This article was updated in January 2024.
Sometimes, the path to healing isn't a straight line – it's a winding road with its share of detours and challenges. In the quest for better health, we often encounter moments when things get temporarily worse before they get better – sort of like taking a step backward to ultimately leap forward.
And nowhere is this more clearly highlighted than in the case of what’s known as Candida overgrowth. You see, when these little microbes die off they trigger an unpleasant reaction known as a Herxheimer reaction – a perplexing and frustrating process that is, in fact, a sign that your body is undergoing a transformative process.
In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly what Candida overgrowth is, what on earth triggers a Herxheimer reaction, what to expect if you’re dealing with this not-so-fun process, and most importantly – what you can do to prevent overgrowth from happening again in the future. Let’s dive in.
Candida Overgrowth: What Is Yeast Overgrowth Anyways?
Candida overgrowth, also sometimes referred to as candidiasis, is a condition caused by an overgrowth of a species of yeast known as Candida (most commonly the strain known as Candida albicans). Candida is a type of fungus or yeast that is normally present in small amounts in various parts of the body – namely in your mouth, throat, gut, and genital area.
Now, under normal circumstances, the presence of Candida is kept in check by the body's immune system and by beneficial bacteria in your gut. But if these tiny microbes are left unchecked and this delicate balance becomes disrupted, Candida can begin to grow out of control – potentially leading to symptoms such as:
- Digestive issues: Gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Fatigue and brain fog: Feeling tired and having difficulty concentrating.
- Genital yeast infections: Itching, burning, and discharge in the genital area.
- Oral thrush: White patches on the tongue and inside the mouth.
- Recurring yeast infections: Frequent occurrences of yeast infections in different parts of the body.
- Skin problems: Rashes, itching, and redness.
In particularly severe cases or when left untreated, Candida overgrowth can lead to more systemic issues, affecting various organs and systems in the body. So what on earth can tip the scales and lead to this overgrowth of Candida in the first place?
What Triggers Candida Overgrowth In the First Place?
Yeast overgrowth can happen in response to several different factors such as:
- Improper diet: Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can promote Candida overgrowth, as the yeast thrives on sugar.
- Poor digestion: Poorly-digested food can lead to putrefaction (rotting) in the gut and encourages the growth of organisms, such as yeast.
- Excessive antibiotic use: Antibiotics can decimate not only harmful pathogens, but also the friendly microbes we rely on to keep things running smoothly –thus opening the door for bad bacteria and fungi to move in.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes (like pregnancy), hormone-based therapies (like birth control), and steroids can increase the risk for Candida growth and make this condition worse.
- A weakened immune system: If your immune system has been weakened or there are not enough probiotics to combat the yeast, fungi and other damaging microbes will begin to grow unchecked and lead to a condition called leaky gut – spiking inflammation and hindering digestion even further.
- Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt the balance of microorganisms in your body, and put a damper on your gut health – all of which contribute to yeast overgrowth.
Now, you would think that addressing the underlying issues and getting Candida levels in check would automatically mean your symptoms would subside and you’d begin feeling better right away, right? But the unpleasant truth is that, when it comes to addressing Candida overgrowth, you typically have to go through a period of feeling worse before you start to feel better.
This is thanks to a phenomenon known as a Herxheimer reaction.
What is a Herxheimer Reaction?
A Herxheimer reaction, also known as a die-off reaction or Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, can sometimes occur when there is a sudden and significant die-off of microorganisms like yeast or bacteria in the body. This die-off can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms via a process that goes something like this:
- Treatment for yeast overgrowth is introduced: Once an overgrowth of yeast is identified, you can begin a treatment plan designed to target the yeast. This could involve antifungal medications, dietary changes, or supplements.
- Rapid microorganism die-off: As the treatment directly kills Candida or creates an environment in which they cannot thrive (e.g., reducing sugar intake, which Candida feeds on), these microbes begin to die off rapidly.
- Toxin release: As the microorganisms die, they release various toxins known as endotoxins, cell fragments, and other waste products. You see these toxins and wastes are normally stored within the microbes. But if they begin to disintegrate (or die-off), the toxins are released into your body.
- Temporary symptoms: The sudden release of toxins into the bloodstream can overwhelm the body's detoxification systems and trigger a temporary inflammatory response.
