Opportunistic fungal infections are of limited virulence but only enter a host who is in a condition of lowered resistance.They primarily enter through the respiratory mucocutaneous (where the mucosa transitions to skin, usually enter through the nostrils). Opportunistic fungal infections vary from superficial skin to pulmonary and systemic. They are usually symptomatic with a wide variety of symptoms from bloating, gas, fatigue, metal fog, allergic response, excess mucous, anxiety and depression and are distributed worldwide but without a predictable pattern, which is one reason that they are increasingly significant and hard to contain.
However, the main reason that fungi have become an increasingly significant opportunistic pathogen is a result of weakened host defenses, which could be factors of antibiotic use (or overuse and not repopulating good flora), diabetes, cancer and other forms of immunosuppression. Common opportunistic fungi are also associated with corticosteroids, which are prescribed widely for a variety of conditions from rashes to lupus to asthma (some of the worst offending pharmaceuticals in my opinion which cause catastrophic hormonal imbalances and depletion of the adrenal gland hormones DHEA and cortisol when given in either high doses or for extended periods of time).
The human body by nature is extremely resistant to the establishment of fungi because it has so many antifungal defenses, starting with the skin, then the mucous membranes, and repiratory cilia. However the most important defenses in the body against opportunistic fungi are cell-mediated immunity (so immune function has to be strong), phagocytesis, which is a cellular process of the body to engulf solid particles and to literally “eat” pathogens, and the inflammatory reaction, which again, in an immunocompromised person, isn’t going to be strong.
I see a lot of candidiasis in my work, which is also a related secondary opportunistic pathogen. Candida albicans exists in the normal flora of the human mouth, throat, intestine and vagina. Because antibiotics kill our good flora as well as the bad, it is likely that many people who have taken either a few or several rounds of antibiotics in a row without repopulating their good bacteria have weakened their defenses to candida albicans which is when it can grow to become the pathogen, candidiasis. I did not realize how dangerous it really is to the immunocompromised person and recently read that “a patient with systemic candida infection can die if the infection is not detected and treated within 5 to 7 days”.
Thankfully, I have been studying this pathogen for several years now and have a tried and true way of eliminating with a strict anti-candida diet along with a customized supplement protocol to kill it, bring it out of the body and then a way to saturate the layers of the intestinal tract with anti-fungals to kill it deeper in the tissues. However, anti-fungals must be rotated to prevent resistance. Because candida can only overgrow in a host with limited resistance, we must figure out which other system in the body has been compromised, be it the immune system, an organ or a gland. Those other systems that are out of balance must also be strengthened for the candidiasis to be completely eliminated.
The western route is to use an anti-fungal like Nystatin, but I find as soon as one goes of it, they usually begin to experience symptoms again because they have only kept it at bay with these pharmas.
Please feel free to leave comments about your knowledge or experience of candida.
References:
Talaro, K.P. (2009). Foundations of microbiology. New York, N.Y.: Prentice-Hall.
Hello,
I’ve been battling candida now for almost two years and have decided to naturally heal as doesn’t seem to actually fix the root of the issue — are you seeing new patients?
Hi Rage – we aren’t seeing clients 1 on 1 but we’d recommend our Kick Candida program here: https://thewholejourney.com/programs/kick-candida-for-good/?cookieUUID=7ae5cbf3-1465-4cbd-ae8c-062952f2836e
What are the top antifungal’s that you would use
Hi Rachel – Christa goes into this a bit here: https://thewholejourney.com/could-it-be-candida-2/ We’d recommend checking out our Kick Candida program for more information on our approach:)
I battled lyme disease for over 8 months and now I have been told that my lyme is dormate. I h3ave had thrush five times during and after these eight months. I also have been told that I have IBS with diarrhea. CT scans of abdomen show a thin stomach lining. So sick of doctors saying take this pill. I’m almost afraid to eat anything. During these eight months I have lost over 20 pounds. I am 5’5″ and now weigh 93 pounds. Do I have fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, chronic sinusitis, headaches, some cognitive issues, and ear pain from after effects from lyme or is this my gut?
