Yeast/Candida: I could use some help...

[bali]

Weight loss on this WOE has been exceptional, and I've really been enjoying it. I've cheated a couple of times intentionally, but was able to get back on track and keep losing within two days.

For the past week, however, I've been gaining weight -- about 4 pounds so far. I've cut out all sugar alcohols, am eating at (or 100 cals above) my BMR, am averaging about 17 carbs per day on FitDay, finished with TOM a week ago and don't expect him back so soon, and am drinking about 100-120 ounces of water per day. I'm exercising an average of 40 mins. per day, 3-5 days per week. I'm discouraged because not only am I not losing weight, I'm actually gaining! I've been on this diet long enough to know my body's quirks, and I can't figure out why this gain is happening.

So I started to check out the Candida/Yeast factor. Sure enough, the spit test confirmed that I have an overgrowth. I'm guessing it came on after taking a course of antibiotics in late October-early November. I've never had a problem with yeast before.

But doesn't Dr. Atkins say that 80% of us have an overgrowth?? Why should it affect some folks' weight loss more than others? And, can it actually cause me to gain weight so rapidly? I'm wary to head into the restricted yeast-free diet so soon, but if I keep gaining weight at this rate (4 lbs. per week), my loss will be history in a month!

Help, please. :help

[Chynna]

Here's a link to some information I posted. Hope it helps!

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=57869&highlight=chynna+candida

[bali]

Chynna,

Thanks! It does help, and your posts on other threads have been very informative, too. I still can't find any reason why this should cause me to gain weight, though. And why does it stall weight loss at all?

[SkinnySoon]

I don't think Candida had anything to do with your recent 4 pound gain... but I can help with some links to explain why candida keeps up from losing weight.

It is important to remember that yeast overgrowth stresses the immune system, undermining your total health. When it comes to weight loss, a yeast overgrowth in combination with mold sensitivity may lead to a suppressed metabolism. This may deplete your body of the energy it takes to burn fat. Of course, there may well be other causes that have not yet been identified. Researchers and doctors still don't fully understand what candida overgrowth does to the human body.

Here are a few links.... all directly from Atkins.

http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/11/28-709329.html

http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/11/28-199113.html

http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/21-435509.html

[bali]

Thanks, SS. Those are great links. Looks like I'll have to keep looking for the reason for the weight gain. Only two out of the dozens of lists of yeast overgrowth symptoms that I've looked at listed "obesity or excessive weight gain without a change in diet" as a symptom. Four pounds isn't exactly "excessive."

I'm going to keep going with the Atkins WOE, and if by next week I'm still gaining, I'll try the Candida diet and see if it helps.

Thanks again!!

[SkinnySoon]

If you aren't experiencing many symptoms and you haven't plateaued with your weight loss for atleast 4 weeks (inchese & weight), then I wouldn't rush into a Candida diet. If you just want to feel better then you've felt in years.... and test positive for candida, it can only help you.


As for a 4 pound weight gain, what are you eating?? Can you post a menu?? Keeping yourself under 20 net carbs isn't the only important factor in your diet. Maybe you're eating alot of sodium and retaining water...regardless of your water intake. If this isn't the case.... take your tempreture a few times a day to make sure your temp isn't below normal. (don't eat or drink within 20 minutes before doing it) If it's frequently low, and you have any other symptoms. like feeling cold, or others...it's possible your thyroid might have decided to go bad. (VERY SLIM CHANCE)