Candida Supplements - Description & Doses

© Copyright Bee Wilder

Revised December 15, 2009 to remove probiotics and antifungals other than unrefined coconut oil.

It is very important for candida sufferers to build up their immune system, not only with a nutrient-rich diet that is free of toxins and damaging foods and drinks, but also by supplementing with basic essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

To get the correct supplements, see iHerb Supplements Recommended by Bee.

You are advised to stop taking all supplements one day each month to allow time for your body to adjust itself as it sees fit.

Table of Contents

• Only Take Recommended Supplements



• Why Other Supplements Are Unnecessary



• Macrominerals Required



• Supplements to Take
1. Calcium & Magnesium
2. Vitamins A & D & Omega 3
3. Vitamin B Complex
4. Vitamin C
5. Vitamin E
6. Minerals
7. Coconut Oil


• Butter Oil & Ghee


• Digestive Aids

Only Take Recommended Supplements

You will be much more successful if you only take the supplements listed below. If you are currently taking any other supplements it is advisable that you gradually go off of them.

The reason is because many supplements recommended by others, i.e. naturopaths, dieticians, and other healthcare professionals, are because they do not understand what constitutes a truly good nutritious diet. Therefore they recommend supplements that are obtained from nutrient-dense foods contained in Bee's candida diet, and which are much easier for the body to digest and utilize.

Why Other Supplements are Unnecessary

Most "extra" supplements are totally unnecessary, often causing adverse effects, or they are a complete waste of money. Taking too many supplements will also interfere with the healing processes. "More is not better!"

A good example of this is kelp, seaweed and other green food supplements. Not only are many green supplements too strong for unhealthy people to handle, which overwhelm the body, but they also contain too much iodine and other nutrients that are found in this diet.

Iodine (and many other minerals) is only required in "trace amounts" in the body and you will get all that your body requires by eating butter and by consuming the recommended amount of good ocean sea salt, which is 1 teaspoon per day. Too much iodine causes just as much problem for the thyroid as too little.

Amino acids supplements are another example. Such supplements are processed, in pill or powdered form, and most are derived from soy, which has been hydrolyzed. All soy based products are damaging to the body, particularly to the thyroid. Hydrolyzing is the chemical method of producing monosodium glutamate (MSG), and MSG is a neurotoxin, meaning that it is poisonous to nerve tissue, or to the brain or spinal cord.

Animal studies have linked MSG with brain lesions, retinal (in the eyes) degeneration and obesity. Such products may be advertised as "all natural," but they are far from it, and they cause a lot of serious damage in the body. Note: The term "all natural" is not regulated so it can be used by any company to sell their products, even if their products contain unnatural chemicals and substances.

Unfortunately, MSG and related substances are not always labelled. Calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, textured protein, hydrolyzed protein, carrageenan, and citric acid always contain MSG; soy foods, nutritional yeasts, protein powders, malt flavorings, amino acids and various mixes labelled "flavorings," "natural flavours" or "seasonings" usually contain MSG.

MSG is frequently formed during processing, even if not deliberately added to a food product – this is just one more reason to avoid processed foods, and any processed protein powders and supplements.

Amino acids found in real foods like eggs and meats are much easier for the body to digest and utilize compared to any processed amino acids or protein powders of any kind.

Also see Supplements, Foods & Treatments Not Recommended.

Macrominerals

Seven (7) macrominerals are required by the body, meaning your body requires 200 mg or more daily – all other minerals are only required in small amounts (trace amounts):

• calcium – foods plus supplement
• magnesium – foods plus supplement
• chloride - contained in good ocean sea salt
• sodium - contained in good ocean sea salt
• phosphorus - found in all meats and eggs
• potassium - found in many foods, i.e. eggs, meats, vegetables and tea.
• sulphur - found in eggs, meats, lemons, garlic and many other foods

See the Candida Supplements Chart for a handy List.

