So far I've learned, the top Candida fighting foods are: coconut oil, garlic, onions, seaweed (bleh!), almonds (soaked & dried), ginger, olive oil, lemon and lime juice, pumpkin seeds and cayenne pepper!

Any recipe ideas???

Hi Rachel,
I have been meaning to write you since my recent discovery. It's crazy that you mention yeast because I went through the same thing. What Dr. diagnosed that? I was suffering from the same symptoms, tired, bloating, haeadaches, and I finally went to Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara (our insurance covers them) and spent three days there. I went to five different specialists and I had a plethora of tests done. Turns out I do NOT have Celiac!!!!! The symptoms I was experiencing were from stress from dealing with the "diagnosis" of Celiac! It was a complete misdiagnosis!!! Crazy! I did experience real symptoms a year ago and had my gallbladder removed, I probably would have been fine only the doctor diagnosed me a week later with Celiac. After reviewing my medical records (especially the "biopsy") I never had any evidence of Celiac. Two of my blood markers were high once but that is it! I have been eating "normal" for one month & I feel great! The stress of Celiac has gone & I can finally live my life. :-). Such a journey!

Really?!? Alysia that's amazing! I'm so happy for you. Definitely quite a journey! I've been going to Dr. Roman (this was the first chunk of tests I got back). We like her a lot better, but I've never considered the Samson Clinic. What made you decide to go there?

Hi Rachel
Have you looked into The Paleo Diet, it looks like something that might work with your new food restrictions. Nerd Fitness is one of my new favorite web sites. Check it out.

I decided to go to Sansum because I was still not feeling "well" and I could not figure out why because I was adhering strictly to the gluten-free diet. It was then that I spoke with a friend who highly recommended Sansum. I had heard great things about them and was impressed after the first phone call to them. I saw Dr. Egan and he is a wonderful physician. I have to admit, after reflecting on the last year I realize Dr. Roman was correct on many levels. She told me I had a lot of yeast and I bought the expensive pills but it did not work according to the tests and I don't think I have too much yeast because I have not done anythig different and I feel great.
I truly believe the emotional stress (that I didn't even realize I had) was causing me to not feel well. Our minds are powerful! I always had in the back of my mind the question of "When am I going to get cancer or something else that comes along with Celiac and why does it seem like noone is truly knowledgable about this disease?" I wondered if I would ever see grandchildren or fulfill my passion of teaching. I know I am a perfectionist, and this caused me to be quite compulsive about not ingesting gluten. I'm sure this attributed to my stress also. I am not sure I want to persue a malpractice case at this time, I am thinking about it though. It will take a lot of energy that I am willing to part with at this time. If I have any other issues I will most certainly go back to Sansum, it was more than worth it!

The Paleo Diet is definitely the direction I'm headed.

Alysia, Very interesting about how that all played out with you. We're talking now about going down there, and possibly to a Celiac Disease center in LA or San Diego (have heard good things about both). Did you have Dr. Roman give you the referral to Sansum?

No, you do not need a referral, just a phone call :-) I have already recieved my insurance statements and all I was responsible for was my $20 copay each time I saw the doctor. I would highly recommend trying it! I saw Dr. Egan, a gastroenterologist who did my endoscopy and biopsy. The number is 805.681.7500 if you should decide to call. Best wishes to you :-)

Very cool! Thanks for all the information!