Coping with a Candida Cleanse
COPING WITH A CANDIDA CLEANSE
If you’ve read our 10 Signs You Have Yeast Overgrowth blog and are convinced you have candida yeast overgrowth or overgrowth of bad bacteria from a symptom assessment or laboratory, read on! If unsure, you can check out this Candida Quiz for more info on how to proceed! Maybe you are ready to do a cleanse or bacterial reset, but unfortunately, you began feeling worse once you start. It is actually very common to experience “die off” symptoms when doing a bacterial or yeast cleanse, or even during a course of antibiotics. This is known as the Herxheimer Reaction, where symptoms get worse before they get better. This is due to the endotoxins released by microbes when they die off.
COMMON DIE OFF SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- loose bowel movements or diarrhea
- bloating and gas
- nausea
- headaches
- flu like symptoms
- muscle or body aches
- fatigue
- joint pain
- brain fog
The greatest concern with Herxheimer reaction is that most fear their current plan or protocol is not working upon the onset of these symptoms and quickly abandon in fear they are making matters worse. In actuality, the detox symptoms are a very good sign of shift in microbes in the body. Die-off or Herxheimer Reaction symptoms can often be managed and mitigated in a variety of ways. As the body is burdened with toxins during a cleanse it is important to ensure proper nutrients that protect the body during the activation occurring in phase 1 detoxification, while supporting the body during the conversion and excretion in phase 2 detoxification for proper elimination of waste from the body. First, it is important that the diet is rich in antioxidants to help protect from harmful oxidation that occurs during phase 1 as toxins become oxidized by the body in preparation for conjugation and excretion from the body.
As a candida diet or bacterial reset protocol is restricted in carbohydrates, these antioxidants must come from from low-glycemic choices such as: turmeric, green tea, rooibos, leafy greens, cacao, and nuts and seeds.
Favorite Detox Supporting Recipes:
Detox Supporting Turmeric Lemonade
Once healthy antioxidant intake is achieved, phase 2 conversion becomes the primary focus, as excretion is essential to safely remove the toxins or die off byproducts from the body. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts will be high in sulfur compounds that aid in phase 2 detox, which supports conjugation and prepares toxins for elimination from the body. At Naturally Nourished, we use Ultimate Detox to help mitigate detox symptoms during a cleanse as it contains ssulfur-containingamino acids to aid in phase 2 detoxification. This is included in the Beat the Bloat Candida Cleanse Bundle and we recommend a baseline of 2 per day, up to 6 daily if dieoff symptoms are severe.
Beyond nutritional and biochemical support, it is important to aid in the mechanical process of removing harmful endotoxins from various microbes that have been prepped for excretion. It is extremely crucial to ensure proper elimination and bowel regularity; this is why fiber and water intake is so crucial. Each day the body goes without having a bowel movement is allowing toxins from the bowel to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. High fiber foods such as leafy greens, beans and legumes and nuts and seeds can promote healthy motility and elimination. Our Naturally Nourished Phytofiber is an excellent whole foods source of fiber to ensure adequate fiber intake in the body but also promote healthy detox. Be sure to drink at least half your body weight in fluid ounces of water each day, since fiber can either act as a broom or a brick in the intestines, and without ample hydration, the brick-like action occurs.
When discussing detox it is also important to consider the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out foreign organisms including pathogenic bacteria, yeast or parasites. Hot yoga and massage help promote detoxification as well by stimulating lymphatic flow and filtration. Other alternative ways to cope with die off symptoms are by incorporating an Apple Cider Vinegar flush by mixing 1-2 tbsp of Braggs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with a few ounces of water in the morning upon rise. This promotes bile flow which in turn supports healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients and supports healthy motility. An Epsom salt bath is another DIY detox supporter that works by drawing toxins out of the skin through the use of reverse osmosis. You can add to the experience by using essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil or grapefruit which aid in healthy bacterial balance and support relaxation as well. Use of Infrared sauna can also support the detox process as it promotes circulation and oxygenation of the tissues.
To learn more about Detox, check out our 10 Day Real Food Detox Bundle
During a yeast or candida cleanse specifically, it is important to limit the source of energy of the yeast by altering the diet. Patients undergoing a yeast cleanse are typically instructed to limit carbohydrates to 60 grams per day as well as avoid any dietary sources of yeast and fermented foods for the time being. Dietary changes are made in conjunction by providing antifungal support in the form of food and/or a nutraceutical compound such as Caprylic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, garlic, or berberine. Remember, when yeast begins to die in the body they give off toxic chemicals to be eliminated as waste. It is not uncommon to experience detox symptoms such as loose stools, headache, muscles aches, fatigue etc. as mentioned above, this is actually a good sign in that it signifies the death of unwanted yeast in the body. Support your body and push through the process for successful outcomes that will be worth the process with a reset microbiome to support health throughout your whole body!
