Our daughter’s candida diet and health update
Sorry about blasting you yesterday with some missed emails. I had some subscription issues. Please forgive me.
Today I thought it was time again to write about our little one, how she has been doing and about her candida diet. I’ve been getting so many questions about her health. If you missed my previous posts about her and her issues then you can click HERE, HERE and HERE.
Last week we finally took her to the doctor’s appointment that we had been waiting for for three months. We took her to Woodlands Healing Research Center and we are so glad we found this place.
Our consultation with the doctor proved that we were on the right path and that she had candida poisoning. All the symptoms that made her act literally insane have gotten so much better since she has been sugar, yeast and gluten free. She has been such a good sport about it too. The beginning of the diet at the end of August was rough but she adjusted to it.
We now have to send in more stool samples (not so fun for me LOL) and see what those results will show. She could possibly have other things going on like leaky gut. We will have the results in about three weeks. In case you are wondering, the samples for a comprehensive stool analysis are being sent to Great Plains Laboratory. If you have a child with similar issues as my daughter but no practitioners that help you the way our new doctor does it might be of help to you to send an analysis out on your own.
It saddens me to think that she probably had this since she was a baby and how difficult things have been for her and could have been prevented if doctors would be more open minded to these types of approaches. But I can’t dwell on this and just be happy that we finally have found the cause for her strange behavior. She doesn’t appear to need a psychiatrist or psych meds anymore, which is what the pediatrician was pressing for. She has improved in school (straight As), has reduced her anxiety and anger outbursts and can even perform better in sports. The severe constipation that has plagued her since she was a baby is completely gone. The thought that standard gastroenterologists and physicians just give Miralax to eliminate the symptoms of constipation instead of fixing it angers me so much.
She still has a big dislike for certain clothing but we can handle it at this point. The doctor mentioned that healing her body with food can take a really really long time and we are confident that she will keep getting better. He is also confident that her Vitiligo might stop spreading and maybe we could be lucky enough for her pigments to come back again in a couple of years. I also found this post HERE that talks about a candida and vitiligo connection. It is so interesting and to me it is a huge thing to discover something like this.
So today I thought I’d share with you some of the things she likes to eat.
For the first two and a half month on the candida diet she had no fruits at all because of the sugar content in it. She now has graduated to berries like raspberries and blueberries, green apples and the occasional banana. Unfortunately bananas are high in sugar.
She was on a three month probiotic treatment that I purchased in Germany and is now taking Klaire Labs – Vital-10 – Probiotics
that the doctor recommended:
In the beginning we wanted to eliminate all her cravings for sweets but she is now able to have some sugar free stuff. Here are some that she loves. While she is mostly dairy free she does have the occasional organic shredded cheese or sugar free milk chocolate.
This sugar free Dark Euopean Chocolate called CHOCOperfection
(click HERE) is so expensive but tastes really really good. It’s sad to think that we have to pay so much more for this but it has less ingredients than any candy bar:
Another one of her favorites are Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
and Sugar Free Chocolate Peanuts
. And she likes having the sugar free thinkThin 
bars. They aren’t the healthiest choice because it’s not fresh but it makes her feel like she can have a candy bar like the other kids.
The doctor recommended to use Purity Farm Ghee (Clarified Butter)
instead of regular organic butter which we are now doing:
Our favorite gluten free noodles is this Jovial Organic Gluten Free Brown Rice Pasta
which my neighbor recommended and I have to agree. We also love eating quinoa. It’s so good.
And of course one of her all time favorite snacks is organic popcorn.
I either make it fresh in the pan or the occasional microwavable variety if we are in a hurry.:
HERE is a link to a great list of foods to eat while on a candida diet. Our daughter mainly eats 70% vegetables and 20% meat but while driving around for sports and lessons we can’t prevent the occasional 10% snacking. It’s supposed to be kept to a minimum but we can’t avoid it and the above little snack foods do help us a lot.
