I am asked questions about diet and pathogenic bacteria more than anything else. In my program, I suggest removing sugars and processed carbohydrates from the diet, along with adding in the healthy, gut healing foods.

One mom asked about cutting out all sugars, and how to know if and when her daughter’s candida is under control. She wrote,

“She (her daughter) doesn’t know how to spit in a glass of water (candida spit test), therefore, I do not know when I can introduce fruit back into her diet, especially when making her very healthy smoothies in the morning. A little fruit is what helps make them tolerable to drink with all the bitter greens, vegetables and herbs. We are trying to avoid expensive tests, but if you think this is what we need to do we will. Please include details of what kind of tests we need to do if that’s our only option.”

Multiple Options

Candida can take several months to a year to really get under control, with an ongoing maintenance program at the end of this time period. For the first few months, it is best to avoid all sugars. If the only way you can get your daughter to take the healthy smoothies is with a little bit of fruit, then try one quarter of an apple with the skin on, or muscle test her for berries (some berries create phenol sensitivity, so muscle testing is a good idea to be sure they do not create an allergic response). One quarter cup maximum. The least amount needed to sweeten is best. Better yet, you can try a very small amount of stevia. Do your own taste test with this. Stevia does not take much quantity to sweeten. A very little bit goes a long way. Be sure it is healthy stevia, like green leaf stevia with no fillers. Stevia does not affect blood sugar or candida.

Watch for Symptom Variations

When checking for candida, but not able to use the spit test you can do several things. First, watch for symptoms of candida such as behavioral issues, i.e. irritability, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as poor coordination, memory, speech issues, headaches, itchy skin, smelly bowel movements with the consistency of soft serve yogurt, low energy, protruded belly and more.

Ph Testing with Litmus Paper  

You can also test first morning urine pH levels with litmus paper. This shows you acidity levels (it is explained in chapter 7 also). Pathogenic gut flora creates acidity. To regulate if the candida levels are improving use the litmus pH test strips that move in increments of 0.2 such as 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, etc, not the one that jumps by 0.5. Look for the paper to go from yellow to green. Yellow is more acidic. You will be looking for something in the healthy range of 5.5 to 6.4, but no higher than that. Anything higher that 6.2/6.4 shows you that the body is not properly eliminating toxins, and offers the level of organ support that is currently needed.

The liver is the main organ of detoxification, the kidneys filter the waste from the blood, and the bowels help to excrete from the body altogether. Reading the pH levels can help you track both the need for more support, and of the progress being made. Litmus paper  with 0.2 range can be found HERE.

How to Test with Urine

First morning urine can be streamed directly over the litmus paper, or dipped into a small paper or glass cup that has caught the urine. Place the litmus paper next to the color swatches on the litmus container and compare to find your results. If your child is in diapers, you can place a cotton ball in the diaper at bedtime. First thing in the morning remove the cotton ball and squeeze out enough urine onto the litmus paper.

Comprehensive Testing from Reputable Laboratories

Note that I do not advocate paying for testing for candida, as it is more than probable that your child has an overgrowth and it should be worked with naturally anyway. If you choose to have a more comprehensive test of gut pathology you can try the Genova Labs Microbiology Analysis Test. It evaluates stool for levels of beneficial flora, imbalanced flora, yeast, and other pathogenic bacteria.

Benefits Parents Have Noticed

When pathogenic bacteria becomes more balanced parents notice improved sleep, better digestion and elimination, an increase in speech, communication, and social behavior, less aggression, better focus and concentration, increased energy, and much more.

For information on mitochondrial dysfunction, read here.

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