Supplements to Take

Some supplements like calcium, magnesium, vitamin B complex, and vitamin E must indicate on the label that they are "free-of" yeast, soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, sugar, preservatives, and additives. However, some additives in supplements are unavoidable since they are used to keep capsules or tablets from sticking to the machinery at the factory. Other additives may be in such small amounts they won't cause problems.

It is very difficult to find vitamin E supplements that are not derived from soy. Dr. Joseph Mercola says that soy oil in vitamin E does not contain damaging substances found in other soy products, however I doubt that is true since I react negatively to vitamin E derived from soy. The soy industry has caused so much damage to people's health, so it is better not to support it in any way. Buy a dry-base or clear-base formula vitamin E, like Natural Factors Brand Clear-Base Vitamin E, that are not derived from soy.

Calcium & Magnesium

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate should be bought separately and taken in equal amounts. When bought separately it is easier to take more or less of each as needed, in case you need to take more or less of either one. Many products combine calcium and magnesium supplements with a ratio of 2:1 (calcium to magnesium), in which case a separate supplement of magnesium citrate is necessary in order to equal out the ratios. Do not buy calcium or magnesium supplements containing other nutrients like potassium, zinc, vitamin D, etc.

Most physicians, health care practitioners, and nutritionist recommend taking 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily. Taking high amounts of calcium without magnesium will deplete magnesium in the body, so taking such high amounts of calcium will be very damaging in the long run. Some may recommend magnesium also be taken, but many do not. Some may only recommend a ratio of 1:3 calcium to magnesium. However, this is not correct and it can hurt many people.

Most people nowadays are more deficient in magnesium than in calcium, so it is important to take at least an equal amount, or a 1:1 ratio, until you see how your body reacts. The amounts may vary, a little, depending upon the amount of calcium in your diet and the condition of your digestive system.

Most people will do very well on 600 mg each of calcium and magnesium per day, taken in two doses of 300 mg each. If you get muscle cramps you need more magnesium since it relaxes muscles, and it possibly means you need to take less calcium. Calcium and magnesium have left-hand and right-hand receptors on the cells, so they work together. Therefore if you get more cramps and muscle pains on your left side it indicates your calcium intake is either too high or too low, and if you get more cramps and muscle pains on your right side it indicates your magnesium intake is either too high or too low.

If you get muscle cramps, first increase magnesium by 100-150 mg. If that doesn't help, lower calcium by 100-150 mg. Ensure you are also taking vitamin D as recommended - listed under "Vitamins A, D & Omega 3 Daily Amounts" below. Don't expect the cramps to go away in a couple of days, since it can take 5 days or longer for your body to adjust to changes in the amounts.

However, other things can lower the levels of minerals in the body. They including comsuming "too much" tea, caffeine, some herbs and green leafy vegetables, which are diuretic, meaning they cause the body to get rid of water along with important minerals. So it is best to consume these diuretic foods and drinks in moderation. Of course caffeine is not included on the program - see Caffeine in Not Good for Your Health.

Also consuming grains, nuts, and seeds that aren't properly prepared binds up minerals in the intestines, so they are unavailable to your body. That is because Nature coats them with a substance called phytates which is necessary to protect them, which must be removed by proper soaking and/or leavening (like sourdough) before they are fit for human consumption. They also are coated with an enzyme that interferes with protein digestion - see Grains, Nuts, Seeds & Legumes Must Be Properly Prepared. No grains are consumed on the Candida Diet.

It can be difficult to balance calcium and magnesium, but it is important for each person to find their own optimal levels by trial and error. As your digestion improves and your immune system gets stronger doses may need to be decreased. Since the body can only handle a maximum of 500 mg of calcium at a time, individual doses must be 500 mg or lower.

