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Some people believe that candida infection causes'or at least contributes to'fibromyalgia. Dr. William Crook, MD, originally proposed the concept of candidiasis as a contributing factor to a number of difficult-to-diagnose disorders. There is still some controversy about Dr. Crook's work, but more people are beginning to agree that candida may have a role in fibromyalgia and other illnesses.

Candida albicans is a yeast that is normally present in our mouths and digestive tract. It is also normally present in the vagina. Candida is a symbiotic organism; in that it helps maintain our health by killing harmful bacteria. Under normal circumstances, helpful bacteria in our bodies keep the candida population under control.

Sometimes, however, the helpful bacteria are damaged or killed off, and candida goes crazy with overgrowth. You may have experienced a vaginal yeast infection, or thrush in your mouth after taking antibiotics. That is because the antibiotics killed off the helpful bacteria and allowed candida to grow unchecked. Other things that can allow candida overgrowth are taking steroids, birth control pills, a high sugar diet or a weakened immune system.

When candida becomes overgrown, it changes to a different mycoid form. This form of the organism has rhizoids'little root-like appendages. They penetrate the intestinal walls, leaving tiny perforations that allow toxins and other substances to get into the blood stream. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome. The circulating toxins cause the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Many people have found that a candida-eliminating diet makes a big improvement in their fibromyalgia. The candida-eliminating diet focuses on eliminating all yeast and fungi and anything that they like to feed on (like sugar). So the diet eliminates:

* Crook">All sugar and sweeteners
* White, processed flour and foods containing it.
* Breads and pastries made with yeast
* Saturated fats
* Cheese, except cottage cheese and cream cheese
* Alcohol
* All fruit juices and fruit except lemon or lime.
* All coffee and tea, including herbals
* Processed meats
* Obvious fungi, like mushrooms
* Peanuts and peanut products
* Vinegar
* Brewer's yeast
* Leftovers more than three days old.

People on a candida-elimination diet can eat whole grains and whole grain products (as long as they don't contain yeast), lean meats and fish, legumes and lots of vegetables. Most people add fruit back into their diet slowly after the symptoms of 'die off' are gone.

As for 'die off,' the first week or two after starting a candida-elimination diet, the chances are you will not feel well. Plan for that. You will hurt more and feel worse until the candida is out of your system. Symptoms of die off are:

* Headache and nausea
* Brain fog
* Dizziness
* Fatigue
* Sugar craving
* Skin breakouts
* Cold hands and feet.

After the die off period, however, many people report feeling better than they have in ages. Most people continue on a modified candida-free diet to prevent recurrences.

Does candida contribute to fibromyalgia? You'll get differing answers to that question. Does a candida-free diet help fibromyalgia symptoms? You'll get differing answers to that one, too. The candida-free diet is, however, a good healthy diet. It won't hurt, and it might help. It's definitely worth a try.