I’ve made no secret that over the last few years, our family has transitioned more to the Integrative side of medicine, and it’s proven itself incredibly helpful in so many areas. Especially when it came to healing my anxiety…which has been a true gift from Jesus, let me just tell you. (if you struggle, you know!)
That said, while there are many aspects to natural methods I may not understand and even at times agree with, I’m always up for trying new approaches and methods that my doctor (an actual M.D.) suggest or recommends. Especially, if there’s no harm in it.
So recently, after talking with the kids’ doctor about some of the health, sleep & behavior issues we’ve noticed with the kids, we decided that maybe a good Candida Diet/Cleanse might be a good approach to see if it might bring about some changes. It sounds intense, and it is, but it’s actually been amazing as we’re now heading into our second week.
~ A quick word about Candida ~
Symptoms can include depression, sleep issues, ADD, ADHD, anxiety, mood swings, cravings for: sugar, chocolate, cheese, bread, nuts, fruit…just to name a few. Check this website for a more extensive list & information.
Treatment includes three parts: effective medicine to kill yeast (anti-fungals), a diet to starve the yeast (sugar/yeast free), and probiotics to replace the yeast with the good live bacteria.
Sounds yummy, huh?
The more research I do, the more I want our whole family to try this, but because Jimmy & I both have a lot of traveling coming up in the next few months, we decided to begin with the kids, starting with Taylor first. (Chloe can’t swallow pills yet, so we’re figuring out how to work around that…) I have to say, I am amazed at how quickly Taylor’s adapted to his new way of eating, and in just a week and a half off sugar, he’s actually craving it less. I never thought I’d see the day. He’s already sleeping better, not waking up as often throughout the night…and he’s actually sleeping in past 5am!!! Again. Never thought I’d see the day.
Thankfully, our amazing doctor armed us with booklets packed with information, a grocery shopping list for Trader Joes, and a mini cookbook to help set us on our way to success. It was almost like he knew me too, because the first section of that cookbook started with: For those who can’t cook. Um, HELLO!
After pouring over the recipes and approved food items, I set out to Sprouts & Trader Joes to get all that we needed…and then came right home to film “the haul” so as to hopefully help others. I have to say, even if you never decide to do a thing with or about Candida, this haul will hopefully still help inspire you to try new yummy heathier products and meals.
Okay. So let’s state the obvious. I’m not a doctor. I can’t pretend to know all the in’s and out’s about Candida better than any google search can. And even then be careful because Google has lots of opinions, some even debating whether or not Candida is truly a thing.
But, from my experience in trying to battle anxiety for years and then finally finding healing through bio-identical hormones (something Google also likes to debate), I’d say never say never. Do your research, and let your symptoms or lack there of, be your guide. (Well, your symptoms as well as a good doctor. Duh.)
xo