My husband and I are keeping two Pinterest boards with candida dessert recipes and some other recipes. He helps me so much with cooking for our daughter. He even came up with his own version of chicken nuggets. They taste so good and I will probably write a blog post about them one day soon.
I do have to tell you that if you have a child with certain issues, whether it is for example ADHD, autism or just sensory issues then it is certainly a good thing to look into a treatment like we have. After all a healthy diet change can never be a bad thing, am I right?
The only bad thing about all this is that our grocery bills are beyond expensive now. I feel like crying every time I reach the register but it’s better than having to pay a psychiatrist or paying for psych meds.
And I will keep you guys updated about the results of her test.
How have all you you been that wrote to me about similar issues? Have you had any positive changes in your life?
I’d love to hear from you again.
Tschüß
(Youleeya)
Julia I am beyond happy that your daughter is doing so much better – AND – with a dietary approach instead of pharmaceuticals!!! I can’t imagine what a relief it must be for you as parents. I wish that mainstream medicine would focus more on this kind of approach rather than just prescribing drugs. And I am with you on the constipation/miralax issues. My son took that for years and nothing the doctors advised us to do actually helped his condition. Again, I’m so glad you have found a program that is working for your daughter and family!
Miralax is such nonsense and I’m so sick of drugs and medication to just work on the symptoms and not on the cause. Thanks so much Sarah.
I’m so happy to hear you are having success with her dietary changes. While it is more expensive to eat clean, the money is well spent! You can’t put a price limit on health and well-being. I second your suggestion of the Jovial pasta line – it is my favorite GF pasta, too! Best wishes for continued health improvements for your little girl.
Thank you so much Brittany and I agree it’s the best money spent
Thanks for the update! So glad to hear that the appointment last week was a success and verified everything that you’ve been doing for the last 6 months! I hate to see little ones (or anyone) suffering so I’m so glad that you have a game plan in motion!
Thanks so much Ashley. I’m so glad too to have reassurance from a professional
Hi Julia. Your little one is just precious! My heart has ached for all of you during her journey to wellness. I’m so, so thankful that you’re finally getting some answers and that she is improving so much!
Thanks so much Suzy and also for following along and rooting for her.
i am beyond happy for you with the results you have seen. i also want to thank you for the food tips as i am definitely re-examining the way i eat and the way my family eats. and lily is beautiful- that’s all!
I’m trying not to eat gluten myself because I have read so much how bad it is and the doctor last week said that it is especially bad for women.
so glad that you’ve found relief!! I’ve definitely found several natural treatments that cure the root cause verse medications that just mask it.
Thanks Sarah, we certainly are sick of medications that treat the symptoms. It’s sad that this is the way physicians handle those types of issues.
so happy to hear your daughter is doing much better. and I love the idea that you’re taking a nutritional approach instead of just doing meds. I think that will be the best thing for your kid and your family! and it’s awesome that the family’s in it together!
now i’m wondering if my niece has some issues because she’s always had constipation issues since she was a kid, and has to have miralax in her milk every single day. which i think is crazy.
You should check into it for your niece. My daughter had miralax in strawberry milk since she was little and now I just get angry when I think of all the horrible food coloring she ate with that on top of everything else.
So glad to hear she’s on the right path! It’s unfortunate that traditional medicine doesn’t pay more attention to digestive issues especially considering that 70% of the body’s immunity is in the gut. I think every doctor should ask and be concerned with a child’s bm’s. Constipation is a tell-tale sign that something is not right. My daughter struggled with constipation for years and since going gluten free and mostly dairy free 2 and half years ago those problems are gone. My kids have also not needed antibiotics of any kind since changing our diet. Your family is so blessed to have you! You aren’t just helping her now, but you are setting her up for great health in the future!
Thanks so much Carmel for the support. It’s sad to see how the standard pediatricians handle this. Mine doesn’t believe in any of it. Not only is it the body’s immunity, it’s also called the second brain. I’m so glad that your daughter is better now too.
I’m so glad she’s improving! How amazing to find such a great doctor and really feel like you’re making some steps in the right direction.
