I was diagnosed with candida 9 weeks ago based on a food intolerance test, which revealed I was highly intolerant to yeast. My main symptoms are chronic nasal congestion/post nasal drip and fatigue. I've had the nasal congestion for at least 15 years and have felt a lack of energy during all that time as well. However, I had a "crash" a little over a year ago after a lot of training on my bike. Major fatigue and dizziness (black out sensation) when I stand. I was diagnosed at that time with adrenal fatigue. I have also since learned that I have subclinical hypothyroidism and all my hormones are low, as well as vitamin D. Cortisol is high at 4 a.m.

My naturopathic doctor believes that when my candida is cured, it will help balance all the rest of my hormonal issues. She seemed to think within 6-8 weeks of being on the candida diet and supplements she gave me, I'd be feeling great. I knew that time frame was probably unrealistic, but hoped she was right. I had already researched candida before, wondering if I had it.

Well, I'm at 9 weeks now and, while at 3 1/2 weeks I did see some improvement in my energy levels, I am certainly not cured. Still have nasal congestion, general fatigue, dizziness on occasion. I have to be very careful how much I exert myself on my bike or all my symptoms worsen. I keep my heart rate low and only do short rides, as flat as possible.

I have read somewhere that people reported that it took a month for every year they'd had candida to be cured. So I have been prepared from the beginning that this might be a long battle. However, at my last appt with my doc, she gave me more probiotics (and other supplements) and mentioned I wouldn't need any more after that bottle.

I'm thinking, "Why not? Aren't I supposed to stay on probiotics until the candida is gone . . . and maybe like, I don't know, forever?" I didn't ask her this, because I'd already been thinking of switching to Primal Defense anyway, and was thinking of doing Jordan Rubin's Guts to Glory program. Anything I can do to speed up my recovery. (I'm almost out of my doc's probiotics by the way.)

Has anyone tried the Guts to Glory program? I am a big fan of Jordan Rubin. I've read three of his books and his advice generally makes sense to me. However, his Guts to Glory program seems to be designed for people with a lot of bowel issues. Meaning, diarrhea, gas, bloating, constipation . . . people with a sensitive stomach. While I appear to have candida, I don't exhibit any of these symptoms (thank God!). For the first two weeks on this program, you basically eat this special soup for like every meal. You can include eggs with soft cooked veggies and that's about it.

I don't really mind trying something rather drastic if it will help me, but I'm wondering if this is beyond what I really need since I don't' have a sensitive stomach.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input on any cure for candida, or in relation to any of my symptoms for that matter.

Here's a list of the supplements I'm currently on:

Ortho Molecular Candicid Forte
Ortho Molecular Intestinol (3 oils - thyme, clove & oregeno)
Ortho Molecular Ortho Biotic (probiotic)
Sonne's No 7 Detoxificant (a liquid clay to detoxify)
NOW Psyllium (for optimal regularity, which rids the yeast faster)
(ALL OF THE ABOVE ADDRESS THE CANDIDA)

TerrainZyme Thyro-Zyme (for thyroid)

Vital Nutrients B-Complex (for adrenal fatigue ... energy)

DaVinci DHEA (DHEA comes from the adrenal gland, and I'm low in this hormone)

Testosterone cream

Vitamin D3 (I try to get it from the sun as well)

Dr. Mercola Krill Oil (Omega 3)

My doctor makes up two herbal tinctures for me, one for each half of my monthly cycle. Included in these tinctures are:

Black Cohash
Withania - Ashwaganda
Dioscorea - Wild Yam
Glycyrrhza - Licorice
Aveena - Oats
Fucus - Bladderwack
Valerian
Momordica - Bitter Gourd
Cinnamon
Eluethero - Ginseng
Passiflora - Passion Flower

As a side note, I was seeing a nutritionist for 10 months who had me on adrenal support specific supplements. My doc took me off, because they were only meant for short term, and she is focusing on candida and balancing all my hormones as a whole.