Eggshells are a great source of calcium. Eggshell calcium contains healthy, balanced calcium because it also contains trace amounts of other minerals. Eggshell calcium is probably the best natural source of calcium, and it is easier for your body to digest and absorb than tablets or capsules. One-half (1/2) teaspoon of powdered eggshells equals 400 mgs of calcium. Please see "Eggshell Calcium, How to Make It". Calcium and Magnesium Doses: Take 300 mg of calcium citrate two times a day, and take 300 mg of magnesium citrate two times a day.

Vitamins A, D & Omega 3 Daily Amounts:

• Vitamin A: 20,000 to 30,000 IU



• Vitamin D: 800 to 1,200 IU



• Omega-3: 2,000 to 3,000 mg

In Summer the sun produces vitamin D on the oils of the skin, however, I believe it is difficult, to almost impossible, for most people today to get enough vitamin D from the sun since there are so many factors involved, including having enough oils built up on the skin, and not showering or bathing too often using chlorinated water and soap which removes natural oils, etc. - see Vitamin D - Amount of Sun Exposure Required for more details.

For that reason I recommend everyone take cod liver oil all year. See Cod Liver Oil Brand with Nutrient Levels which compares some brands, and gives doses, and extra supplements that are required in order to obtain the recommended daily amounts.

Some brands of cod liver oil are processed to remove all the vitamins A and D and then synthetic vitamins A and D are added back in. These products are acceptable if the daily recommended amounts are taken, because too high levels can be toxic. However this is easily handled by not taking it one day every month. The synthetic form of vitamin D is found in some supplements, which is designated as D2, also called ergocalciferol. "True" vitamin D is designated as D3, called cholecalciferol. Also synthetic forms of vitamin A are in some supplements. True vitamin A is called "retinol."

If the cod liver oil brand available does not contain enough vitamins A and/or D, buy vitamin A and/or D separately, found in cod, halibut or shark "liver" oil capsules, which contain vitamins A and D, or vitamin A only, as required.

Note: Fish oils only contain omega-3 (EPA & DHA), so you also need to get separate vitamin A and D supplements, found in cod, halibut or shark "liver" oil capsules.

The best overall brand of cod liver oil of those evaluated, is Garden of Life Olde World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil (glass bottle). You have two options for taking it:

• Option 1: Take 2 tablespoons per day.
• Option 2: Take 1 tablespoon per day plus a capsule or soft gel that contains 10,000 IU vitamin A and 400 IU vitamin D found in fish "liver" oil, i.e. halibut, cod or shark.

Vitamin B Complex

Two alternatives:

1. Nutritional Yeast Flakes - ensure you buy the "flakes" and not just "nutritional yeast" of any kind, which are very different and will cause problems for candida sufferers. There are many good brands available, including Red Star, Frontier, NOW, etc. Take two (2) tablespoons mixed into water, soup, Bee's Egg Drink or other foods per day. It has a nutty flavor which most people like. It contains Niacin (B3) which will cause a flush, including red and itchy skin, which is nothing to be concerned about - see more information about Niacin below.
   
   Nutritional Yeast Flakes Dose: Take two (2) tablespoons per day mixed into water or other liquids, or into foods.



2. Buy a Vitamin B Complex brand that is balanced (also called synergistic, which means the same thing), since all of the B vitamins work together. It should contains the following B vitamins (Note: Buy a brand that contains most of the B vitamins listed below, and is in the amounts given):

• 50 mg Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
• 50 mg Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)
• 50 mg Niacin (not niacinamide which is synthetic) – see Note
• 50 Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
• 50 mcg Vitamin B-12
• 50 mcg Biotin
• 1 mg Folic Acid
• 50 mg D-Pantothenic Acid
• 50 mg Choline
• 50 mg Inositol
• 50 mg Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA)

Note: If you cannot buy a vitamin B complex that contains niacin, you should buy "true" niacin (B3) separately and take it in addition to the vitamin B complex. Niacin causes a flush, which includes red and itchy skin, but that is because it dilates blood vessels, even the tiniest capillaries, which releases radiation and other toxins from the body.

