I thought I would share my experience and hopefully provide some answers to the various candida questions to you fellow sufferers.

I've been suffering from Candida but was finally able to find out definitely recently. After years of kidney issues, lower intestinal issues and vaginal yeast infections every second month, among other symptoms, for the last few years, I am now on my way to recovery.

I have spent the last 3 months doing research on Candida on the net and in libraries, etc... What I have found out is that over 80-million people in NA suffer from Candida--both men and women.

Some of the symptoms include vaginal yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome and like symptoms, exema-type rash, joint aches/pains, painful menstruation, irregular menstruation, mood swings (in men also), inability to lose weight, poor sleep, sugar cravings and whole menu of other symptoms. Symptoms also tend to be more prevalent in damp/humid weather. Even high blood pressure can be a symptom!

Causes include allergy to perfumes or scented chemicals, too much sugar in the diet, antibiotic use and even old mercury fillings in the teeth which release a chemical "gas" in the body when you bite down on them.

I have also found out that Candida IS treatable but that it takes time. But you won't find a cure, it seems, from your family doctor.

I wasn't getting any decent information from the conventional medical community. Very frustrating. So I went to the local Naturopathic college for an appointment with an intern and her supervisor. (This is WAY cheaper than going to an established business but you do spend more time in their offices since the interns are also still learning.)

I underwent a physical, answered some specifically-designed questionnaires, submitted a week-long menu of the things I had eaten, a menstrual calendar and took my temperature daily to rule out all other possible diseases (ie: poly-cystic ovaries, cholesteral, etc..) This was an intricate process. There is a blood test available but since my diagnosis was evident after the physical and questionning, etc... we decided that it wasn't needed.

I was advised to take HMF (a brand of acidophilus/bacillus) to repopulate the good bacteria in my body. I take this twice a day half and hour before meals. And in order to kill the yeast, a botanical solution was prepared which I take 3 times a day, 15 minutes before meals. It's important to take these on an empty stomac.

The thing about Candida is that it can't be treated in a chemical way. Drugs such as anti-biotics can actually increase yeast. Candida must be treated in a mechanical way -- like beating it up until it gives up and leaves your body. Such a process has be done in steps in a way that "confuses" the yeast so it can't adapt to the treatment you're trying to use against it.

My diet was already good since I follow a combination of Montignac and Dr. Atkins. I also do not use any sugar or sugar products -- which is THE most important thing to eliminate when one has yeast.

The result, so far (in my third week), has been almost astounding. I'm starting to lose weight, I feel emotionally more stable, more energetic, and I feel "cleaner" inside. I hope this doesn't offend anyone but I have to say that even my sex life has dramatically benefitted from this treatment.

I know I still have a way to go -- I'm only a third of the way through my botanical solution. But I already feel an incredible difference. If you suspect you suffer from Candida, I would strongly suggest you visit a Naturopath and get some help. It will totally be worth your while.

I will update this thread as time passes if anyone is interested.