How can I address stubborn Candida?

Hi, Dr. T. I was on accutane for two years in college, plus two dozen or so rounds of antibiotics for chronic sinusitis in the years that followed. I know that my gut is full of candida (I've developed new food allergies, IBS, and rashes that get worse when I eat too much sugar). I've tried the anti-fungal supplement that you recommend for several months at a time, and I've been on the long-term pairing of nystatin (6 months) and diflucan (two months) twice now, and I've tried sporanox for 2 months as well. I've even tried compounded nystatin to see if it works better. Each time, my candida rashes flare, and my IBS worsens from the die-off reaction (including gas that has my husband sleeping out on the couch more often than not), but the die-off reaction NEVER goes away. During my most recent treatment (2 months of sporanox over the summer), the worsened symptoms were there the entire time. I don't know what to do. I don't eat a lot of sugar, and my diet is pretty balanced. What else can I do to get rid of this stubborn candida? I've figured out every other aspect of my health regimen, but the candida seems to be the last holdout.

Answer

It raises the question that it may be a different bug than Candida. I would add in Monolaurin (non prescription) and switch to the Probiotic "Optima" by Nature's Way (any of the products in that line).

___50. Monolaurin. Monolaurin has been shown to be active against a number of viruses and bacteria, and likely also has antifungal activity, making it very promising in CFS/FMS. A typical dose of monolaurin is generally 1800-3000 mg a day. It comes in capsules, or in micropellet form. Take it with or after meals. The mini pellets can be placed in the mouth and swallowed with water . Do not chew or take with hot liquids, or it will taste oily. It can be potent enough against the infections to trigger a die off reaction at high dose, so you may want to begin slowly, at 750 mg (1/4 blue scoop) or less 1-2 times daily for a week before increasing the amount. The level can then be increased to 1.5 grams (1/2 blue scoop) 1-2 x day. One container is enough to tell if it will help.

Love and Blessings

Dr. T