Hi Tamara – it’s hard to know what happend first, but it’s all connected. We’d reccomend taking the TAG disorder quiz here becuae it can help you figure that out: http://www.tagdisorder.com
Hi guys I’m from south Africa, and it’s quite difficult to obtain these supplements and to do the mini course, however I have been wAtching Christa on YouTube and I’m quite fascinated, I did starve the yeast and my tongue is quite clear now just a question, when I’m purging out the bacteria, can do I take antifungals with robotics?
Hi Mallon, so glad you are finding the material to be supportive and helpful! I would suggest waiting on the probiotics until you are complete with the antifungals, or – take at least 5 hours away from any probiotics.
Hello! I recently came across your articles on candida and was wondering if you had resources on how to treat candida while breastfeeding. I tested positive for candida and it manifests on my body as seborrheic dermatitis around my nose. I followed a protocol and had it nearly eliminated and then got pregnant. While pregnant the seborrhea was dormant but has flared now that I’ve given birth. Are there any supplements that are safe for me to take while breastfeeding?
Hi Laura, great question! Sounds like you are doing a fantastic job of taking care of your health. Some probiotics are safe as are some anti-fungal herbs, Our Kick Candida program includes a pregnancy plan and nursing protocol. If you have any questions for the program, feel free to email us: [email protected]
Hi there, I wanted to ask about some products I used. As there are a lot of new beauty products that use fermented soybeans or other fermented (i guess you could say) food products that you use as shampoo or face serums. I was wondering if those would affect my candida and result in a break out too? Ive been to afraid to try.
Hi. My body is very sensitive to almost every medicine and every supplement I try as well as certain foods. For example, B12 or garlic cause insomnia in me. My question is, does your program take things like this into account? We are all different and I can’t handle the general products that work for many other people.
Hi Betsy- absolutely, the program is individual and can be adapted to fit your needs. Feel free to write into our clinical team, [email protected] for more information on our programs. 🙂
Im 48 female bus driver..what can i do to stop the growth.
Hi Martinette- We recommend checkout out some of the recommendations within this blog as well as this one: https://thewholejourney.com/could-it-be-candida/
I’d like to see the diet and what kinds of goods we are allowed to eat. How long does it take to kill the candida?
There’s a typo in the last line of this email message. When one goes off it, instead reads when one goes of it. All the other information was excellent. Thank you. !
Pointless reply.
Hi there, I purchased your kick candida diet many years ago, is it possible for me to still access it? I think it was also my old email address [email protected]…..I no longer have this email account….help please?
I wish I could afford this program. I’m on disability and medicare, low income and struggling to function.
I have been sick for over 15 years. My first diagnosis was Hashimotos in 2010, followed by many other problems. I just say I’m chronically exhausted with chronic severe pain.
Is there a diy guide to eliminate Candida and heal leaky gut?
Hi Carrie, I am so very sorry to hear about your health history as well as your diagnosis of an autoimmune condition. I would direct you to Christa’s blog post all about how to get to the root cause of Candida. I hope you find it helpful and sending well wishes your way. 🙂 -TWJ Team
https://thewholejourney.com/how-to-self-test-for-and-treat-intestinal-candida/
I’ve been following the advice of the enclosed website. The Organic Acid Test and IgG blood spatter show that yes, I do have candida overgrowth in my digestive tract. Have you anything to recommend?
Hi Norman- I would recommend checking out our other blogs on candida and then enrolling in the Kick Candida program! Email our team with any questions, [email protected]
I have all the symptoms except constipation I have almost permanent diarrhoea Could it still be candida
HI Sheila, yes irregular bowel movements either constipation or diarrhea can be a result of candida or an imbalance in bacteria within your gut.
Is there any way I can pay in four parts instead of one payment .
Hi Eddie, thanks for writing, we do have payment plans for the program, please email [email protected] 🙂
I have started the candida cleanse day 5 and have noticed a difference already. Mostly because I’m not eating as much! I asked a question on the cleanse blog and there didn’t seem to be an answer in my emails. Maybe I asked in the wrong place? Is my sign up for the candida cleanse the same as sign up for the whole journey, because the whole journey sign up didn’t recognize me. Thanks for the support.