Thanks Jennifer, I’m so happy to have found this place.
So glad to hear this positive update. Good luck in your continuing journey!!! BTW–her pic are gorgeous!!!
Thank you so much Sarah!
Such good news! Thanks for sharing your tips, I’m a big believer that the food you put in can harm you or make you thrive. We are just beginning our path on cleaning up our diets as well! Oh and it goes without saying your baby girl (: is beautiful!!
Thanks Laurie, she is something else. She’s my little challenge. And good luck on your food journey. I certainly still have to improve my eating too.
So happy for your family that your daughter is doing so well – she is a beautiful child!
Thanks so much Jen
I am new to reading your posts and had to go back to the beginning about your daughter. I commend you for standing up against doctors to fight for your daughter’s health and your beliefs. Holistic medicine has been around for centuries. Modern day medicine spend very little time (doctors in med school) learning about nutrition.
I am a professional women who has struggled with anxiety, seasonal depression, etc. Come to find out that the depression got worst during holiday times when eating all of the processed sugary foods. Now, my diet is strictly organic veggies, fruits and meats. I do eat eggs. No dairy, legumes, processed foods (especially wheat or white flours), soy, peanuts, sugar, fructose or any artificial flavorings at all. The depression and anxiety is almost non-existing. It’s amazing what a diet can do for you. I am no longer in that “brain fog” trying to focus on my work.
A great organic and healthy snack which contains no sugar are Larabars. I love the Cashew Cookies. A great snack to through in the purse when traveling or in her backpack.
Keep on fighting for your precious girl. She is beautiful and so luck to have a great family. I will keep her and you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your story to help others as well. You are an inspiration.
Thanks so much Tammy! I’ve had the Larabars, the ones our grocery store sells still has sugar in it. I will continue too look for some that don’t have sugar.
It still baffles me that my pediatrician called a diet change “holistic medicine”, I think it’s common sense. I will certainly keep on fighting for her. Have a great night.
I am so happy to see that your daughter is doing much better.
I commented on a post a few months back as I also suffer from some of the same (and some different issues). I have chronic urticaria associated with candida poisoning and leaky gut. Also went gluten free and have had to eliminate some “aggressors” like sugar, salicylic acids and funghi. Especially the fungi bit is something new I’ve discovered but it makes sense. Things like matured meat, cheese, mushrooms, are NOT good for a gut that already has issues. Since eliminating these I have seen het another big improvement!
I also mentioned to you a few months ago that I am using a good probiotic and l-glutamine powder to repair the leaky gut. The l-glutamine is something athletes or bodybuilders sometimes use to help repair their aching muscles – and it works in the same way to repair the lining of the gut. It might be worthwhile to check?
My doctor says that it takes about 8-12 months for a leaky gut to restore and for the body to rid itself of any form of poisoning – so hang in there! Every good day is a step in the right direction!
Also – your daugter is beautiful and she is lucky to have parents that are so accommodating and willing to keep searching for answers.
Well done!
Yes, hi again Esti, good to hear from you again! I still wonder if my daughter has leaky gut too and hope to get the results soon. I forgot to ask the doctor about glutamine but will put it on my list when we get to talk on the phone next time. He mentioned how long it can take for the body to heal but I think the worst part is behind us.
Thanks so much again for your support.
I am almost 79 and have been trying to eat only gluten free but can fall off the wagon. Beside feeling stupid, my father used that word, difficult to concentrate, now I have numbness in my feet, dandruff, and itching. I can’t tell you how many doctors I have seen or how many shampoos, or creams I have tried without success. Going gluten free has been a huge help. Please help your daughter and others to maintain a gluten free diet. Your daughter is blessed to have you.
MeMe
Thanks for your comment. The right diet and nutrition can make such a huge difference and has definitely for my daughter. I wish that doctor’s would be behind this more instead of always suggesting drugs that aren’t needed if you eat right.