- Gradual improvement: As the body clears the toxins and inflammation subsides, you’ll typically experience an improvement in your symptoms and begin feeling better and better.
So exactly what kind of symptoms can you expect with a Herxheimer reaction?
Symptoms of Herxheimer Reactions or Yeast Die-off
It can be confusing and frustrating to experience a barrage of symptoms after attempting to address yeast overgrowth because it can seem like your medication or diet changes are not working. In fact, it can feel like you’re actually getting sicker! It can be quite unsettling if you don’t know what’s going on, so let’s take a look at some symptoms you might expect with a Herxheimer reaction:
- Body itch
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Gastrointestinal distress (such as nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation)
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Muscle and joint soreness or stiffness
- Sore throat
Less common symptoms might include:
- Intense sweet cravings
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Rashes
These symptoms may be unpleasant, but in most cases, they are perfectly normal.
How Long Does the Herxheimer Reaction Last?
If you have been diagnosed with yeast overgrowth and are dealing with a subsequent Herxheimer reaction, the good news is you won’t have to deal with these nasty symptoms for too long. Most Herxheimer reactions last for no longer than 3-7 days.
Because, the unfortunate truth is, you’re probably going to feel worse before you begin to feel better, here are a few things you can do to mitigate the symptoms of yeast die-off in the meantime:
- Try eating high-fiber foods. Fibrous fruits and vegetables can help bind with toxins in the gut and flush them from your body.
- Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink this first thing in the morning as it encourages bile flow, which leads to increased detoxification.
- Try an Epsom salt bath. Not only does this encourage detoxification, but it’s a great way to relax and unwind. Your body is going through a lot and needs all the extra love and support it can get!
- Get a massage. Similar to the Epsom salt bath, this will help you relax and will also activate the lymph system, another avenue for detoxification.
Before we move on, I want to touch on one important side note – what to do if your Herxheimer reaction persists for longer than 7 days.
What To Do If Your Herxheimer Reaction Persists
It’s important to note that these symptoms associated with yeast die-off should last less than one week. If they last longer, it’s important to ask your doctor to do further testing to see what’s going on – as it could indicate that something deeper needs to be addressed.
You see, sometimes, if you become severely constipated or symptoms persist for more than 7 days, it might be your body’s way of telling you that its elimination pathways – such as the liver, kidneys, and bowels – are overburdened by the toxins it’s trying to remove. So, it’s important to work closely with your provider to give your body the support it needs.
Now that you have an understanding of what to expect, let’s dive into how you can prevent yeast overgrowth moving forward so you can avoid having to endure Herxheimer reactions.
Ways to Prevent Yeast Overgrowth and Avoid Herxheimer Reactions
Whether you’ve had an unpleasant Herxheimer reaction and don’t want to go through another or you simply want to prevent yeast overgrowth in the future, there are some simple strategies you can implement to help rebalance your gut flora and keep your digestive tract healthy:
Reduce Antibiotic Use:
Overuse of antimicrobials is a growing problem. Using antibiotic medications can disrupt your microbiome and impair your immune system. If you’re on antibiotic medications long-term for a non-life threatening condition,, ask your doctor about natural alternatives like berberine or cat’s claw.
Follow A Gut-Friendly, Balanced Diet
Your diet is one of the biggest contributors to the health of your gut and maintaining a balanced microbiome that doesn’t allow yeast to grow out of control. Focus on building most of your meals around real, whole food. That means lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, quality protein, healthy fats, and filling legumes.
And it also means avoiding refined sugar, processed carbs, and most pre-packaged foods. If you need some help coming up with fresh, healthy meals and snacks, be sure to check out my recipe library.
Bolster the Health of Your Gut:
While your diet is the foundation for a happy, healthy gut, there are some supplements you can incorporate to really supercharge your gut health. Here’s what I recommend:
- Incorporating Candida Destroyer to help your gut combat Candida overgrowth and restore balance to your gut ecosystem.
- To reintroduce a variety of good bacteria into your digestive system, I recommend taking a good probiotic, such as Probiotic Essentials paired with some Spore-Based Probiotics.
- To keep the integrity of your gut lining strong, supplements like Collagen Boost and Gut Shield will give your gut the building blocks it needs.
