Preamble
About 4 weeks ago I tried 1 capsule of Candex (cellulase enzyme forumla), within 24 hours the brain fog I experienced for 15+ years magically went away. Candida produce carbon dioxide and this will most definitely give a person brain fog. My muscles also felt better than ever. My endurance and strength in the gym improved dramatically. (I pump iron weekly) My appetite changed in that I didn't experience intense hunger and carb cravings if I went without food longer than usual, and the night-time over-heating issues I had went away. There is no doubt that in my mind now that candida is likely the sole/primary cause of my CFS. I slowly ramped up the dose, and felt amazing/normal for 2 weeks. No herx and I wasn't even on the Candida diet. Then I forgot to take the enzymes for a few days.
Started taking it again, and then BAM, within 30mins get hit with massive nausea and vomiting lasting for 4-8 hours. I can't even take 1 pill now without massive symptoms, where before I was taking up to 4 a day with zero issues. This makes sense given what I have discovered in my research on biofilms that candida form. Toxins start pouring out when you use the enzymes.Also It is probable without going on a zero carb diet the Candida can grow nearly as fast as you kill them.
Personal History
I came down with CFS/Fibromyalgia/ME when I was 15 years old. In retrospect I believe it was after I got sick one time, took antibiotics which incidentally the doctors prescribed me every time I got ill "just in case" it was a bacterial infection. After that I just never really fully recovered. My theory is the Candida being opportunistic just took over my entire gut while the competition had been eliminated. I am 28 now, so I have been battling this for almost half my life. My primary symptoms are chronic fatigue, tired but wired, anxiety, excessive high body temperature…especially at night, full body muscle achiness but primarily neck and spine, brain fog, poor concentration, poor memory, headaches, feeling like I had been hit by a semi truck upon waking (yucca fixed this one), no appetite for 3 hours after waking- nausea associated with this, IBS, allergies & very poor recovery after exercise.
Of the 500+ supplements I have tried over the last 15 years there are now 3 that stand out in my mind that made a substantial difference. First glutamine, which makes sense in that it repairs the gut lining. Candida can poke holes in your gut lining allowing undigested food particles to leak into your blood, where you body then is mounting a continuous immune system response against the very food you eat. The second is yucca, which binds to ammonia. I'm still not sure if Candida can produce ammonia or if it's another bacteria that is doing it, or another reason all together. And the third now, obviously the candex which got me near a complete recovery before I relapsed.
I have tried all the methylation stuff over the last 2 years as can be seen in my other thread. It has made little if any difference. I don't think I ever had a serious methyaltion issue, merely a candida beast living inside my gut feeding off my every meal and pumping out endless CO2, alcohol and mycotoxins.
Theory: (note: this section originally appeared on my site Sept.16)
Old ways of trying to combat candida often involved a candida diet and a cleanse of some kind. However these strategies have been proven to largely be ineffective. The science has evolved so that very specific strategies can now be used as part of a comprehensive plan to eliminate candida.
Candida has been blamed for almost every disease under the sun. It is really difficult to establish cause and correlation however because the human body is incredibly complex and the human Microbiome is even more complex. Ideally the human gut contains roughly three pounds of bacteria and there are about 10 bacteria cells for every 1 human cell in and on the body. There are an estimated 500+ species of bacteria, fungi & archaea that live in a symbiotic relationship with the human body. It is almost as if bacteria created humans to carry themselves around.
What’s more is that every person on the planet is likely to have a different concentration and combination of microbes that acts in unique ways given their bodies biochemistry. This complexity literally overwhelms the average medical doctor and the medical community at large. There begin to be too many variables to be able to say anything definitively. It is an area that is in it’s infancy in terms of research. This however has not stopped many people from trying different things and getting some fantastic results in terms of regaining their health.
Dr.Usman has developed a generalized three step protocol for biofilms that I think is the best way to move forward. It involves the following:
Biofilms are the matrix under which bacteria and fungi hide under. It is their slimy protective coating. This allows them to be protected and hide from the bodies immune system as well as antibiotics and anti-fungals. The biofilms also use calcium, magnesium and iron to reinforce their walls so supplementing with those minerals may not be beneficial.
Biofilms are particularly problematic because stool analysis may not show what is exaclty all hiding in the gut. Also blood tests and har analysis for heavy metals may come back low, even though they may be stored in the biofilm. Once the biofilm is broken down many thigns may come rushing out. I have seen several reports of copper coming out.
1. Detach Matrix
Enzymes
There are many different enzymes and enzyme combination formulas. Enzymes serve a dual purpose in that they will decompose the biofilm and attack the cell structure of fungi. The enzymes are an absolute critical part in eliminating candida.
The most common combination formulas I come across are:
Others are: Candidase, YST Management
There are also single enzymes that hold promise. All 3 are fibrinolytic enzymes that target biofilm specifically.
