As I last reported, my GI tract has been found to harbor parasites and an overgrowth of candida. I am now on day ten of my gut cleanse and have already seen astounding results.

Preparation

My treatment plan is hand-tailored to fit my body’s needs and is designed to optimize the removal of the “icky” stuff, recover and protect my organs during detoxification, and restore microbial balance in my gut. Based on the results of my lab work, my treatment involves a total of ten supplements and/or medications. As you can imagine, it is a meticulous routine; I must be precise withthe timeliness, order, and dosage of each prescription—all while maintaining discipline with the candida diet.

Medication Management Master

Here is a photo depicting my remedies for Week 1! Yes, it’s a lot.

In addition, I created a spreadsheet indicating each prescription, its purpose, and dosage instructions. I update it each week. This helps me visualize my days and keep track of what I’m taking and why.

Meal Planning

First thing’s first: It’s important to finish the rest of that tub of ice cream in your freezer prior to starting a diet like this, as it will only tempt you if left uneaten. 😉 Jokes aside, it is crucial to get in the right mindset to take on such a challenge.

With a parting goodbye to the sweet “junk food” stuff, you must go grocery shopping and stock up on candida diet-friendly foods (i.e., GREENS and LOTS of greens!). Remember to get plenty, as vegetables are lower in calories, and you will likely consume more. Bone broth was helpful in soothing my hunger urges and served well in variations of vegetable soups. I drank a lot of herbal teas and water to stay hydrated.

One major lesson I learned about grocery shopping and meal planning for this cleanse is to read the label on products in its entirety to determine if it’s compatible; often I found added sugars, yeast, and gluten hidden within the ingredients.

Phase 1: Detox

Days one through five were the strictest as I could only consume vegetables, eggs, and bone broth. First, I felt very fatigued and experienced what I believe to be a major caffeine withdrawal headache. A few days into the cleanse, I began vomiting profusely each morning, which made me worry. I knew to expect some side effects of candida die-off and initially attributed it to the process. However, after three days of illness I called my nurse practicioner to ask if we could alleviate some of the GI disruption (as I could not hold anything down and was probably consuming only 400-500 calories a day anyways!).

In discussing the treatment plan with her, I realized I had been taking two medications in reverse order. Oops! Once this was corrected, I no longer vomited, and my body began to tolerate my supplement routine well.

In addition, I implement dry brushing every three days to promote blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and detoxification. I dedicate 3-5 minutes to brushing my skin in the direction of my heart in long strokes, starting at my feet and working upwards. I a’ve ways been curious about the act of dry brushing and its benefits and can now report that it helps to stimulate movement in the gut, which is very important in this phase.

Phase 2: Weed Out Candida

This is a week-long phase that I am about to finish. Starting on Day 6, I was able to begin consuming select meats, fruits, and nuts again. Instantly, I felt a burst of energy and an overall sense of betterment.

So far, I have lost 4 pounds and observe a major reduction of inflammation/bloating in my face and body. I have been able to engage in physical activities again-—including yoga, swimming, walking, jogging, and strength exercises. Best news of all: I have had minimal nerve pain!

What’s To Come

I am continuing to feel 100% dedicated to this gut cleanse and am impressed with the physical and mental changes I can already see and feel . I will continue my routine, adjust dosages of medications as indicated, and give my best efforts to maximize my holistic health during this eight-week period.

I will also be attending infrared sauna sessions inthe coming weeks. This was highly recommended by my NP and I’ve only just begun researching its benefits. In discussing my significantly reduced nerve pain within the last few days, my NP addressed the idea of beginning to wean me off of my other pain medications (that is, if all continues as it has been so far). This excites me so much!

As I continue on this gut cleanse journey, I’m amazed at how much progress I’ve made in just a short amount of time. The changes I’ve seen—both physically and mentally—are incredibly encouraging, and they keep me motivated to stick with my routine. While it’s been challenging at times, I’m learning so much about my body and what it needs to heal. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me, and I look forward to sharing my ongoing progress in future updates. For anyone considering a similar path, remember that healing is a process, and every small step counts. Stay patient, stay committed, and trust that your body knows how to heal itself when given the right tools.

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