- Adding in enzymes at mealtime may improve the digestion of foods and limit the rotting of food in the gut (just be sure to use pancreatic enzymes, not fungal or plant-based enzymes).
- Hydration is essential for proper gut health and movement. Aim to drink 4-6 fluid ounces of warm water every 45 minutes throughout the day. Electrolyte Essentials and/or my Pink Drink may help too!
You can find all these supplements and more through my online store. And you can get 15% off any orders of $400 or more.
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation:
Your body needs rest, especially if it’s working to remove an excess of toxins. Aim for 8-10 hours each night. If getting a good night's sleep is a challenge, be sure to check out my favorite sleep hacks.
But sleep isn’t the only thing that’s important – your stress levels are also a big deal. Find ways to minimize stress and healthy ways to manage the unavoidable stressors. Meditation, a long walk outdoors, and taking a relaxing break on my PEMF mat are some of my favorite ways to decompress and keep stress at bay.
Amplify Detoxification:
Some ways you can support your natural detoxification pathways to more effectively clear yeast overgrowth and yeast die-off include:
- Taking detox binders (like ZeoBind Plus) to trap and eliminate toxins.
- Upping your antioxidants to neutralize damage incited by toxins. I suggest Vitamin C, Glutathione, and N-acetyl cysteine.
- Supporting your liver (your primary detoxification organ) with Liver Essentials.
- Incorporating my Detox Bundle which combines detox binders, liver support, and a concentrated dose of antioxidants to majorly enhance detoxification.
- Adding in things like infrared sauna therapy, dry brushing, and earthing.
These simple steps can go a long way in helping your body maximize its detoxification capabilities.
Keep Your Bowels Moving:
If you are not eliminating properly, your body will reabsorb any die-off toxins being released. Here are a few tips if you’re feeling constipated:
- Use Magnesium CitraMate™ daily or until you begin having normal, soft bowel movements one or more times a day
- Be sure you’re getting plenty of fiber either via your diet or with an Essential Fiber supplement
- Drink an 8-ounce glass of warm, filtered water immediately upon waking
- Drink 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil several times daily on an empty stomach
- Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flax or chia seeds into water and stir (let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then stir and drink on an empty stomach)
Keeping your bowels moving at least once daily is key to keeping your gut happy and balanced.
Sometimes, We Must Face Temporary Discomfort on The Path To Healing
The Herxheimer reaction, though challenging, is often a sign that our bodies are on the mend. Because the truth is, in the quest for better health, sometimes we must face temporary discomfort on our path to healing. But the good news is, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can navigate these bumps in the road with greater ease.
That’s why I’m dedicated to empowering you with useful and practical knowledge through my blog and YouTube channel. And it’s why I poured my heart and soul into my new book Unexpected: Finding Resilience Through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith. Because when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of this journey of life and health we need to support ourselves as a whole – mind, body, and soul. And my hopes are that his book will help you do exactly that.
Now I want to hear from you. Have you experienced a Herxheimer reaction? If so, which strategies helped you cope and recover the most? Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below!
References:
- Candidiasis Fungal Infection: Causes & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
- Candida Albicans: Infections, Symptoms & Treatments (clevelandclinic.org)
- The biology of endotoxin – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Studies on the pathogenesis of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction: development of an animal model and evidence against a role for classical endotoxin – PubMed (nih.gov)
- The Jarisch–Herxheimer Reaction After Antibiotic Treatment of Spirochetal Infections: A Review of Recent Cases and Our Understanding of Pathogenesis – PMC (nih.gov)
- Small intestinal fungal overgrowth – PubMed (nih.gov)
- The Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction After Antibiotic Treatment of Spirochetal Infections: A Review of Recent Cases and Our Understanding of Pathogenesis – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Impact of Dietary Fibers on Nutrient Management and Detoxification Organs: Gut, Liver, and Kidneys – PMC (nih.gov)
- Modulation of Metabolic Detoxification Pathways Using Foods and Food-Derived Components: A Scientific Review with Clinical Application – PMC (nih.gov)
- Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Myth or Reality—Transdermal Magnesium? – PMC (nih.gov)
- Systematic Review of Efficacy for Manual Lymphatic Drainage Techniques in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Practice Approach – PMC (nih.gov)