She is so beautiful. I am glad she is feeling better – and so glad you were able to find doctors to help you!!!
Thanks Bridget!
Julia I am so happy to hear things are going in the right direction…..
It’s amazing what diet can do and how certain foods can affect you. In addition–
Your daughter is gorgeous ……
xo
Patty
Thanks Patty. She is something else. I ask her all the time what planet she came from. She’s my little challenge 😉
I’m so glad you shared an update! I know it must be frustrating to think of how long this has been going on and how quickly things have improved, but in the long run she’ll feel good for so many years more then she ever didn’t. your approach and patience is amazing 🙂
Thanks Stephanie. It feels so good to know that the worst part is behind us and that the healing has begun.
So happy to hear she’s still doing so well! I can imagine about the grocery bills! Just doing gluten free makes ours so expensive!
She’s such a sweet little girl, it always pains me to read how children suffer because of an underlying health issue. I am happy to hear that you were able to find a facility with the right doctors who can help her. It’s amazing what impact nutrition can have on our overall well being. I send my love to you and your daughter and wish you all the best. I know you are proud of her and the progress she’s made at school. Great job!
Thank you for the update. I know how busy your schedule is. I truly missed hearing how your daughter was doing. While the ignorance of the medical professionals just frys me, I am so happy you have finally found some answers. And while it has been an issue all her life, she can now go about being a great young woman. She is learning the tools she needs to be healthy and knows how it feels if she doesn’t use them. The future is full of so much more for her and your family now. And to heck with all those Dr. who didn’t know or care. I personally feel they owe you all those years back! Or at least your money!
I’m happy for all and await for your next post.
Barbara Ann
etsy.com /shop/barbaraannscreations
Oh my gosh Barbara Ann…all that money, you are so right! I’d love to have that back!!! What a waste that was. We need to head into the direction of trying to resolve everything naturally first and if that doesn’t work, then start with medication. But the pharmaceutical industry will fight that with everything they have. So sad.
Thanks so much for your support.
I tried to comment the other day from my phone, but it wouln’t work. I’m so glad you were able to figure it out. You’re an amazing mother, your daughter is lucky to have you. I’m wishing you more good news, you’re doing a great job and it sounds like you’re on the right path!
Thanks so much Krystine!I can’t wait to get the results from her test and the reassurance from the doctor felt so good
Oh Julia this post makes me so happy friend. Im so thrilled shes getting better. What amazing parents you are to advocate for her. This is so essential. The healthcare system isn’t always set up to have your best interests in mind. A lot of the times the easy fix is pushed down our throats without regard to whether that’s BEST. Im so happy shes finding foods she loves that are also essential to her health. What a great thing it is!
Thanks my friend. It’s not even an easy fix, it’s masking the symptoms what a lot of the physicians do and not fixing anything and it is so sad. I wish the pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t have such an influence on how things get handled. It’s so sad.
I’m so so glad she’s doing better Julia! It really is amazing how the foods we eat affect us. If you have a trader joe’s near you they have some candy called Dark Chocolate Honey Mints. They taste just like a york peppermint patty, especially if you put them in the freezer. They only have 3 ingredients: Honey, chocolate liquor, and oil of peppermint. If she can have honey I bet she would like them!
Unfortunately we don’t have one close to us. I wish! And not only for the healthy food but also for the wine and flowers 😉 But next time I get a chance I will have to try to buy the Honey Mints. Sounds so good! Thank you
I’m so glad to hear your daughter is doing better. It is too bad more doctors don’t think outside the box!!! The gut is the second brain.
YES it is the second brain and our pediatrician flat out told me she didn’t believe in it!!! Thanks for the support Debby.
You are such an inspiration!!! Plus, I would choose a husband that can cook a special diet(especially killer nuggets) over “a do it yourselfer” hubby any day!;) Birthday Blessings to you.