I have a question about my almost 4 yr old son. He recently had orbital cellulitis and had to take some heavy hitter antibiotics for 3 weeks. A couple months later, he developed a rash around his private area and booty. I treated with tea tea and lavender essential oils but it didn’t kill only lessened. Rash seemed to display soon after he found it comforting to touch his private s when resting. Long story short, dr diagnosed as yiest rash and prescribed an nstat cream. Question 1–could Candida of bowels with spread to privates from his hands (he sucks his two fingers)? 2–is it safe to assume he has internal candida, if on skin? 3. Do you treat a young child differently than adult with Candida? (Side note: his pedi is functional dr but did think the rash meant he had Candida overgrowth). Thanks in advance!
I have Crohns. 18 yrs ago I lost my large intestine. I wear an osteomyelitis bag. I was on prednisone, had iron infusions, antibiotics, etc. even now when following an organic, sugar free, dairy free, (l eat eggs)whole food regime I suffer with skin disorder, toe nail fungus, & neuropathy. Any suggestions to clear this pathway?
I was advised I have candida, and get extremely tired afternoon and after dinner early evening. Constipation plagues me. So, I have changed my diet to follow the protocol and take 12 capsules of oregano per day and 6 enzymes per day. I still use the Vagifem every 4 days. Is this okay, or should I curtail this for a few months… As I have 2 hip replacements, and I am supposed to clean my teeth every 4 or 5 months and take 2000 mg penicillin 1 hour before, I am looking for an alternative to that. Fighting bloating, and weight gain for 10 years
Hi Sue, I recommend you check out our newest blog post all about constipation! You can find that here: https://thewholejourney.com/constipation-reflief/
I have battled candida for around 20 years. In my early twenties I took tetracycline for bad complexion and then birth control pills for many years. The first naturopath I went to worked on heavy metal elimination, but then the clinic moved out of the area. The next had a strict diet with Nystatin, but I would have to do it twice a year. I have lost hope that I can ever be free. My main symptoms are inflammation, achy joints, brain fog and lethargy. It has been suggested that I have my fillings removed, but it has been 40 years since my last filling.
so many factors can influence your symptoms. I think knowing is better than guessing- find out if your doc will work with you on getting the most out of blood labs and combine that information with an organic acids test- they can be very informative and provide you a good direction (if you are willing to do a little online research it can save a lot of money). I used great plains oat-got it for like $300. Best wishes
Same person who had it in my throat.
I suffered a gunshot wound to my abdominal about 25yrs ago. Well it hit my bowels. So they were repaired. I hv been treated in the past for hyper thyroid. My stomach hurts EVERYDAY! Being treated for IBS.
Dominic, So sorry to hear that! We see a LOT of people with IBS diagnosis, please reach out to our team and they can answer any questions you may have: [email protected]
I had a scheduled appointment for a colonoscopy. Well they didn’t give me the solution to drink ahead of time. So when I was there prepped for the colonoscopy they realized that I didn’t receive the drink.
So they asked could they go down my throat.
Now when I woke up from the procedure. I was told I had Candida in my throat. I was there from the digestive doctor.
Now I had been complaining about the fact that I was experiencing a very hard time swallowing. So now we discovered that is why I was having a hard time swallowing!!!!! I was treated with antibiotics 4 different times!
I am so sorry to hear, the Kick Candida program would be great for clearing up the candida in not only your throat but also within your digestive system. If you have questions, please reach out to the team, email: [email protected]
Before getting hit with multiple rounds of broad spectrum antibiotics last year I think candida overgrowth was one of my more prominent issues (recurring thrush post sugary foods, brain fog, white coated tongue, bloating to the point of looking pregnant, leaky gut and poor digestion).
If you find candida returning post candida cleanse which I completed several years ago, and lifestyle has been readjusted etc then would doing the candida cleanse perhaps a few rotations even then going into the gut thrive program be beneficial? Could there be other things in the gut preventing candida from being eradicated? And is the old candida program from whole journey the same protocol as now or do we need to re-purchase?