Radiation from the sun, microwaves, cell phone towers, computers, TVs, X-Rays, MRIs, Ultrasound, etc. and many other sources, along with many other toxins, build up in the body – remember all those terrible sunburns? Radiation is flushed out by taking Niacin, which also helps the body get rid of heavy metals and it oxygenates the body. Note: A high good fats diet also helps get rid of toxins and heavy metals, but niacin is the best nutrient for getting rid of radiation.

A niacin flush causes discomfort which lasts less than 1-2 hours, but it isn't harmful in any way. Do not buy non-flushing niacin, called niacinamide which does not provide the same benefits that "true" Niacin does.

Vitamin B Complex Dose: Take 50 mg twice a day plus 50 mg of niacin twice a day at the same time, if it is separate. If you wish to take more niacin to flush out radiation and toxins, you can gradually increase it up to 400 mg per day, but do not exceed that amount since many other supplements must also be increased for doses of 400 mg and over. Taking more will not speed up the healing processes, since it will still take 1 month for every year you've been unhealthy.

Nutritional Yeast Flakes Dose: Take two (2) tablespoons per day mixed into water or other liquids, or into foods.

Vitamin C

Buy a tablet that contains rosehips, citrus bioflavonoids, hesperidin and rutin. Some vitamin C brands may not contain all of these substances, which is fine too. To avoid getting loose stools (diarrhea) from vitamin C, which is called the bowel tolerance level, start with 500 mg 2-3 times a day and gradually increase it. Diarrhea is also a die-off/detoxifying symptom that your body creates in order to get rid of toxins, so don't always suspect vitamin C when it occurs.

Ascorbic acid powder or crystals are much less expensive to take than vitamin C tablets. If you wish to take ascorbic acid, take 3,000 mg per day and 1,000 mg vitamin C tablet, which is a total of 4,000 mg vitamin C per day. Because ascorbic acid can upset the stomach it is best to take it with meals. It can be hard on the teeth too, so rinse your mouth well after drinking it.

Do not use sodium ascorbate, since it contains calcium and magnesium, or possibly baking soda. If there is any calcium and magnesium in your vitamin C you won't be able to regulate taking the correct amounts of calcium and magnesium. Baking soda is high in sodium which is diuretic, meaning it makes the body get rid of water and minerals along with it.

Vitamin C Dose: Take 4,000 mg total per day, in doses divided between 3 meals. Start with 500 mg twice a day and gradually increase it to avoid getting loose stools. If you get loose stools lower the dose for awhile and take more time to increase the amounts.

Vitamin E

Buy natural source only, which is indicated by the small "d" in front of the different types of vitamin E, such as d-alpha-tocopherol. The synthetic version begins with "dl", i.e. dl-alpha-tocopherol. Most vitamin E supplements are derived from soy, which must not be taken. Clear Base or dry base formulas are soy-free.

Vitamin E Dose: Take 200 IU twice a day or 400 IU once a day. If you are already taking a higher dose of vitamin E continue on that dose since your body will be used to it. However, no one should take more than 800 IU per day, except for short periods of time since high doses can suppress the immune system.

Minerals

The best way to obtain minerals:

• Consume the correct ratios of protein to fat to carbs from nutrient-dense foods as close to Mother Nature as possible — see Calculate Protein, Fat & Carbs Ratios. This high "good" fats diet, along with supplements, helps pull nutrients out of all foods consumed, including minerals, and there are many important minerals in meats and eggs.



• By taking calcium and magnesium supplements (above).



• Consume mineral-rich bone broth (optional). It should be a "true" bone broth where the bones have been soaked and cooked in an acidic medium and cooked long enough to pull the minerals out of the bones — See this Mineral-Rich Bone Broth recipe.



• By drinking, and cooking with, good non-chlorinated water that contains natural minerals as close to Mother Nature as possible.
  