TO EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF A CANDIDA CLEANSE SUCH AS:
- Weight loss
- Reduced bloating
- Increased energy
- Improved cognitive function
- Regulated digestive health
- Improved micronutrient status
- Clearer skin
- Vaginal health
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved autoimmune symptoms
- And more!
….Jump in with our Beat the Bloat Candida Cleanse Bundle!
More of a data driven person or still experiencing symptoms after completing a cleanse? Consider a Stool Test to look at bacterial, yeast and parasite populations as well as markers of inflammation and absorption in the gut!
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How does low carb work if you are vegan? What foods can I eat to get the best results and how do I know if the reset worked?
I am struggling on the candida cleanse with my energy. When 6:00 PM comes around, I am energy depleted. It does not seem to matter what food I consume at that time, I can not get a pick up in my energy level. Any recommendations?
Hi Julie.
This is very common! The bacteria release toxins, especially as they are being killed off. So a cleanse is almost like a detox, the body is working overtime. Be patient with yourself, drink more water, and you can try liver support with this product: https://alimillerrd.ehealthpro.com/products/amino-d-tox-180-vegetarian-caps
I’ve definitely noticed detox symptoms and I’m glad I read about die-off because I feel better now knowing it’s because I’m detoxing! The low energy is rough, i crashed yesterday for 12 hours (I’m also I’m school f/t and work f/t) but still! Good info!
Hang tight and you should be over the hump soon!
Megan, just make sure you are eating enough* food! If you are limiting your carbs for candida, ensure you are replacing them with healthy fats for energy! 🙂
Brilliant article thank you
Ive known about candida for a few years can vaginal infections and mouth trush be a healing sign
It usually instead is a sign of flare or overgrowth!
I seem to have gained weight in the first week of my candida cleanse -is this normal?
This can happen with die off, the bacteria in our body is 3-5 pounds! Keep at it!
I’m unsure if it’s the die off or the supplements but I’ve been having crazy dreams and a bit of a depressed mood. I am about a week in, is this normal?. Thanks!
Yes the die off from a cleanse can cause both flu-like symptoms as well as fatigue and can interfere with serotonin/GABA production which can impact mood. Hang in there!
I also have a fungal skin infection under my arms that Im hoping this cleanse will help. Could that get slightly worse before better with die-off?
Yes very common for things to get worse before getting better, consider coconut oil as a topical!
My skin is worse; the ring worm on my legs has improved, however it seems to be working it’s way up to my upper body (arms, back, chest and face), is this normal? My skin itches a lot with red rashes.
Things can get worse before they get better, keep at it and increase the Ultimate Detox. You can use coconut oil topically as well!
I feel my arm is vey heavy and i ve fatigue when the 5:30 ..pm arrive is this candida die off ..? Thank u …
Its possible to have fatigue as a dieoff symptom, increase Ultimate Detox and ensure getting at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily!
Can a yeast detox cause kidney pain ?
It can as your kidneys are involved in the detox process! Increase the Ultimate Detox and make sure you are getting plenty of water!
1) How long do the die off symptoms last?
2) Do I start phase2 during or after the symptoms?
3) how long do I eat this way B4 I can eat normally?
4) I woke up miserable, stuffed up, headache, beyond the exhaustion I’ve had this past wk & achy all over. I drank a diet soda for the caffeine 🙁 Did I just ruin my candida cleanse and force a clock reset on the healing?
Dieoff symptoms usually last from a couple days to a couple weeks depending on severity of overgrowth, you can increase Ultimate Detox to 6/day if experiencing severe symptoms. Phase 2 starts at week 4 of the cleanse with starting the Spectrum probiotic. If you start it and symptoms worsen, that is a sign you need to stay in phase 1 for longer. Stay on the 60g carb restriction during the entire cleanse. Not sure what eating normally means for you but generally we advocate for 60-90g carbs max and often as low as 30g so this should be a good reset to continue as a lifestyle. No you did not ruin your cleanse but we do not support diet soda consumption at all ever, would be better to do coffee or tea for caffeine source!
Can it cause brain fog ? I feel some days that I am feeling brain fog and pressure in my right ear and nose is that common?
