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HELP! Candida + low carb diet - desperate for help!

V

VidSicious

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I have been a type 1 diabetic for the past five years, during which time, and for years prior, I have suffered from on and off male yeast infection. I have spent countless hours researching Candida albicans. I have been to doctors, who prescribed broad-spectrum anti-fungal creams. The creams seemed to clear up my symptoms initially, but since the problem of candida overgrowth was not dealt with internally, the symptoms soon returned.

Through my extensive research, I have learned that yeast infections do feed on sugar, as well as yeast, and therefore carbohydrates. I have come up with a list of low-carbohydrate meals, each of which incorporates garlic, which is said to fight the yeast overgrowth. I have 2 natural Greek yoghurts a day, as well as a pro-biotic supplement. I apply a concoction of apple-cider vinegar, tea-tree oil, and warm water to the affected area, as well as using an anti-fungal foot powder in my 100% cotton underwear, which I change twice daily. I also shower twice a day, washing the area with perfume-free Dove soap, rinsed well with luke-warm water, and pat-dried thoroughly.
I have had barely any carbohydrates today, so I haven't had any fast-release insulin, and my levels have stayed between 5.5 and 6.5.

My question is, do I still need to take my slow-release insulin - the one that I take every 24 hours? Or will that put me at risk of going low in my sleep? I am not sure, and I don't want to take too much of a risk. I also don't want to take any carbohydrates, because I really need to get rid of this infection!

If someone could please help, that would be great. Thanks!
 
The answer is yes you still need your slow release insulin even if you aren't eating carbs.I would suggest reducing it initially if you haven't done basal testing before and you're worried (I need 20% extra insulin if I'm eating carbs to if I'm not, this will vary a lot person to person).

The reason you need it is to enable you to metabolise the non carby food you're eating and deal with hormonal spikes. Others will give fuller answers I'm sure
 
@VidSicious Have you tried oral meds? Sometimes a course of them is needed to properly eradicate the candida. Sometimes the strain of candida is one that doesn't respond well to normal creams, so having it identified might help get the most effective treatment.
 
azure said:
@VidSicious Have you tried oral meds? Sometimes a course of them is needed to properly eradicate the candida. Sometimes the strain of candida is one that doesn't respond well to normal creams, so having it identified might help get the most effective treatment.
Click to expand...

I haven't. My doctor has said that this is an absolute last resort, as it affects the bacteria in the whole body, not just the problematic areas. I think the answer is definitely a change in diet. An internal solution, rather than just an external one?
 
VidSicious said:
I haven't. My doctor has said that this is an absolute last resort, as it affects the bacteria in the whole body, not just the problematic areas. I think the answer is definitely a change in diet. An internal solution, rather than just an external one?
Click to expand...

I've never heard that. I know antibiotics affect the whole system but I was thinking of something like Diflucan.

Yes, I agree an internal solution is best, but I wondered whether an initial whack of meds might help if it's got out of control.

There's a huge amount about candida on the internet, and it's hard to know what solutions are sensible, eg I've read suggestions that cutting carbs too low means the candida reaches further into the body to,source food. I think it's a complicated balance, made a hundred times more difficult by diabetes.

Ther are also things like iron deficiency that can make you more prone to it. All things worth exploring, along with natural supplements.

I hope you find something that works for you.
 
azure said:
I've never heard that. I know antibiotics affect the whole system but I was thinking of something like Diflucan.

Yes, I agree an internal solution is best, but I wondered whether an initial whack of meds might help if it's got out of control.

There's a huge amount about candida on the internet, and it's hard to know what solutions are sensible, eg I've read suggestions that cutting carbs too low means the candida reaches further into the body to,source food. I think it's a complicated balance, made a hundred times more difficult by diabetes.

Ther are also things like iron deficiency that can make you more prone to it. All things worth exploring, along with natural supplements.

I hope you find something that works for you.
Click to expand...
Well I've been sipping garlic tea, swigging apple cider vinegar, and downing natural yogurts all day. Hopefully it clears up soon! Thanks for your help.
 
Like @azure I strongly recommend oral treatment, @VidSicious .

I had this issue persistently for years. Cream would soothe but only temporarily - the thrush never ever cleared.

Then I found that magic capsule! It's available in pharmacies without a prescription. One capsule in a pack - some brands have a pack containing the capsule and some cream.

I'm sure that stabler sugars via lower carb, as you say, are a good idea. But it might be worth giving the capsule a shot so as to clear the infection totally, and the sugar stability will with good fortune keep it in check. And you could keep the good bugs happy by eating yoghurt.

I know how relentlessly uncomfortable yeast infections can be - I'm female, but am nevertheless empathising with your plight.

My control is good, my own diet is low carb, and when I last had thrush it was likely because of three consecutive courses of antibiotics. I sorted it with Canestan Duo (fluconazole capsule, clotrimazole cream).

:)
 
@VidSicious have you actually seen a doctor and checked whether what you have is candidia? It could be a different infection. It's worth getting swabbed to check whether the fungus you have is responsive to over the counter medication.

Diabetics are more prone to yeast infections because we can pee out sugar and this feeds the infection.

I needed a prolonged course of fluconozole to shake thrush. These are tablets taken orally.
 
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