![204: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: Can our Minds Spontaneously Transform our Health? Bruce Lipton Dr. Jill 00:00 Hey guys, I am so excited to announce that the movie that you've been waiting for, the documentary Doctor/Patient, is now available for rent or purchase at DoctorPatientMovie.com. Check out the trailer here. 00:13 Dr. Jill: When I really knew something was wrong, was when I started having trouble walking up the stairs. I was supposed to be grateful and happy and healing and well and thriving, but I did not feel that way. I was so sick. Like always, I wanted to find an answer, and I had to figure it out. And I had to figure it out to save my own life. So I dove in. 00:38 James Maskell: Jill is the leading voice in biotoxin illness and chronic conditions that are driven by toxicity. 00:43 Bree Argetsinger: Oh my gosh, you're dealing with mold? You have to work with Dr. Jill Carnahan. 00:47 Patient 1: Dr. Jill is the first person that actually began to shed some light on the problem. 00:53 Dr. Jill: What I do is listen to the patient, and we together talk about what else is possible. 00:59 Patient 2: I don't know why I'm crying. 01:02 Patient 3: She saved my life. 01:06 Dr. Jill: The deepest lessons and most profound insights come in the suffering, come in the dark moments. Self-compassion is the healing transition that shifts something inside of us. It's actually the thing that we need most in order to heal. 01:26 Narrator: Doctor/Patient—available now at DoctorPatientMovie.com. Dr. Jill 01:36 Hey, welcome to Resiliency Radio, your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights in functional and integrative medicine. I'm your host, Dr. Jill. In each episode, we dive into the heart of healing and personal transformation. Join us as we connect with renowned experts, thought leaders, and innovators who are at the forefront of medical research, empowering you with knowledge and wisdom to overcome illness in your journey to optimal health. Dr. Jill 02:02 Hey guys, if you don't already know, if you've been around me at all, you know my movie, Doctor/Patient is now out. You can view it, share it, gift it, or rent it at DoctorPatientMovie.com. Be sure to check it out and then I would love to hear your feedback after you've had a chance to watch it. Dr. Jill 02:19 Today, I am deeply honored to have guest Bruce Lipton here with me. He's a PhD, a cell biologist, a lecturer, and an internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. We were just talking before we came on about how he has been a leader [for] decades before a lot of us in functional/integrative medicine came along. And I am so excited! If you're a doctor listening—and I know I have a lot of audience there—you are in for a treat. If you're a patient, you're also in for a treat. Stay tuned. Dr. Jill 02:47 Bruce was on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and later performed groundbreaking stem cell research at Stanford University. He's a best-selling author of The Biology of Belief—if you haven't read that book, it's a classic now—The Honeymoon Effect, and the co-author with Steve Bhaerman of Spontaneous Evolution. Bruce received his prestigious 2009 Goi Peace Award from Japan in honor of his scientific contribution to world harmony. Bruce, it is a true honor and delight to have you here! Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 03:17 Jill, I am a happy person to be here because this audience that I get a chance to talk to, to me, is a very important audience. These are the cultural creatives that are paving the way for the future that we need to get into very soon because we're facing an evolutionary upheaval at this very moment. Whether you watch the news, surf the web, or even look out your window, the whole planet has experienced chaos at every level of it. People are focusing on the little chaos, like focusing on the trees, without pulling back to see the biggest thing that's happening and nobody's saying the words. NASA—Let me just say NASA's words. NASA has recognized that within the next 20 years, civilization is facing—and this is my emphasis here—an irreversible collapse. The reason is so mathematically simple. Let me give the math. Dr. Jill 04:16 Sure. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 04:17 Science has recognized that to continue living just the way we're living—just say, let's every day live the way we're living today on this planet—it takes 1.6 planet Earths to provide the resources for today's civilization. The simple math is this: There's one Earth subtracted from 1.6, and we're recognizing: "Where the hell are we getting the extra points?" Dr. Jill 04:39 We're in a deficit. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 04:40 And that deficit is leading to the destruction of the web of life. We have to also recognize this: Even though the Bible is giving us some fanciful story that nature was created and then humans were added on top of nature—no, we evolved from nature. We are nature. If nature goes down, humans go down, because we are part of this web of life. Our separation in our consciousness [that causes us to believe] that we can dominate nature, I say, "How's that working?" I say, "We're facing an extinction." That's a biological reality at this moment. It's called a mass extinction. It happened five times in the history of this planet: Life was thriving, [then] mass extinction. It knocked it all out and then it started again. We are there because of our behavior. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 05:33 And I say, "Our behavior is based on our consciousness." I go: "Okay, wait a second. Is that New Age?" I go: "No, let's stop. No New Age here at this moment." [In] 1927—day one, quantum physics—Max Planck, the founding father of quantum physics, states: "The mind is the creator of our life experiences." Quantum physics—the most valid of all the sciences today in the sense of its predictions and accuracy. Quantum physics. And it's still the belief in quantum physics: Consciousness is controlling this. And I go: "So if consciousness is controlling this, then why are we in such a mess?" The answer is: We have been programmed, and the programming has disempowered us all. It has disempowered us as patients. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 06:28 I go: "I'll give you a program that disempowers you right now." I say, "What is it?" "It's called genetic determinism." That was what I was teaching in medical school: Genes control the character of life. I go: "Did we pick the genes as far as we know? No. But if we don't like the characters we have, can we change the genes? No, can't do that." And then let's just add a little tidbit: Genes turn on and off by themselves. And I say: "You put those together and what have you done? You have told the patients that their lives are not in their control, they're controlled by their heredity, and that they're victims of heredity. Which is victims of what? Genetics. And what does a person know about genetics? Nothing. Who does know something? The doctor. Aha! The program is: When it comes to health, people do not trust themselves." They say: "I need an expert opinion. I'm not knowledgeable." They accept the truth from somebody else. Dr. Jill 07:28 I so love the direction that you're going here because, as a physician, one of the most important things I can do is empower the patient and make sure that they don't think that I am the end-all-be-all. [I want them to know] that we are collaborating and that I listen to them, and I say: "How do you feel about this treatment plan? Where do you want to go?" Granted, if I have wisdom, I can give them that information, but they still get to make that decision. But so many patients are outsourcing that wisdom to someone. Or, at least paternalistically and historically, that has been the way. And what we need to do is take control of our own health. Dr. Jill 08:00 How many patients have gone through a loved one with breast cancer—I'm a breast cancer survivor, so I can speak on this—and they're told, "You have the BRCA gene and you need to have a bilateral mastectomy"? I'm going to be strong about this because I disagree. That's an action out of fear. To each his own, so if you've been out there and have done something based on your genetics, there's no judgment here. But what we're saying is that you actually have control over the expression of those genes. So why don't you go into epigenetics for those who don't know what that means and tell us a little primer on epigenetics and why we have more control than we think? Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 08:34 Okay. The most important thing—and this is all scientific, so this is not any new age BS here, folks, this is science—I say: "What is it?" The belief that genes turn on and off is a completely false statement because a gene is a blueprint to make a protein. The proteins are the building blocks. Proteins wear out; you have to replace them. So you have to have a blueprint. It's called a gene. I go, "It's a blueprint!" I go, "Why is that relevant?" I say: "Go to an architect's office. She's working on a blueprint. You ask her, 'Hey, is your blueprint on or off?' She would look at you like, 'What are you talking about? There's no on and off to a blueprint.'" I go: "Aha! Aha! A gene is a blueprint. What you want to find out is: Who's the architect who reads the blueprint? The blueprint does not read itself. There's an architect." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 09:24 I saw this in my research in 1967. None of you were probably old enough to know what I'm talking about—1967! But I was cloning stem cells. Let's give the real name of a stem cell: An embryonic cell. It's an embryo's cell. It replaces things that are broken and gets a new one. I go: "So what? I clone the stem cell." I say, "What's that?" I say: "You put one stem cell in the culture dish. And then what? It divides every 10 or 12 hours." So first there's one, then there's 2, then there's 4, 8, and 16. A week later, [there are] 30,000 cells in the petri dish. What's the most important fact? They all came from one parent. I have 30,000 genetically identical cells. I split them into three petri dishes—one, two, three. Each dish has 10,000, 10,000, 10,000, all genetically the same. We grow cells in a culture medium. Ah, this is going to be the tricky part, for when you get this, the world changes. I'm going to come back to it. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 10:27 I say: "A culture medium is what the cells grow in in the lab. And I make it up by putting the chemistry or culture medium. Since I'm creating it, I can change some of the constituents. So I make three different versions of culture medium, A, B, and C." So I say, "So what?" Each one represents a different environment because the cells live in a culture medium. So I say: "Okay, dish one, environment A—the cells form muscle. Dish two, environment B—the cells form bone. Dish three, environment C—the cells form fat cells." I'm doing this experiment. I'm teaching genetic determinism, and I'm watching the cells and going— Dr. Jill 11:10 Wait a second. