The Number One Weight Loss Saboteur

July 5, 2012
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

The culprit behind cravings, bloating, and possible thyroid problems.

It’s definitely nobody’s BFF, but you just can’t escape it. Candida albicans is in the air, in your throat, and in your gut. That’s a fact of life. But when this yeast grows out of control—like when we consume sugar in the form of “white stuff” or even too many natural sugars from fruits and/or fruit juices—this normally harmless yeast becomes an invasive troublemaker. You can end up with intense fatigue, sinus pain, headaches, joint problems, urinary infections and…weight gain.

Yeast plays a very insidious role in weight gain—and can contribute to nearly 30 pounds of flab in some cases. Why? It’s because yeast is an overlooked factor in low thyroid function. The fungus protein binds to the thyroid hormone, making it unavailable.

Not only does it interfere with the thyroid, but when it overgrows, it can create insatiable cravings and bloating—most prevalent among women who have a history of antibiotics use, have been on estrogen therapy (including birth control pills), have had children, and/or have consumed high-sugar/high carb diets.

Watch this video where I explain how yeast can multiply and quickly overwhelm the body’s defensive mechanisms:

Take this quick Yeast Overgrowth Quiz

My 2-Second Spit Test >>

My Anti-Yeast Solution
The one anti-yeast solution—that I have found personally and professionally extremely effective—is the homeopathic product Y-C Cleanse. This homeopathic formula has been clinically shown to be safe and effective against Candida albicans and other yeast overgrowth that leads to allergies, bloating, fatigue, and food cravings.

To stimulate the body’s own healing powers, Y-C Cleanse contains homeopathic dosages of the most prevalent pathogens. In addition to Candida albicans, Y-C Cleanse also contains Geotrichum candidum, the most common type of fungi found in hundreds of my clients’ stool sample results. The formula also contains Skatolum and Indolum, very frequently found by-products of intestinal putrefaction, and Echinacea, for extra immune power.

Designed for both acute symptoms and long-term maintenance, I typically recommend that Y-C Cleanse should be taken for at least 24 days. Then, take a five- or six-day break and resume treatment if symptoms persist, as they can in more severe yeast challenges. Use Y-C Cleanse along with my Anti-Yeast Protocol to ensure the best results.

For maintenance and preventive care, use Y-C Cleanse at least two to three times a week, especially after consuming too much sugar, alcohol, or yeast-based foods. It’s also a must for at least six weeks after taking a course of antibiotics.

Along with Y-C Cleanse, you should consider a probiotic like Flora-Key, which can also satisfy your sweet tooth without feeding yeasts, to help maintain healthy levels of beneficial bacteria to fortify your immune system.

My Anti-Yeast Protocol
Here’s  my anti-yeast protocol to fight Candida overgrowth—and accompanying weight gain:

Get the sugar, which feeds yeasts, out of your diet, and read labels carefully to limit sugary processed foods. Even health food stores are not safe havens for sugar-free foods anymore. Avoid any produce which contains barley malt, beet or brown sugar, cane-juice crystals, cane or date sugar, caramel, corn syrup, dextran, diastaste, ethyl maltose, fructose, fruit juice or concentrate, glucose and its solids, golden sugar or syrup, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), invert sugar, lactose, malt syrup, maltodextrin, maltose, mannitol, raw sugar, refiner’s syrup, sorbitol, sorghum, sucrose, turbinado sugar, and yellow sugar. Oh, and that also means agave. Agave, which is naturally sweeter than sugar, has recently been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and miscarriage during pregnancy. Stay tuned for an entire blog on the bittersweet truth about this undesirable sweetener.

Cut out molds and yeasts in alcoholic beverages, breads and other refined carbs, brewer’s yeast, fermented foods, vinegar (except apple-cider vinegar), and yeast-based supplements (read directions carefully). These can cross-react with Candida.

Cook with garlic and thyme, natural fungicides, every day.

Balance blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight with the Fat Flush protocol.

Avoid irritating the genital/vaginal area with feminine hygiene fragrances or sprays, tight-fitting clothing and panty hose. Wear cotton-crotch panties, and use sanitary pads rather than tampons.

Don’t run out to buy an over-the-counter product for vaginal yeast infections. If you don’t have a yeast infection, you run the very real risk of creating drug-resistant yeasts where you definitely don’t want them! (Instead, make your own douche by mixing 1 teaspoon Flora-Key in 8 ounces of pure water to establish the right vaginal pH.)

Yeast Detox
Just one more thing.

Like most successful detoxification processes, combating yeasts may create die-off (the Herxheimer reaction), which can sometimes increase symptoms for a bit. Not to worry! This response is actually good—it’s a sign that your system is cleansing and you’re on the road to better health! Just cut back the usual dose in half for a couple of days and resume the recommended dosage afterward. Keep in mind that an immunological response, like the Herxheimer reaction, in some cases, is necessary for the effective elimination of fungi.

Have you been challenged by yeast overgrowth? Post a comment and share your story.

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

17 Comments

  1. Sandy

    I have a rash that is a fungal issue under my breasts. I treat it with lotramine but it always returns. Does this mean I’m dealing with a systemic yeast problem? I don’t have a problem with vaginal yeast infections.

    Reply
    • Sierra

      It certainly could be. Topical coconut oil and a round of Y-C Cleanse and Flora-Key should do the trick!

      Reply
  2. Jenny

    This is so fascinating and may just be the answer I am looking for! Thank you for this great blog. I am always so excitied to see what the topic will be.