Other
Proven Probiotic Yeast Killers:
The most common anti-fungals prescribed probably are Nystatin and Diflucan (flucanazole). The problem with these is that through liberal prescription use candida have formed resistance to them, and if not they also may ahve issues getting through the biofilm. Many peopel see improvements using them however as soon as they go off them a short while later many see the candida come back stronger than before.
I believe Pharma anti-fungals can be useful however it is best they are used concurrently with other strategies.
A quick note. Nystatin is much safer than Difulcan because the body does not absorb it. Difulcan as well as many other anti-fungals are potentially dangerous for they do put a toxic load on the liver.
Natural Anti-Fungals
Many of the natural anti-fungals are found in Candida Cleanse kits but can also be bought independently. Some can be particularity harsh on the delicate small intestine so use cautiously. Most candida strategies also reccomend rotating them under the theory candida might develop resistance to them.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a fungus that has been medically proven to fight candida. The problem is that if you are taking fungal busting enzymes you may just eliminate it instead of having it help you. It is unclear to me in what physical fungal form Saccharomyces boulardii exists in the gut. Does it have cellular walls, does it have chitin, does it produce bioflim or fibrin?
Chitin Synthase Inhibitors
Chitin makes up the main component of the cell walls of fungus. It is also used to make the hard exoskeletons of arthropods such as crab as well as insects. A chitin synthase inhibitors(CSIs) prevents the production of chitin and can impede the growth of fungi. CSIs are approved for animals use to control fleas in pets. It is manufactured by Novartis under the trade name Lufenuron. It has never been medically tested on humans and is not approved for human use but that hasn’t stopped people successfully using it off-label.
The person who originally had the bright idea of trying to use lufenuron on people to combat candida was Sarah Vaugther. A single course treatment of 9 grams can be bought from her website for $27.
There is another knock-off product out there that also uses lufenuron that is called “Candida Cell Wall Suppressor“. There are about a dozen or so anti-Candida sites on the net that all link back to it. The company uses a shotgun marketing strategy. It is sold for the rip-off price of $117. The problem with this product is, that no concentration value of lufenuron is given! So you really have no idea what you are paying for.
In terms of effectiveness Lufenuron has according to many testimonials been very effective at helping getting rid of candida. Used alone however is likely not enough because candida can survive without the chitin layer. Fungi have the ability to morph into different forms and adapt to different environments. This product is therefore probably best used at the same time as some of the other products such as enzymes or even pharmaceutical anti-fungals to insure as close to 100% effectiveness.
3. Clean up
I never believed in “detoxification” or “die-off” until I experienced it once after taking Candex. I had done a 2 week stint of Candex at full dose with no issues. I missed several days of the enzyme and tried going back on only to get hit with massive nausea and vomiting. This kind of reaction appears to be more common than is reported by the companies. It is medically known as Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or “herx” for short.
It is also thought that Candida and the subsequent bio-film can hold on to heavy metals such as mercury that can coming rushing out and cause “detox” symptoms once the candida start dying en mass and the biofilm they hide under is broken up. This is why it is probably judicious to take some things that can help soak up what comes out.
Zeolite is often used to trap heavy metals as is EDTA or DMSA. Also Yucca can soak up extra ammonia. Other substances that are used are:
It’s possible that pancreatic enzymes may also help breakdown biofilm and kill candida. The Dr.Kelly/Dr.Gonzales protocol for fighting cancer and disease uses up to 200 capsules of pancreatic enzymes per day. The pancreatic enzymes come from pigs who can digest nearly everything. My personal theory is that those enzymes may contain small amounts of the more specific enzymes which breakdown fungal walls and biofilm. Obviously the biofilm enzymatic approach is more precise and does not need such massive supply of pancreatic enzymes. This needs to be researched further to determine conclusively what is happening.
The following two supplements seem interesting but am not quite sure what to make of them:
Additional Resources:
About 4 weeks ago I tried 1 capsule of Candex (cellulase enzyme forumla), within 24 hours the brain fog I experienced for 15+ years magically went away. Candida produce carbon dioxide and this will most definitely give a person brain fog. My muscles also felt better than ever. My endurance and strength in the gym improved dramatically. (I pump iron weekly) My appetite changed in that I didn't experience intense hunger and carb cravings if I went without food longer than usual, and the night-time over-heating issues I had went away. There is no doubt that in my mind now that candida is likely the sole/primary cause of my CFS. I slowly ramped up the dose, and felt amazing/normal for 2 weeks. No herx and I wasn't even on the Candida diet. Then I forgot to take the enzymes for a few days.
