Die-off Symptoms

[Jefner]

I was diagnosed with methane dominant SIBO and gut Candida about 6yrs ago when I was working with an FD to sort it out but after a year my money ran out so had to go alone and was never able to retest to see if they had cleared but I suspect they are still there because of my continual anxiety issues which came back with a vengeance in 2015 and haven't left me, plus hypothyroid and Hashimotos.

Unfortunately I had to have a 5 course of antibiotics a few weeks ago which made all my anxiety symptoms worse so had to start a probiotic obviously. Via a nutritionist I started one specifically designed to be taken alongside the antibiotic but I started it half way through my course.

I didn't know at the time probiotics can cause die off so obviously a whole cap was too much for my sensitive system so I cut down a couple of days to a quarter cap before changing to a liquid one which was recommended whereby you have a tablespoon but I was advised to start on a teaspoon which I take at bedtime.

Now into day 7 and my stools looked well formed yesterday for a change but have been feeling so poorly with the die off symptoms and spotted stuff in my stools that I feel sure I maybe still have SIBO/Candida after all but can't afford to test for it. Stools didn't look so good today.

Am so very frightened with all these symptoms especially when I live alone with no friends or family so having to try and cope completely on my own.

I need some supp support to help with the die off but not sure what to take due to possible interactions with my meds (AD, thyroid meds, Diazepam) but activated charcoal seems to be an option with no interactions.

Can anyone recommend anything and how much longer I am going to feel so poorly. I am so tempted to stop the probiotic but need to try and persevere with it as I think I have had gut dysbiosis for several years

[xjrs]

Sorry to hear what you are going through. Unfortunately, nutritional therapists are not properly medically trained and the breath tests for SIBO can give false positives.

Were you taking saccharomyces boulardii alongside the antibiotics? Since it is a beneficial yeast it doesn't get affected by the antibiotics? If not what probiotics are you taking and what dose?

What do you mean by poorly? What are the symptoms?

Have you asked for a referral for your anxiety? You can also request this online without needing a referral from your GP.

Is there a way to try to expand your social circle e.g. attending local groups?

[Kimberly99]

I recently went on a candida diet to kill off candida overgrowth in my digestive system. The die off was rough, but the thing that helped the most was to take a binder. It can be a combined binder, or it can just be activated charcoal. Obviously, you can't take it within 2 hours of taking any other medications or supplements because it will clear them, but it will also help clear the die off junk. Take it before bed. I took it only once a day but if you feel you need it twice, do that. I hope you feel better soon! On the up side, being on the Candida diet and taking natural antifungals made my stomach more quiet and calm than I've had in decades. I did have to start a psyllium fiber supplement to help me go because I always struggle with constipation and it got worse on the diet, but it's so worth it. I feel better than I've ever felt.

[Jefner in reply to Kimberly99]

yes I purchased some but the nutritionist at the company I get my supps from says to leave at least 4hrs away from meds before taking and I am popping meds here and there all day long

[Bracondale in reply to Jefner]

I've always read 2 hours away from meds/supplements for taking charcoal. ie mid afternoon. Before bed also good assuming that you don't take anything for sleep.