Hi Julie! Members of the old candida program have access to the newly updated program. Please write to our customer support team [email protected] if you need assistance logging in to the Kick Candida for Good Portal. They’ll be able to answer your candida questions as well. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
I’m very interested in your program. I’m not thrilled but I will do the 6 week diet. My question is – will I need a prescription for an anti fungal drug or supplement? In other words do I need to see my doctor and what would I need from him to complement this program?
Hi Maureen, When you enroll in the program you will have the option to purchase the supplement kit that complements the cleanse. You can also source them on your own if you prefer. None of of the supplements we recommend require a prescription. For more information please contact our support team at [email protected].
I developed hand eczema one year ago. As a hairstylist, not only is it inconvenient, it’s painful and unsightly. Two dermatologists prescribed steroid ointment that didn’t help. Nor would they allergy test me,saying it was due to my profession. Researching on my own has lead me to an Iridologist who assessed m with adrenal insufficiency, a compromised immune system and finally a yeast problem. I am one week into the diet and supplements. I feel hopeful for the first time since this started. Thank you for more info to help in this battle. God bless you.
Hi Kathy! We are so happy you found your way to us. We wish you the best on your cleanse.
Hello. I am a 51 year old male who suspects having candida. I suffer from brain fog, fingernail fungus, periodic lethargy, etc. I would like to do your program, but as a plumber, I am concerned about having enough energy on a restrictive diet to lift heavy equipment. Would your program be able to be tailored to meet my caloric needs to long hours of work?
Thank you.
Hi Earl, We are so happy you contacted us. Our Kick Candida for Good program is not a calorie restricted diet so you can be sure you’ll be getting enough to eat. During the program if you find yourself hungry you can write to our customer support team and they will offer you snack ideas and suggestions that will keep you full and energized throughout the day.
After the cleanse do you just use probiotics to get your immune system back in balance ?
Hi Matt! After the cleanse is over you continue probiotics for 30 days. Then you may slowly start adding new foods to your diet to see how you react. ~Stacey, TWJ Team Member
Hi I had candida thrush in my mouth for 2 years, off and on and now constantly in all my body. I’ve been fighting this for 5 months. doctors know little unless they are osteopaths so save your money seeing a regular doctor they just tell you that you are crazy if you say you have candida and parasites and leaky gut and endless sleepless nights itching. They go into a stupor of thought as they don’t study that in med school. I feel sorry for all you out there who are suffering the same things as I am. Hang in there it is hard but keep on researching to learn all you can about healing your immune system that candida attacks, lots of luv your way ks
Hey everyone This is an ebook I read that I recommend http://goodtips.info/r.php?i=1… to all candida sufferers. I think it can help you Bye
Is Fungal sinusitis the same pathogen as candida?
Can it move back and forth from the sinuses indefinitely?
Thank U 4 your insight and knowledge ~
Nice read, Thank you. I just wanted to add that The majority of yeast
infection sufferers rely only on expensive creams and medicines but
these only have temporary results. Thankfully, nature herself has
provided us with everything it takes to eliminate the problem.if you
would like to get rid of yeast infection and never suffer from the
itching and burning again,then The natural remedies Will Change Your
Life For Good! I personally got rid of my yeast infection using only natural remedies.
My daughter (20 yrs) has a cough that has not gone away for
a year; also has adrenal fatigue. We eat
real food and she has cut out dairy. Our
ND has diagnosed fungal. I have read
alot about a product called Digestacure which supports the immune and digestion:
immunomodulation. Have you ever heard of
it or any success stories?
Thank you,
Jeanine
I have been diagnosed with candida and just found black mold in my house. Do you think the mold caused the candida? I have been feeling progressively worse and now taking the steps to get better. I have had severe “allergies”, respitory issues, digestive issues- so frustrated and so upset as I am typically a healthy person. I hoping to get more insight through this site.