Started taking it again, and then BAM, within 30mins get hit with massive nausea and vomiting lasting for 4-8 hours. I can't even take 1 pill now without massive symptoms, where before I was taking up to 4 a day with zero issues. This makes sense given what I have discovered in my research on biofilms that candida form. Toxins start pouring out when you use the enzymes.
Personal History
I came down with CFS/Fibromyalgia/ME when I was 15 years old. In retrospect I believe it was after I got sick one time, took antibiotics which incidentally the doctors prescribed me every time I got ill "just in case" it was a bacterial infection. After that I just never really fully recovered. My theory is the Candida being opportunistic just took over my entire gut while the competition had been eliminated. I am 28 now, so I have been battling this for almost half my life. My primary symptoms are chronic fatigue, tired but wired, anxiety, excessive high body temperature…especially at night, full body muscle achiness but primarily neck and spine, brain fog, poor concentration, poor memory, headaches, feeling like I had been hit by a semi truck upon waking (yucca fixed this one), no appetite for 3 hours after waking- nausea associated with this, IBS, allergies & very poor recovery after exercise.
Of the 500+ supplements I have tried over the last 15 years there are now 3 that stand out in my mind that made a substantial difference. First glutamine, which makes sense in that it repairs the gut lining. Candida can poke holes in your gut lining allowing undigested food particles to leak into your blood, where you body then is mounting a continuous immune system response against the very food you eat. The second is yucca, which binds to ammonia. I'm still not sure if Candida can produce ammonia or if it's another bacteria that is doing it, or another reason all together. And the third now, obviously the candex which got me near a complete recovery before I relapsed.
I have tried all the methylation stuff over the last 2 years as can be seen in my other thread. It has made little if any difference. I don't think I ever had a serious methyaltion issue, merely a candida beast living inside my gut feeding off my every meal and pumping out endless CO2, alcohol and mycotoxins.
Theory: (note: this section originally appeared on my site Sept.16)
Old ways of trying to combat candida often involved a candida diet and a cleanse of some kind. However these strategies have been proven to largely be ineffective. The science has evolved so that very specific strategies can now be used as part of a comprehensive plan to eliminate candida.
Candida has been blamed for almost every disease under the sun. It is really difficult to establish cause and correlation however because the human body is incredibly complex and the human Microbiome is even more complex. Ideally the human gut contains roughly three pounds of bacteria and there are about 10 bacteria cells for every 1 human cell in and on the body. There are an estimated 500+ species of bacteria, fungi & archaea that live in a symbiotic relationship with the human body. It is almost as if bacteria created humans to carry themselves around.
What’s more is that every person on the planet is likely to have a different concentration and combination of microbes that acts in unique ways given their bodies biochemistry. This complexity literally overwhelms the average medical doctor and the medical community at large. There begin to be too many variables to be able to say anything definitively. It is an area that is in it’s infancy in terms of research. This however has not stopped many people from trying different things and getting some fantastic results in terms of regaining their health.
Dr.Usman has developed a generalized three step protocol for biofilms that I think is the best way to move forward. It involves the following:
- Detach Matrix
- Target Microbes
- Cleanup
Biofilms are the matrix under which bacteria and fungi hide under. It is their slimy protective coating. This allows them to be protected and hide from the bodies immune system as well as antibiotics and anti-fungals. The biofilms also use calcium, magnesium and iron to reinforce their walls so supplementing with those minerals may not be beneficial.
1. Detach Matrix
Enzymes
There are many different enzymes and enzyme combination formulas. Enzymes serve a dual purpose in that they will decompose the biofilm and attack the cell structure of fungi. The enzymes are an absolute critical part in eliminating candida.
The most common combination formulas I come across are:
Others are: Candidase, YST Management
There are also single enzymes that hold promise. All 3 are fibrinolytic enzymes that target biofilm specifically.
- Serratiopeptidase - originally found in silkworm
- Nattokinase
- Lumbrokinase – originally found in earthworms
- Biofilm Defense by Kirkman
- Interfase by Klaire Labs
Other
- NAC - some studies shows it reduced biofilms by up to 62%.
- cis-2-decenoic acid – according to one study breaks up biofilms. Candida Albicans mentioned specifically.
- Lactoferrin – steals Iron from the biofilm matrix
- Zeolite – possibly steals Magnesium, Calcium and Iron from biofilm matrix
Proven Probiotic Yeast Killers:
- Bacillus Laterosporus BOD
- Threelac (however beware of safety controversy)
The most common anti-fungals prescribed probably are Nystatin and Diflucan (flucanazole). The problem with these is that through liberal prescription use candida have formed resistance to them, and if not they also may ahve issues getting through the biofilm. Many peopel see improvements using them however as soon as they go off them a short while later many see the candida come back stronger than before.
I believe Pharma anti-fungals can be useful however it is best they are used concurrently with other strategies.
