Leaky gut and Candida - DIET???

Hi all,

First post here - I've used this forum for research, now I'm hoping to tap into the knowledge and experience of the members for some assistance. A little background first:

A little over a year ago my wife developed a pretty nasty upper respiratory infection. Went to our GP (we use doctors as a last resort) because I was convinced she had pneumonia. The nurse practitioner examined her and said she did not have pneumonia, but recommended Antibiotics (Augmentin) which she took reluctantly. Fast forward a week and she was having trouble getting her breath one night. Rushed her to urgent care where she had an x-ray, and the doctor said she had DOUBLE pneumonia and needed to be hospitalized immediately. Took her right in and she was given IV Antibiotics (two different kinds), then a six-day course when she was released two days later.

A day after she got home she had a yeast infection, and with a week or so was in pain (abdominal) every time she ate. Did some research and discovered the problem was most likely Candida. I immediately took her off of Sugar and carbs, started probiotics and she was able to eat again.

After a while she was better, the diet got lax, but suddenly she started retaining fluid and her legs swelled up. She would also get a feeling like there was "A lump of wet clay" in her upper abdomen, which would make it a little difficult to breathe. After trying as many natural diuretics as we could the swelling in her legs became unbearable. She finally broke down and got Lasix from a doc, barely had any effect, so we went to the ER and talked them into giving her IV Lasix. Swelling started clearing up and eventually went away, but by this time she was developing sensitivities to a variety of foods. She absolutely cannot have salt of the swelling comes back - she feels it in her abdomen, starts seeing it in her ankles, and if she doesn't use Lasix (about 20 mg/day for a few days), it will get worse.

So, after some research we are convinced that the Candida eventually caused leaky gut, leading to food sensitivities , so now we are in the process of addressing the LG. She took the IP test and it's been sent to the lab, in the meantime she just started on L-Glutamine powder, we are continuing with probiotics and s.boulardii, she takes Citrucel daily, and digestive enzymes with every meal. We have of course cut out sugar, grains, soy and all gluten.

The question I have (aside from any general advice) is about diet. She is vegan - some traces of animal products in supplements (aside from gelatin) might be acceptable, but she does not eat dairy, eggs or meat. She seems to tolerate bananas, avocados and granny smith apples as far as fruit is concerned, has almond butter (we make our own with organic almonds) and tahini (again, homemade) with organic stone-ground corn tortillas (with no wheat, and in moderation), but that leave her with basically a few vegetables. She eats a lot of Napa cabbage, peas, broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash...Of course, without salt everything is very bland it's kind of hard on her.

Taking into account the salt sensitivity and vegan restriction (she IS NOT going to start eating animal products), both Candida and LG, can anyone suggest what she might be able to eat? I'm trying to make this as easy as I can for her (she's been through hell the last 12-months-plus), but I also have to be the "food police" and keep an eye on her diet, telling her she can't eat this, that or the other. We both realize this is necessary, but any input or guidance would be appreciated. I'm trying to stick with the restrictions, but give her something palatable to eat, and hopefully a little more variety.

Thanks in advance, look forward to your responses.