Overuse of antibiotics, which have been so useful to society for controlling serious bacterial infections, is believed to be largely responsible for candida overgrowth. In healthy intestines, friendly bacteria keep unfriendly bacteria, like candida, under control. But when antibiotics are used, all bacteria, friendly and unfriendly, are eliminated. As the antibiotics clear from the intestines, the surviving candida multiplies faster than it should due to the lack of friendly bacterial control.

Candidiasis is tenacious and often difficult to overcome, but a regimen carefully designed to fit the needs of the individual will be successful. The body's natural immunity must be rebuilt in order to reduce candida levels.

A high score indicates only the likelihood of candida overgrowth (yeast). Candidiasis is not easy to diagnose (its symptoms are vague and resemble those of dozens of other deficiencies) and only a doctor, and perhaps a Candida test, can give a definite diagnose. Women are more likely to have candidiasis but it is not uncommon in men. If your doctor does diagnose candidiasis, diet and nutritional supplements should play a large part in correcting it.

Some general guidelines (to be followed for at least six weeks) are:

Eliminate sugar from your diet as much as possible. This includes fruit juice, honey, maple syrup and molasses.

Alcohol, yeast breads, cheese, fruit (including dried fruits), preserved or smoked fish and meats, peanuts, mushrooms and melons should also be eliminated. They either have a high yeast content, or possibly mold, which encourages yeast to flourish in your intestinal tract.

Milk and milk products should be avoided as they contain milk sugar.

Eat good quality unsweetened yogurt, containing live bacterial culture.

Eat cherries, pears and apples in small quantities, and all the vegetables you want except very starchy vegetables like potatoes, winter squash and corn. Make brown rice your staple starch instead of potatoes. You can also eat rice cakes, rice crackers and drink herbal teas.

Protein foods, like fresh meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils and tofu are fine. A cup or two of miso soup every day would be very good for you. Almonds and almond butter are the only nuts permitted. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day and make sure you get enough sleep.

I know this sounds gruesome, but if you can stick to this diet for six weeks to two months you'll be rewarded. Candida yeast grows on carbohydrates (especially white flour), sugar and processed foods.

Correcting nutritional deficiencies is critical in starving the yeast.

You must have a strong immune system to fight candida overgrowth and prevent it from flaring up again. To strengthen your immune system you should take daily a high potency multivitamin/mineral tablet, vitamin C with bioflavonoids (500 mg daily), lactobacillus acidophilus with each meal, a water-soluble fibre supplement (like psyllium husk powder -- a tablespoon in water before going to bed to flush toxins from your system) and 10,000 I.U. vitamin A. As an alternative to a vitamin A supplement, you might want to try a strong anti-oxidant such as coenzyme Q10 or grapeseed extract. Garlic is also a potent anti-fungal supplement. Continue with this regimen for six weeks to two months to see improvements in symptoms. Supplements in the form of pills may not be assimilated easily if you have candida overgrowth. You might want to make diet changes for several weeks first -- before trying the supplements.

A green food powdered supplement that is dissolved in water or diluted juice would be an excellent supplement for you. It would give you a quick green boost (minerals) and, since it is a food-source supplement, it is easily absorbed and can be taken right away. Wheat grass, barley grass, sometimes alfalfa, spirulina and chlorella are the main ingredients. They supply an extra boost of vegetable protein, minerals, a wide range of vitamins and chlorophyl (good for your liver). Wakunaga Kyo-Green would be a good one to try (it's not too expensive) but there are others available if you can't find it. Green superfoods are really good fatigue fighters, too -- and can help prevent food cravings when taken between meals.

It's important to detect and eliminate any allergies, as they weaken your immune system. Does your chart also show the likelihood of allergies?

If possible, avoid taking birth control pills and antibiotics. If your chart shows an imbalance in any of the following areas follow those online recommendations as well, to help improve the assimilation of nutrients from your food: low digestive enzymes, under or overactive stomach, colon and/or liver.

Since candidiasis is often such a difficult imbalance to correct, it would be helpful to see a naturopath or other holistic medical doctor who can personally advise and encourage you.