A quick note. Nystatin is much safer than Difulcan because the body does not absorb it. Difulcan as well as many other anti-fungals are potentially dangerous for they do put a toxic load on the liver.
Natural Anti-Fungals
Many of the natural anti-fungals are found in Candida Cleanse kits but can also be bought independently. Some can be particularity harsh on the delicate small intestine so use cautiously. Most candida strategies also reccomend rotating them under the theory candida might develop resistance to them.
- Caprylic Acid, Coconut Oil, Pau d’arco, Oregano Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, SF722, Gentian Violet, Cinnamon oil, Monolaurin, D-Mannose,
Saccharomyces boulardii is a fungus that has been medically proven to fight candida. The problem is that if you are taking fungal busting enzymes you may just eliminate it instead of having it help you. It is unclear to me in what physical fungal form Saccharomyces boulardii exists in the gut. Does it have cellular walls, does it have chitin, does it produce bioflim or fibrin?
Chitin Synthase Inhibitors
Chitin makes up the main component of the cell walls of fungus. It is also used to make the hard exoskeletons of arthropods such as crab as well as insects. A chitin synthase inhibitors(CSIs) prevents the production of chitin and can impede the growth of fungi. CSIs are approved for animals use to control fleas in pets. It is manufactured by Novartis under the trade name Lufenuron. It has never been medically tested on humans and is not approved for human use but that hasn’t stopped people successfully using it off-label.
The person who originally had the bright idea of trying to use lufenuron on people to combat candida was Sarah Vaugther. A single course treatment of 9 grams can be bought from her website for $27.
There is another knock-off product out there that also uses lufenuron that is called “Candida Cell Wall Suppressor“. There are about a dozen or so anti-Candida sites on the net that all link back to it. The company uses a shotgun marketing strategy. It is sold for the rip-off price of $117. The problem with this product is, that no concentration value of lufenuron is given! So you really have no idea what you are paying for.
In terms of effectiveness Lufenuron has according to many testimonials been very effective at helping getting rid of candida. Used alone however is likely not enough because candida can survive without the chitin layer. Fungi have the ability to morph into different forms and adapt to different environments. This product is therefore probably best used at the same time as some of the other products such as enzymes or even pharmaceutical anti-fungals to insure as close to 100% effectiveness.
3. Clean up
I never believed in “detoxification” or “die-off” until I experienced it once after taking Candex. I had done a 2 week stint of Candex at full dose with no issues. I missed several days of the enzyme and tried going back on only to get hit with massive nausea and vomiting. This kind of reaction appears to be more common than is reported by the companies. It is medically known as Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or “herx” for short.
It is also thought that Candida and the subsequent bio-film can hold on to heavy metals such as mercury that can coming rushing out and cause “detox” symptoms once the candida start dying en mass and the biofilm they hide under is broken up. This is why it is probably judicious to take some things that can help soak up what comes out.
Zeolite is often used to trap heavy metals as is EDTA or DMSA. Also Yucca can soak up extra ammonia. Other substances that are used are:
- bentonite clay, activated charcoal, apple/citrus pectin, fiber, chlorella, chitosan, modiflan, butyrate, Cilantro, special bicarbonate formula, germanium,
- NAC, R-lipoic Acid, Vitamin C,
- Do candida or fungi have fibrin as part of their structure?
- Do candida or fungi have cellulose as part of their structure?
- How much of the candida are protected by biofilm?
- Do the good bacteria and fungi also live under biofilm?
- Is apple cider vinegar helpful? if so why exactly?
- Are bacterial and fungal biofilms different?
- Are there any dangers to biofilm busting enzymes, or fibronlytic enzymes?
- Are there any dangers to the mucous targeting enzymes?
- Which precise compounds are causing the nausea/herx when taking Candex?
It’s possible that pancreatic enzymes may also help breakdown biofilm and kill candida. The Dr.Kelly/Dr.Gonzales protocol for fighting cancer and disease uses up to 200 capsules of pancreatic enzymes per day. The pancreatic enzymes come from pigs who can digest nearly everything. My personal theory is that those enzymes may contain small amounts of the more specific enzymes which breakdown fungal walls and biofilm. Obviously the biofilm enzymatic approach is more precise and does not need such massive supply of pancreatic enzymes. This needs to be researched further to determine conclusively what is happening.
The following two supplements seem interesting but am not quite sure what to make of them:
Additional Resources:
- Dr. Dan has the most comprehensive website on the net on fighting Candida at yeastinfectionadvisor.com
- Dr. Anju Usman biofilm protocol
- Two great Articles on Dr. Peta Cohen’s work around biofilms
- Dr. Ettinger’s Biofilm Protocol for Lyme and Gut Pathogens
- doctorfungus.org - academic research website on fungus
- Academic and technical research into biofilms
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