Candida? Leaky Gut? Food intolerance? I am not sure

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-male, 23, 160 pounds, 5'9", athletic build

tests:

-allergy skin prick tests all negative winter 2017

-blood was normal in winter 2017. (glucose fasting was 102 mg/dL  in december, so on higher side but not unsafe)

-Gluten tests negative (May 2018) , although calcium was slightly high in that test 

Antibiotics/steroids:

-took strong antibiotics 2 years ago for arm infection, doctors didn't know whether I got a bug bite or something else, red line was going up arm. the infection went away 

-took another course of antibiotics from an ENT 1 year ago for supposed sinus infection(ended up sinus pressure was just a symptom of eating wrong food , the course DID NOT help)

-Went to another ENT  shortly after who gave me prednisone/ fluticasone for sinus pressure, that I stopped after a couple weeks because the steroids made me very anxious and moody, and did not help with energy levels much 

-I did not take any probiotics with the antibiotics courses or steroids 

The story:

-So for about a year and a half since these antibiotics/steroids started I have had had poor energy levels, slightly depressed, lack of motivation, dark circles under my eyes, random week long bouts of diarrhea here and there, a feeling of pressure behind my eyes and bad brain fog during the day. Also feeling like I didn't sleep well at night even when i got full 8 hours. I had been waking up at least once every single night for no reason, even when following sleep hygiene. Knee joint pain and lower back pain that may or may not be related. I have been Falling asleep and resting during the day when I should be lively and going about my activities

Most recent update:

A few months ago I started doing elimination diets. cutting Dairy never fully helped, cutting gluten helped more than dairy, and then cutting all sugar (bread, added sugar, alcohol, things high in sugar, starches) has helped me the most and my energy levels have skyrocketed. My dark circles almost all went away, I feel refreshed in the morning, and don’t need that afternoon nap anymore. I don’t feel bloated as much and my memory is much better (a lot less brain fog). The problem is when I reintroduce foods, symptoms return, not as severe, but they return.

I have started taking the following supplements a couple months ago:

turmeric (seems to get rid of brain fog, dark circles under eyes and the  fatigue for some reason, antioxidant effect?)

milk thistle (for liver cleanse)

multivitamin

garlic (anti fungal)

candida cleanse blend (contains oregano oil- antifungal)

omega 3 fatty acids

bolster nutrients bolster probiotics blend 

coconut oil (capryllic acid antifungal)

apple cider vinegar raw- braggs 

 

These supplements have made me feel better, and I like to think that I felt some die off after taking the probiotics along with the candida cleanse supplements (I had some loose stools and headaches) But I am not really sure. All I know is that I will continue this low sugar diet because it's the first time in almost 2 years that I feel high energy during the day. I also have lately cut out coffee so I do not crash during the day. I have alot of the symptoms of candida online but I do not have the rashes that people say they get. I'm thinking I could maybe have leaky gut? It would be great to hear some insight from you guys. Thanks!

*I have pictures of my stool which could be helpful, and I think there are abnormalities such as foamy or yellow spots that could help with diagnosis. But I'm not going to post here unless someone asks because it could be gross.*

Summary:

took antibiotics 1.5 years ago, along with corticosteroids 1 year ago.  energy levels very poor since then, bad sleep, dark circles, insomnia, brain fog. Started elimination diet recently (cut out bread, sugar, alcohol and feel MUCH MUCH better in terms of brain fog and energy. I take supplements including probiotics now, but symptoms still return when i introduce problem foods. Negative tests for skin prick food allergies, negative for gluten, blood tests are normal except 101 mg/dL blood sugar fasting (slightly high).

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Posted

    Maybe the antibiotics disturbed your gut flora since you didn’t intitially take probiotics after your antibiotics.  I would continue avoiding your problem foods and keep going back to your doctor for diagnosis. 
  • Posted

    Hm....all small thing can indicate to issue with liver....

    Low energy levels...sugar(insuline) issue...stool colour... Fatigue... Its just my bet...

    Thats why low sugar diet helps a bit...less stress for liver... Check some dietary tips online and see if it goes anywhere...

    Defo get your test done...

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