the standard diet of industrialized countries.
Pseudo Variety
Sure, it looks like people are eating a variety…
But that Pop Tart breakfast is just white flour, sugar and food additives.
The Pizza Pop at lunch is just a white flour crust with a sugary sauce and some cheap soy oil.
The pop they drink all day is just more sugar.
And the Hamburger Helper dinner is just more white flour, with even more sugary sauce.
Being Drunk and Suffering a Hangover
at the Exact Same Time
The yeast in your body ferments all that sugar and flour into alcohol. It’s like having your own brewery in your large intestine.
Just look at the symptoms you have described: “Paranoia, anxiety, depression, lack of focus and an overall lack of real awareness.”
Sounds like someone who is “under the influence.”
The Pipe’s Leaking Before it Bursts
Candida, when kept in check, is very beneficial to our bodies. The symptoms you are experiencing are an indication that the body is out of balance. It’s a warning sign.
So slowly edge into an Candida reducing diet (or just a healthy diet if you’re not eating well, right now). This way you won’t detox too fast.
If a full-blown antifungal diet seems extreme, start with small improvements that you can manage.
If you currently eat a lot of processed foods and sugars, then simply adopting a balanced life may be all you need (forget about a “Candida diet”). My soon-to-be-released 48-week online health program would be a great place to start.
Carolyn Dean MD ND
The Doctor of the Future®
RESOURCES: Along the borders and in the links of my web site you can find my books, writings, and my call-in radio show. Email your questions to: questions@drcarolyndeanlive.com.