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 11:11 —"Wait a second, who controlled the activity?" They were all genetically the same. What was different? The environment. The chemistry of the environment selected the genes. The genes did not select themselves. Then, all of a sudden, I said, "Why is this important?" It's a revolution! I'll tell you why. Genetic determinism: Victim. The new science, epigenetics, which I'll explain: Master. Why? Because you control the environment. It's the environment that controls the cells. It's called epigenetics. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 11:48 [There's a] simple reason why the name [is what it is]. What do we call skin? Epidermis. Why? What's under the skin? A layer called dermis. What's the skin above the dermis? Epidermis. Epi: Above. Epigenetics: Control above the genes. I go, "Whoa, the control is not in the genes." I said: "No, it's to control the environment that the genes live in." I go, "Well, wait, I control the environment." Aha! If you control the environment, then you control the genetics. And that's all of a sudden where the new science comes in. The genetic determinism: Victim. Epigenetics: Master. You control your genes. So basically, what I saw back in 1967 was, "The genes didn't make this decision." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 12:48 Now let's just jump ahead a second here because that's a basic science. And then I'm going to give you this, which you're totally aware of: You are a skin-covered petri dish. You have 50 trillion cells under your skin and you have the original culture medium. What is a culture medium? I didn't say it before, but I'll tell you where it is: A laboratory version of blood. When I grow human cells, I concoct a culture medium based on the constituents of human blood or mouse blood, depending on which cells I'm growing. What's the point? You are a skin-covered culture dish with what? The original culture medium. You have the blood. The blood carries the chemistry, which activates the genes. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 13:34 So the first point: Scientifically, it doesn't make a difference if the cell is in a plastic dish or a skin dish? I said, "No, it's the environment." And I say the environment in your body is the blood for the cells. Then come two questions that blow the game into a new evolution. Question number one: What controls the chemistry of the blood? The answer is the brain. It's the chemist. The big one—here it is, hold on: What chemistry should the brain put into the blood? You know what it is? Whatever picture you hold in your mind, the brain translates the picture into complimentary chemistry that matches the picture. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 14:25 I say, "So why is this important?" The picture in your head becomes material in your body. You manifest what you're thinking. I go: "Wait a minute. Would I manifest this life? Would I manifest my cancer?" I go, "Yes." I go, "You say that so affirmatively." I go: "Quantum physics—the most valid science principle number one [is that] the mind is the creator of our experience." I go: "Well, epigenetics is the biological component of that physics mechanism." Epigenetics is how the mind adjusts the genetics of the body. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 15:05 And I go, "We're facing a healthcare crisis on this planet." I go, "Yes, we are facing a healthcare crisis." And I go, "What's responsible?" We put all the money into science. You know what we're looking for? We're looking for the gene—the gene that controls that problem. Guess what? Less than 1% of all diseases on this planet have any connection with genes. Wait, then that means only less than 1% of what we diagnose as disease is connected with genes. I go, "Yes, that's a fact." Then what is really contributing to the worldwide crisis in healthcare? The answer is: Stress is 90% the cause of disease, minimum. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 15:54 I go: "Okay, come on! How could that do that?" Let's give the biology because it's not New Age again. You're ready? When you're in stress, you're in threat. When you're in threat, you engage a protection response. I say, "What is a protection response?" The protection response is: When you perceive stress, you will release stress hormones, adrenal hormones. I go, "Yes, so what?" Well, what do you think the adrenal hormones do? They prepare the body for fight or flight. I go, "So what?" I say: "First of all, there are three stages to take a body from health, happiness, joy—I'm in the garden, I love my life—to 'Ah! A sabertooth tiger's chasing me!'" I say, "So I have to switch from growth, boom, into protection." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 16:41 How does that happen? Three steps. Number one, stress hormones cause the blood vessels in the gut to constrict. Why? Because most of the blood is in the gut. I say, "Who cares?" I say: "Ah, but the blood is a source of energy. So if you need energy, you need blood." So I say, "So what's the point?" I say: "Most of the blood is in the gut, taking care of the body, cleaning, fixing, repairing, nourishing, and doing all those things. But the moment stress hormones come in, the blood vessels squeeze shut. People feel it in the body." "It's queasy. I feel very queasy when I'm in fear like this." