Candida Die Off

Many Lyme patients also suffer from Candida which can result from long term antibiotics (although even a short course of abx can result in a yeast infection). I came across a forum that discusses this subject and thought I would pass it along. It is located at: Candida Die Off Forum

Some excerpts from the site. . . .. .

Many yeast sufferers, after starting a program for yeast control, have experienced a worsening of their condition. This can of course be a most unsettling and discouraging development and if not understood and addressed effectively, may not only forestall one's progress, but possibly bring it to a screeching halt. We therefore want to share our insights and strategies to minimize the chances of suffering unnecessarily from yeast die-off reactions.

Common yeast die-off symptoms, some individuals may develop one or several of these concurrently

Fatigue, brain fog, gastro-intestinal distress such as nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, low grade fever, headache, sore throat, body itch, muscle and / or joint soreness or pain, feeling as if  coming down with a flu...

[Yeast die-off reactions are] an indication that yeast cells are dying, usually in large numbers, and is more of an indicator of the system's toxic overload. More poisons are being released than the body can adequately cope with at one time. In most cases, yeast die-off is a sign that the system's eliminatory pathways are overburdened or as oftentimes happens, blocked, as in constipation and liver stress...from The Modern Herbalist

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Counteracting Die-Off

When yeast cells are rapidly killed by the immune system, drug treatment, or dietary intervention, a "die-off" or Herxheimer reaction occurs. This reaction is caused by the massive release of toxins from dying candida cells. Toxic proteins from the dead yeasts cross cell membranes, enter the bloodstream, and trigger an intense immune reaction.

Other death-stress chemicals cause direct cellular toxicity throughout the body. Immune/yeast complexes trigger the release of histamine, an irritating tissue hormone which initiates tissue inflammation and causes discomfort. Severe allergic and toxic reactions exacerbate the symptoms of candida. Die-off reactions may last from a few days to a few weeks but usually clear up in less than a week.

Yeast Die-Off Inhibits Treatment

Die-off and the Herxheimer reaction occur when a larger number of yeasts die rapidly, releasing toxins and causing allergic reactions. A die-off reaction is especially pronounced when using powerful antifungal drugs like Nystatin that literally cause yeast cells to burst apart. Even though a strong die-off reaction causes a significant amount of discomfort, it is a sign of a successful treatment.

Perhaps one of the most unfortunate aspects of a severe Herxheimer reaction is that it may cause individuals to abandon a successful treatment prematurely. The Herxheimer reaction keeps many individuals indulging in their pro-yeast lifestyle like the withdrawal reaction keeps drug abusers addicted.

An effective means to reduce the discomfort of die-off is to take the supplement compounds listed under "Other anti-yeast supplements," (at left), drink plenty of fluids, and consume 30-40 grams a day of dietary fiber. That will deactivate, absorb and rid the body of toxic debris from dead yeasts...from Candida Yeast Protection Program