Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (38 page)

Organic acid testing; this is the best test for candida and also can sometimes disclose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Hydrogen or methane breath testing for SIBO

Antigen tests for H. pylori, C. difficile, and others

Working empirically and seeing how you respond

Many, many therapeutic programs are available for people to follow to rid themselves of candida, SIBO, and other bacterial infections. Remember that yeasts and bacteria eat sugars and carbohydrates, so all of these diets limit sugars and carbohydrates. I find that the diet is hugely successful when used along with probiotics. Sometimes medications, herbs, or homeopathic medicines are also needed to irradicate the infection itself.

You probably will use only some of these treatments. Choose one type of prebiotic fiber. Choose one type of herbal therapy
or
use a product that contains a combination of herbs.

Dosages of probiotic supplements vary depending on whether you are taking antibiotics and what stage of the pattern you are in. Dosages as high as 3.6 trillion microorganisms of VSL-3 have been used instead of steroids to stop ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Caution: Using dosages this high should be supervised by a physician.

Lactobacillus: 10 billion to 100 billion live organisms daily or higher.

Saccharomyces boulardii: 250 to 3,000 mg daily. Use specifically if you are taking antibiotics or experiencing diarrhea.

Bifidobacterium (various species): 10 billion to 100 billion live organisms daily or higher.

Combination products work well that contain Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, and other probiotic species.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or inulin or larch arabinogalactins: 500 to 5,000 mg daily

Modified citrus pectin: 3,000 to 5,000 mg daily

High-soluble fiber

COMMON DIETS FOR DYSBIOSIS

Elimination diet