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 17:16 I say: "But some people say butterflies in the stomach. Why?" The fluttering of the blood vessels shutting down—you can feel it. And it's a fluttering. And what's happening? The blood is being pushed to the arms and legs, and that's where I need to run away from that damn tiger. So number one, redistribute the blood. Where do I take it from? [From] growth and maintenance to protection. So I'm not funding growth and maintenance when I'm running from the tiger. I go, "No, you're not." Number two, the immune system is to protect me on the inside. If I'm being chased by a saber-toothed tiger, then what's the value of the immune system? Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 17:55 I'll give you a scenario. Come on, doctors, listen to this. The patient's got a bacterial infection. They're going to have a real bad case of diarrhea coming up here and they're being chased by a saber-toothed tiger. How would you split the energy of the body? How much to support the immune system and how much of that energy to run away from the saber-toothed tiger? I'll give you a second. Okay, thank you. The answer is, of course, who cares about the immune system? If the tiger chased you, the bacteria are not your problem anymore, that's for sure. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 18:26 Listen, stress hormones shut down the immune system to conserve energy. And you know damn well that when people are sick, sometimes they don't even have the energy to get out of bed because the immune system uses a hell of a lot of energy. If you're being chased by a tiger: I can't support the immune system because if the tiger gets me, who cares about what's happening in the interior?—it's not mine anymore. It's so important—in fact, therapeutic—that when they transplant an organ from person A into person B and they don't want immunological rejection, they give the recipient stress hormones before the operation. That restricts the function of the immune system so it doesn't immediately reject the foreign graft. Ah, so stress hormones are used therapeutically to shut off the immune system. So I say, "Yes, what do you think stress does automatically?" That's number two. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 19:21 Number three, conscious processing is slow compared to reflex behavior. Conscious [processing] is like, "Oh, let me think." Reflex is boom! Boom! Like that. The point is, if you're running from a saber-toothed tiger, conscious processing is going to delay your nervous system because you'll be thinking. When that tiger is coming, guess what? Remember the role of the stress hormone—to squeeze the blood vessels here? They squeeze the blood vessels in the forebrain. I say, "Why?" Because it stops the blood flow from going to the conscious mind. Where's it going? The hindbrain—reflex behavior. Result: We become less intelligent in the fear process. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 20:11 So I say: "Let's put these all together. I shut down growth, I shut down the immune system, and I shut off conscious awareness." I go: "When was that system formed?" "Oh, a couple hundred thousand years ago." I say: "What was it responding to?" "The saber-toothed tiger?" I go: "So what was important?" "If you escape that tiger for five minutes or ten minutes, there's no more saber-toothed tiger, no more stress." So it was used for five to ten minutes. Shut it down [for] five to ten minutes; we'll come back later. In today's world—you know the whole thing—every day, every minute, we're in stress. The system was never designed for chronic stress. It shuts down the vitality, health, and maintenance of the body. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 21:01 The stresses of this world are responsible for over 90% of healthcare crises. This is recognized by the American Psychological Society: 95% of visits to doctors' offices [are] stress-related. I was a programmer. And I'm not proud now because, when I programmed, people used to believe in genetic determinism. I go: "No, no. I was wrong. Epigenetics, okay?" But we've been programmed to be victims. Dr. Jill 21:32 Yes. First of all, I think doctors are starting, at least in my realm of functional/integrative—we're talking epigenetics; we're using this. And I just want to share a personal example to bring home what you just shared. It's so important. Many of my listeners know that at 25, I had breast cancer, then Crohn's disease, and then autoimmunity. I'm the poster child. What I remember very clearly is that in my 30s, I got mold-related toxicity. My immune system was terribly trashed and overactive and I was under high stress. I remember one day walking along and realizing: "This stress that is in my body is actually killing me." I had the mentality [of] "beating cancer," "fighting cancer," "fighting this," "fighting that"—fighting, fighting, fighting—which is your saber-toothed tiger [description]. I was in fight or flight. Dr. Jill 22:16 The day I realized that was the day I realized I could also reprogram my immune