  The best water is regular tap water, because it contains all of Mother Nature's wonderful minerals. There are no processed mineral products that can possibly duplicate Mother Nature. Use a simple charcoal filter to get rid of the chlorine and other contaminants, i.e. Brita or PUR water filters which filters out chlorine and other contaminates, or buy a good reputable Spring water. Another alternative is to boil water for 30 minutes to get rid of chlorine and some contaminates.
  
  Do not be concerned about fluoride in water since you will be eliminating all other sources on this program, i.e. toothpaste, dental applications, water in processed foods and drinks, etc. Fluoride is much more dangerous when there are many sources which accummulate in your body, rather than just one source like water. Fluoride and other toxins are eliminated when you are on this program. Do not use reverse osmosis or distilled water, since they are devoid of minerals, and actually leach (pull out) the body of minerals. Adding minerals to them doesn't help, since it won't stop the leaching, and it isn't possible for processed minerals to duplicate Mother Nature's natural minerals.
  
  You should never drink softened water since it is high in sodium which is diuretic, meaning it makes the body lose water along with minerals.
  
  Do not drink bottled water that has fluoride or salt added, or is in plastic containers that are not safe.



• Consume a minimum of 1 1/2 teaspoons of a "good" ocean sea salt per day (in divided amounts), which contains over 84 minerals, i.e. Celtic (Nature's Cargo in Canada), Himalayan, or a less expensive ocean sea salt like this one Le Paludier – Organic Unrefined Coarse Grey Sea Salt, which is available in many health stores and online.
  
  Ocean sea salt provides proper amounts of "true" sodium and chloride, which are 2 of the 7 macrominerals required in higher amounts by the body. As noted above, adequate macrominerals, other than calcium, magnesium, sodium and chloride, are contained in the diet, i.e. potassium, sulphur, and phosphorus.
  
  Do not use Redmond's Sea salt since it only contains 54 minerals, and not 84 minerals like "true" ocean sea salts do.
  
  The grey color of ocean sea salt indicates the minerals in it, and it should be moist. The larger the crystals and the moister it is, the more minerals it will contain, as opposed to finer grades of the same salt that are lighter grey.
  
  Since good ocean sea salt is coarse and moist it isn't possible to grind it in a regular pepper or salt grinder, so special grinders must be used. It can be ground it up in a coffee grinder. But it is much better to sprinkle large moist crystals on foods or into drinks with your fingers, rather than grinding them up.



• Electrolyte Drink (optional): 1/4 teaspoon of ocean sea salt and the juice of 1/2 of a freshly squeezed lemon added to 6 ounces of filtered water (use less salt if you like to add it to foods) - drink 6 times a day (drink 3 of those glasses with meals to aid digestion).

Unrefined Coconut Oil

Buy a good quality virgin or extra virgin "unrefined" coconut oil that is cold- or expeller-pressed, unrefined, unbleached, undeodorized and non-hydrogenated. Coconut oil is part of the diet, so it isn't really a supplement, since it is used in cooking and is considered food like butter or lard. For more information see Coconut Oil articles and Coconut Oil Storage.

One of the best prices and quality of unrefined virgin coconut oil in North America is at Mountain Rose Herbs, which also helps support this website. Ensure you buy the unrefined coconut oil, and not the refined one since they carry both kinds.

Unrefined Coconut Oil Dose: Start with 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, and gradually increase it every 4 to 5 days (or more) up to a total of 5.5 tablespoons per day (in split doses), in order to minimize die-off and healing symptoms. If your symptoms are intolerable start with 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day. Note: 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.

Butter Oil & Ghee

Butter Oil is made from the butter of cows eating rapidly growing green grass, mainly in Springtime. It supplies vitamins A and D, and high amounts of the X Factor, discovered by Dr. Weston A. Price, which has been found to be vitamin K2, an oil soluble vitamin. It can be used as a supplement to regular dietary butter, but regular butter also contains vitamin K2, so it isn't absolutely necessary, but helpful.