Hello Renéed,
Thank you for following The Whole Journey. We do not have plans for an online candida webinar. Please try the self-lead candida cleanse which can be found on our store page.
Hello Christa and the WJ TEAM
I have just received my blood test for candida and I have a High level of Candida overgrowth ! explains a lot of symptoms I’ve been having for so long.. Just wondering if the on line Candida cleanse will be offered again ? Or is it just he self lead Kick Candida for Good option available now ?
thank you .. I really feel I need some support with this.. just to keep me on track and really kicking this for good !
thank you
Renéed
@Laura, if you see this… If you’re comfortable with meat, I highly recommend the GAPS protocol. You can get the book, but pretty much all the practical information is available online. They make their money off explaining the why’s and give the how’s away for free, which is terribly kind of them.
And yeah, you’re gonna feel awful. It’s partially “getting rid of toxins” and it’s partially the bugs literally poisoning you to punish you for killing them. Make sure you’re supporting your liver. It helps if you remember you’re not trying to exterminate them, just bring them back into balance. Candida is there on purpose, it’s just sneaky and hardier than other stuff, so you gotta slap it back into line. Just go slow, it’s a negotiation with a spoilt toddler not a war. (Though the two seem awful similar sometimes) 🙂
It’s good to hear someone else… I keep trying to get my diet in order, but I’m *so* sick, that I go through what you’re going through…. borderline frighteningly low blood pressure and such. I’m trying to get ahold of a good functional medicine doc or naturopath to help me get over the hurdle. I know what I *should* be doing, but doing it too fast will kill me, so I grit my poor teeth and keep trucking.
Hello Vanessa,
Thank you for your inquiry. Christa will be leading a free webinar where she will explain her protocol for candida. This will take place at the Sexy Back Summit on Tuesday May 21st. You can go to undergroundwellness.com for more details on the webinar. We are also having our own candida cleanse webinar beginning on June 4th. You can find our more details on http://thewholejourney.com/events.
I’ve been taking cand-e-cleanse by Herbally Grounded (Las Vegas). I went to my dentist because I thought I had something wrong with my teeth, as I felt bumps on my tongue. He x-rayed and cleaned, and I still had the bumps, so he suggested I had a form of thrush or a yeast infection. He made his suggestions, and I followed them. Of course – to only get it back, I went to our local herbal store and asked for a cleanse, and was introduced to cand-e-cleanse. I knew to remove all yeast and sugar as I did this cleanse, what I didn’t know was how far reaching the toixic feeling would go. I was so ill I couldn’t move, I called the store to see if I had done something wrong, but was told to back off the herbal remedy and eat soup and take it easy as my body was riding itself of toxins. It took me 3 months to feel better as my sugar levels would get so low…… I had no diet to follow and soon found myself eating the foods I was eating before. I’m back on the cand-e-cleanse and trying not to eat sugar or yeast, but I must admit it is very difficult without a diet routine to follow. I haven’t seen an MD in 12 years so I’m guessing this is part of what ails me…… maybe in the coming months I can afford to purchase your recipe book. Hope the best for you.
Thank you for your comments, Daryl. We are certainly glad that you figured out your issues and that you are on the right track.
My personal journey with candida has been enlightening. I was diagnosed in my 20’s and treatment and recovery via kineseology, proper supplementation, and diet restrictions gave me my life back. I think most people have candida in different degrees. It is the bane of our SAD (Standard American Diet). I wish more people understood how devastating it can be and knew more about it
Can you expand on what supplementation protocols you use to treat candida overgrowth?
Just an idea. I’ve always had borderline candida, which basically comes easily from too much sugar or yeasty items, probably originating from childhood anitbiotic treatments for pneumonia. Every time I think I’ve feed the yeast imbalance too much sugar I use 10 drops of olive oil as a carrier, and 10 drops of oregano oil in a “00” cap and it quickly causes a couple of big pimples on my face which is the candida leaving the body. The face for me is the place candida detoxes from the body. Got lucky without too much ache trouble when younger, but after years of trying to figure out the imbalance, I’ve found oregano oil to be the antifungal I go to.