    Reply
  3. Candy J

    For 10 years I had a rash on my finger that persisted no matter what! A wise nutrition consultant told me it was Candida. At that point, my 1985 signed copy of “The Yeast Connection,” which I previously disregarded, came to life. After 2 months of steadfast searching I located “Whole Approach” which stated that my rash would be gone after 3 days if I initiated a colon cleanse with bentonite, psyllium seed and coconut oil. Exactly in 3 days my rash disappeared after 10 long years, never to return! YES, Candida is for real and that is why Johns Hopkins and several other research centers have conducted studies over the past 15 years. Just exactly how it affects NK cells is the real issue…..hence, the immune link. Thank you, Ann! Please keep reminding the world that this is a reality!

    Reply
  4. Phyllis

    My 22-year-old daughter has acne on her lower face. Does this sound like a yeast infection?
    Thanks for any input.

    Reply
    • Sierra

      Yes, acne is often caused by yeast overgrowth. Some things to help would be the Y-C Cleanse and Flora-Key to overcome the yeast and replenish good bacteria. Magnesium will help moisturize the skin from the inside out, and black currant seed oil will help reduce redness and inflammation and smooth the skin’s surface!

      Reply
  5. F

    Thank you for posting this! After battling a new diagnosis of IBS, I decided to take matters into my own hands (rather than medicating). I researched candida and realized I had many of the symptoms of overgrowth (brain fog, bloating, exhaustion, unexplained weight gain). I went gluten free and dairy free and then went on the candida diet, thus taking sugar out of my diet entirely. I felt like a new person, experienced crazy die off symptoms (itching all over my body). I experienced an iron deficiency as well as vitamin B deficiencies in the process, so make sure supplements are being added while on the candida cleanse! (probiotics too)! Since then I’ve been more regular, and have lost the weight I had gained (it was all inflammation)! Candida free is the way to be!

    Reply
  6. Michelle

    Great blog! I have struggled with Candida over the years and have tried every imaginable cleanse… for those who can’t afford Y-C Cleanse, I had good success w/ Candida Clear by NSI in addition to the candida diet. It’s very hard to stick to at first, but the results are worth it. I try to follow the diet once a year as it’s easy to slide and start eating the sugary stuff which the yeast feeds on. Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Janine

    I have had candidia in the past – I just did the spit test and did not have the results but I am having a hard time loosing weight, have rashes on my skin, constipation, lethargy, high sensitivity to fragrances. I have been taking natural probiotics plus taking a vitamin for my thyroid, as I seem to have symptoms of an under active thryoid, cold feet & hands, hair falling out, feeling tired after sleeping 8 hours. I am getting very frutstrated since I am taking natural probiotics plus thyroid vitamins and seem to be gaining weight. With the candidia can I eat blue berries and strawberries?

    Reply
    • Sierra

      The foods to avoid during a yeast cleanse are breads, cheese, mushrooms, alcohol, vinegar (except ACV), fruit and fruit juices.
      Berries are low in sugar compared to most other fruit, so although you’d be better off to avoid fruit all together, berries are the best option if you can’t.

      Reply
  8. Cindy

    r beans and chick peas allowed on the Candida diet and can you take a barley green drink on the candida diet thanks so much for the info

    Reply
  9. Cindy

    I have just started taking the y-C Cleanse. Can you take the barley green drink also.

    Reply
    • betti

      Yes you can, barley green is not a factor in yeast.

      Reply
  10. Laura

    Does cleansing the body of yeast go hand in hand with a parasite cleanse? If you have one, then do you probably have the other? I’ve read that Candida is very hard to get rid of permanently which was quite discouraging, Perhaps using the Y-Cleanse regularly prevents this from happening. I have also been told by a naturopath I saw that Whey Protein is like poison that comes from the “dregs” of the milk and is impossible to digest. I happen to love your Whey and don’t seem to have any problems digesting it. Can it still be used if one has Candida? What about if you have biofilm as I’ve been told I also have? I’m quite frustrated trying to figure out who to believe at times. I eat a very healthy diet, gluten free, stimulant free, processed food free and shop at my Farmer’s Market where I buy all organic , grass fed meat, raw dairy from very reliable sources, beautiful eggs from pastured chickens. My only sugar vice has been a small square of dark chocolate after dinner. I have been healing from adrenal exhaustion for 4 years and have improved greatly but the journey along with the disciplines has not been easy! Now I am dealing with Candida and biofilm too!!!

    Reply
    • Sierra

      Yes, often the presence of parasites in the body creates yeast. We have found that it is much easier to eradicate parasites if Candida is under control (due to less stress on the adrenals, i imagine?) Y-C Cleanse for a month straight, a week break, then use as a maintenance once or twice a week, and after sugary foods or alcohol.

      Whey protein is absolutely digestable, and there is no contraindication if you have Candida. Fruit, fruit juices, cheese, bread, mushrooms, chocolate, and alcohol, however, should be avoided for the first 2 weeks of your yeast cleanse, for more effective results.

      I am not too familiar with biofilm, but perhaps a good probiotic would help? I recommend the Y-C Cleanse and the My Colon Cleansing Kit- it’s got everything that you need!

      Reply
  11. Kat Daniel

    If my choice of black currant oil is 200 mg or 500 mg, which is best?

    Reply
    • Sierra

      I’d go with two of the 200 mg per day

      Reply

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