Clarified Butter/Ghee - Some people are intolerate of milk proteins, even in the smallest amounts, so they will want to clarify their butter, which is a process that removes the small amount of milk protein or casein contained in butterfat. Here's a great company who makes Grass-Fed Ghee. All of the products by this company are recommended, which are Ghee made from grass-fed butter, that are healthy and very nutritious! The company is located in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, U.S..

Digestive Aids

If you have digestive problems these recommendations will help improve it.

1. Consume protein from meats and eggs, with every meal since they increase stomach acid and stimulate the gall bladder to empty. Do not cook meats or eggs using high heat, and do not overcook them. Cooking proteins actually pre-digests them, called denaturing. However overheating or overcooking them makes them lose moisture and binds the protein molecules tighter together which makes them harder to digest. Meats can also be pre-digested (denatured), by soaking them in acidic mediums such as lemon or lime juice, tomato juice, apple cider vinegar, etc. Marinating meats is a good way to pre-digest or pre-cook them.



2. Consume "good" fats such as coconut oil, butter, lard and others with every meal, which help pull nutrients out of foods, strengthen all cells in the body, and ensures a healthy liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, etc. These fats do not require bile for digestion like other fats, and their presence stimulates the gall bladder to empty just like protein. Good fats are also needed by the liver in order to produce bile.



3. Avoid raw vegetables until digestion improves, except for fermented raw vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi (kimchee), etc., which are actually pre-digested by the fermentation process. All plant cell walls are made of cellulose fibers, and the human digestive system is incapable of breaking them down. Therefore, the cellulose cell walls of plants must be broken down before they are digestible, and in order for nutrients, including minerals, and enzymes to be available - see Raw Versus Cooked Vegetables & Fruits. Be cautious about consuming kimchi early on the program, since many of the vegetables in it are antifungal which will cause more die-off symptoms.



4. Use spices, since they stimulate stomach acid production and appetite. Don't overdo it since many spices are also antifungal which can increase die-off/detoxifying symptoms.



5. Add a good ocean sea salt to foods, which helps pull nutrients out of them and increases stomach acid.



6. Consume Bee's Electrolyte Drink (optional) to increase stomach acid - drink one 6 ounce glass with meals.



7. Take betaine hydrochloric acid (HCl) supplements — see How to Take Hydrochloric Acid Supplements.



8. Consume fermented foods and drinks, i.e. sauerkraut, kimchi, cabbage rejuvelac, etc., are pre-digested by the fermentation process, and also help overall digestion — see Fermented Food & Drink Recipes. However candida sufferers must be cautious when making kimchi since it contains antifungal ingredients which may not be tolerated until later on.
   
   Sauerkraut will automatically increase stomach acid if it is too low, and it will decrease stomach acid if it is too high – it is a great natural stabilizer of stomach acid levels.
   
   Consume 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sauerkraut with each meal to aid digestion. Ensure you buy a good unpasteurized sauerkraut or make your own. You can heat sauerkraut slightly, but be cautious not to get it too hot since heat will destroy it's benefits.



9. Chew foods thoroughly to stimulate digestive enzymes in the mouth, and to break up foods into the smallest particles possible for better digestion.



10. Eat enough foods at each meal that includes proteins, good fats (coconut oil, butter, lard, etc.) and vegetables.



11. Eat at least 2 complete meals per day, but not more than 3 meals.



12. Avoid snacking in between meals in order to allow time for your body to digest foods properly.



13. Drink enough fluids with meals so the mixture in the stomach is able to squirt through the small opening from the stomach into the first part of the small intestines. Bee's Electrolyte Drink (freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon and 1/4 teaspoon of ocean sea salt in 6 ounces of non-chlorinated water) is excellent for increasing stomach acid production. Drink a few sips just before you begin to eat a meal, and sip the remainder of the 6 ounces throughout the meal.