Thanks Kris. Yes, I thought I would have never said that too. But I’d take a husband who can cook a special diet over a DIY hubby any time. We can complete each other 😉
This update makes me feel so happy for you and your family. I’m SO glad your daughter is doing so much better. It’s amazing what a healthy lifestyle does. It was the ONLY thing that got my PCOS under control. After years of trying to get pregnant with Evelyn a sugar free and gluten free lifestyle made it possible after only 3 months of eating that way. I had always hated dark chocolate. But after a few weeks of not having sugar, I found a very similar treat to that chocolate which you posted, and it tasted like HEAVEN. Same with grapefruit. I had always thought they were bitter and disgusting, but after no sugar, they quickly became my favorite treat when I needed one. Our bodies definitely need the right fuel to function properly. And it is SO expensive. I used to get so upset seeing how much we were spending, but like you, I realized how much we were actually saving by having less meds and less doctor visits. Thank you for always posting these and being so open and honest. You help more people than you know!
I truly hope I can help other people. It is really amazing how your taste buds and palette can change once you get off the sugar. We don’t need the horrible sweets and I have heard specialists comparing sugar to cocaine and that it triggers the same affects in our brains as such an awful drug. It’s crazy!
Hi Julia, just stumbled upon this. So happy that you found this route. I read the first few posts about your daughter’s symptoms, and thought to myself, “She probably has food allergies!” (Thought in part because of my own experiences with food allergies as a child.) I don’t know that I would have commented with that thought, though, because most people don’t really want free advice from strangers while they’re dealing with crises 🙂 I am so glad you found a natural solution, thank you for sharing your story – there are so many kids who could be helped by ‘simple’ interventions such as these!
God bless!
Hi Julia! I love your style and your blog so much. I can’t believe that I just found it recently! My son recently got diagnosed with hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune thyroid disease. It took a long time to get the diagnosis, and I was the one who had to the doctor’s what blood test to run to figure it out. All his blood work was “normal” and they had given up, while my son got worse and worse. No mother ever gives up on her child! We have gone gluten, dairy, soy, and nightshade free. We did find some holistic healthcare practitioners through Red River Health and Wellness and it has been very costly. He is also on the autistic spectrum, although never officially diagnosed with it. I did see an increase in his ASD symptoms in about the past year, which I attribute to his leaky gut and it breaking the blood/brain axis. All of western medicine doctors have just wanted to treat his symptoms which have been headache, constipation, severe stomach pains and GERD. The pediatrician and GI doctor wanted to give him Prevacid, but the research I did showed that it would interfere with his thyroid medication so I didn’t give it to him and instead found a supplement, HCL, to give to him instead and it worked like a charm! I have grown used to the doctors looking at me like I have two heads. I am also trying to heal my son through diet and lifestyle changes because I want to try to suppress his autoimmune response and not just treat the symptoms. It’s hard but what choice do we have? Denial? That’s never worked for me. Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story and I’m really excited to start following your blog! Oh yeah, I lived in Italy as a child (my dad was in the Air Force) and my two older siblings went to school in Munich because they did not have an American high school at the base we were stationed at. I never got to go to Germany but Italy was such a dream like experience. I’d love to take my kids back there one day. Ciao!
Oh Sharon thank you so much for writing to me. I have to write an update on our little girl. It’s a roller coaster for sure. My holistic doctor just said to us last week how he wishes that both types of practices could work together because it would be a wonderful thing but I guess a very bad thing for the standard drug industry. I’m so done with treating symptoms!!! I’m so amazed at what a simple stool test can do and angry at all the doctors we saw who have treated my daughter and her horrible constipation since she was a baby but have never thought to examine her stool. She went through so so much with enemas and more. So much could have been avoided. There was even a Psychologist who told me she was withholding because she was too stubborn to use the toilet. Thinking of her still gets me all fired up.
We moms need to stick together and show those doctors that there are other ways. My holistic practitioner said that the revolution is coming. Lets hope he is right.
Have a great weekend.
I have a question: Has your whole family adapted the candida diet?
We mostly participated when it was necessary yes but she has been candida free for a while now and is now still gluten free and organic but is eating more normal now.