Absolutely! Brain fog, poor memory, anxiety, depression can all be seen with yeast overgrowth
Hi Ali – quick question, can you take a prenatal vitamin while doing a candida cleanse? Are there any supplements/nutrients/vitamins one should avoid while during the cleanse? Thank you so much for your podcast and articles on the issue of candida. I really appreciate it.
Prenatal and most supplements can be maintained, just hold probiotics for the first 3 weeks!
I recently had a Candida flare up of the GI type. I’ve been doing rectal ozone to help clear it up. I get really sleepy in the afternoon, and usually sleep deeper than I do at night. I’ve noticed yeast in my stool after doing rectal ozone insufflation. . I’m wanting to confirm if this is a die off reaction.
I would recommend a synergy of antifungal supplements along with compounds that aid in breaking biofilms and regulating detoxification like you can find in my Candida Cleanse BundleCandida Cleanse supplement
I am almost finished my second week of candida cleanse. I’ve been off all sugar, yeast, carbs and alcohol. My symptoms were localized in the vaginal/rectal area…with constant itching and burning. The first week of the cleanse all symptoms disappeared. While the it’s nothing like it was before, the symptoms returned. Is this die off as well? Does the yeast actually come out in the urine?
You may try the Bacteria Rebuild bundle and if symptoms worsen then complete another 6 week cleanse with the Candida bundle. Yes yeast can be in the urine.
How about stuffy nose and worsened sinusitis symptoms as probable die off symptoms? I have been doing ACV and lemon juice.
Yes for sure! Increase my Ultimate Detox to 6/day https://www.alimillerrd.com/shop/shipped-items-email/nutritional-supplements/supplements/ultimate-detox/
And do oil pulling to add caprylic acid into mouth/oral. Then can do colloidal silver spray for nose and use essential oils in diffuser that are antifungal. Check out these things here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alimillerrd?listId=3J1UXBL88IP7T
looking for why a client of mine would have a constant pressure in the right side below the ribs (liver/gall)?
She has had it for almost 8 months now, the naturopath we took her to said she has candida/leaky gut, but shes been on the protocol for 2 months now with no noticeable effect.
Liver/gallbladder issue. Try digestaid enzyme with meals and a 10 Day Detox to clean up any “sludge”
I have been living on a no sugar diet for about a month and a half now to try and get rid of Sebhorreic Dermatitis. I have also been taking a lot of anti-candida supplements, like Pau-Darco, Coconut Oil, Garlic, and things like that. My Skin has been getting worse and is breaking out in places it didn’t use to. I’m hoping that it’s just a sign of die-off, but am also a little worried that I might just be making it worse. Can I be confident that it’s die-off? I haven’t been having any headache or stomach issues, just the skin breakouts getting worse.
I would recommend testing stool. You may have a sterilized gut which leads to hormone imbalance and from the constant cleansing have worn at your secretory IgA in this case you want to focus on gut lining health for skin health. https://www.alimillerrd.com/labs/stool-test/
I am going into my third week of the candida cleanse with the recommended diet and your supplements. My stomach is still bloated and I am constipated. I’m drinking lots of water, but that is not helping the constipation. When should I see relief of these symptoms, and is there anything I can do to help the constipation? Can I increase the amount of one if your supplements to help with this? I’m about ready to order the rebuild bundle, would the Phytofiber help with this? Also, please do not suggest that I drink more water. I’m already up several times a night and can’t be in the car more than 30 minutes before I have to stop somewhere!
Thanks!!
Bring in our Relax & Regulate supplement to help with bowel motility!
I am currently on week 3 of the candida cleanse. I have been having a lot of loose stools and urgency for the last 2 weeks and have been nauseous/throwing up for the last few days, but only after lunch. I’ve also been taking a collagen/mct supplement on my coffee in the morning. I’m wondering if the cleanse could be causing this or if it could be the supplement? I’m also taking a keto pre workout drink that also has mct in it. I’ve had problems in the past when doing keto where my legs are dead and have no energy, and the supplement seems to help- they’re both cleaner supplements but do have stevia in them. I’ve just heard mct powder can be hard on digestion. Also, I was previously taking l- glutamine, and stopped for the cleanse. Should I still be taking this or should I wait till after the cleanse? I had planned on following the cleanse with the gi lining support and the probiotics. I really just want to make sure I’m doing this right…I’ve needed to do this for years! Thanks!
Hey Kelly, sorry the initial push of the cleanse has been rough. Try pulling the MCT which can cause digestive distress and see how you do. If needed you can cut back to 1/2 dosage of the cleanse supplements and slowly ease your way up to a full dose. Add the GI Lining after the cleanse along with the Bacteria Rebuild Bundle.