I don't mean that C word.
I mean the other one that polite ladies don't usually mention in public!
Candida!
I know right!
Everyone at some stage gets up close and personal with it but no one likes to talk about it!
If I do a search on the changing habits forums I come up with the maximum 20 pages, so over 200 posts where 'it' is discussed. Certainly not uncommon while doing the protocol.
How do I know this exactly?
Well, during my first round I became re-acquainted with candida and started searching to see if it was common during the protocol.
Computer says "YES"
Because our bodies are detoxing when we do the protocol it is completely normal for it to go into overdrive as it tries to eliminate all the build up of crap. During phases 2 & 3 we stop feeding the candida which is a naturally occurring yeast bacteria that lives in our digestive system. When we have an unhealthy diet based on sugar, wheat and other highly processed foods it thrives and can go into overdrive causing unpleasant symptoms such as:
*bad breath
*itchy skin
*throat infections
*vaginal infections/discharge/itch
*irregular bowel movements
*wind/bloating
*CRAVINGS
I put that last one down simply because I am constantly reading about people doing the protocol and having cravings. Even without the protocol how many of you had sugar cravings?
what does candida need to survive?
Yup, not just warmth and moisture but like any other bacteria.
This wants sugar!
So, are you wondering why you get this on the protocol. Particularly when you are eating a healthy diet and taking your probiotics?
They say it takes a month of good health to make up for every year of crappy diet and health. So this too will take time.
The candida symptoms you might be battling are simply a sign your body is fighting to become healthy.
I have found that after phases 1-3 I have to be careful not to eat fruit that is too sweet or use any sweeteners like honey/agave/rapadura/maple in excess. It is as if the candida knows it is dying off and will grab whatever it can to survive. I have something wrong to eat and start to feel the onset of candida overload.
The sugar cravings you get are simply the candida channelling through your body and wanting to be fed.
What can you do to beat candida and heal your digestive system?
Make sure you take them daily because they are high in good bacteria which help to kill the bad bacteria. If you are in phase 4/5 then why not try
All of these will help the good bacteria grow and are known for their gut healing qualities.
Foods to avoid are sugars, yeast products, moulds like mushrooms, alcohol and I personally would avoid wheat products too.
Some people say to eat yoghurt but when you consider most yoghurt has only about 3 strains of bacteria compared to the 60 that the average kefir/kombucha has, I wouldn't waste my time on it.
Having said that if you have an outbreak and need soothing in your nether regions you can apply plain, good quality yoghurt straight onto your pink bits!
AAAAAAAHHHH!
At the end of the day, if you are following the protocol by the book, all you can do is trust that your body is doing what it needs to do to achieve wellness. All you need to do is be patient.
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