system through my thoughts. That day I started thinking [up] a new paradigm, thinking about these little yellow minions being my immune system. They were helping escort mold toxicity out of my body without this fight because, [in] fight or flight, there's no healing. And now, today, I'm healed from that and from mold-related illness and all of this. But it's really that moment when I realized I could change my thought process, change the function of my immune system, recover from Crohn's, cancer, and toxic mold, and no longer fight. Dr. Jill 22:53 And the most important message, as you brought home, is that when I'm sitting with a patient, if they're in fear, if they are in fight or flight, and if they are feeling unsafe in their body, there is no amount of pills, supplements, IVs, nutrition, or even good advice that I can give them… Unless they go to that place of unsafeness, that place of fear, that place where they're still somatically running from the tiger. We have to change that, and it starts with this. Dr. Jill 23:22 So I love, love, love that you framed this. And I just want to give you credit because you've been doing this work for decades before anyone else was talking about it. And now we're seeing it. And finally, doctors in my field are starting to acknowledge and talk about it. But even in my field, functional medicine is a lot about supplements, diet, and lifestyle. That's all great. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 23:40 Well, that's environment! Dr. Jill 23:41 Right? Right. Actually, that's the thing I was going to mention too. My specialty is environmental toxicity, so I know the petri dish of how it affects our bodies. But I do believe, as you're saying, that this reprogramming of our mind… Do you have any stories or examples, maybe from your book, of a patient, client, or somebody who has read your book who really took this and changed from there? Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 24:03 I've got hundreds and hundreds of letters from people who've written. There were two things about this. Let me express it even in my personal life. I understood this from a scientific point of view. Man, it was in my laboratory, my research. It was repeatable; I could do this all the time. It took 23 years before science caught up with that observation. I [inaudible] a lot of other things in between to conform. And the reality is that our own understanding about our frailty—it's an understanding. And then I give an understanding of, "No, we're very powerful." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 24:42 I was so happy to go and find an audience of doctors and people: "Let me explain how to create the most wonderful life. Here's the science!" And then they'd come to my lecture and they'd look at me and go: "Lipton, your life doesn't look that good for a guy who says you know this." Oh my God, I was caught. You know what it was? Talking the talk, not walking the talk. I knew the science. It was in my head. Did I make it part of my life? No! I say: "So what was the point? I don't care how smart you are; if you don't make a part of your life, it's irrelevant." Totally! Then all of a sudden, when I caught myself going, "Oh, do as I say, not as I do," it's like, "I can't do that!" So I had to say: "Stop lecturing. Start living your life with the principles you are telling other people. Live this now." How long did it take me to change my life? Oh, within a month, my life was completely on a whole different spectrum. And it was like, "Now, of course, I start talking about it again," because it was real. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 25:47 Let me just give a simple understanding, a scientific understanding, and that is this: The mind is not one thing. "Oh, the mind." I go: "No, not the mind. There are two minds. And they're interdependent, but they have different functions." The conscious mind, the latest evolution: The prefrontal cortex, right behind your forehead, [is] the seat of the conscious mind. What's that? The conscious mind is your source, your personal identity, your spiritual place. What else is it? It's creative! That's what makes humans different than all the other animals. We can take ideas, boom, build them, and create in the conscious mind. What about the subconscious mind? Oh, the original one? Hard drive, programs, habits, stored behavior. Thinking? Uh-uh. Just behavior—program. Dr. Jill 26:38 The subconscious has no way to differentiate truth, right? It does whatever you tell it to do. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 26:44 No, well, the subconscious doesn't do what you tell it to do; it does what it tells it to do. The subconscious is the autopilot. I say, yes, the mind works, but you have to understand that when I'm in the conscious mind, that is the creative side. That's the side with wishes, desires, and aspirations. What do you want? Conscious mind. Subconscious mind: Program. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 27:09 I say, "So what's the issue with our life when it comes down to it?" The monkey wrench that blows the whole thing out is that when the conscious mind is thinking, it's not paying attention to the outer world. A thought is inside. When you're present, your conscious mind is looking at the world and engaging the world. Right now, in front of it, I'm engaging it. But if I'm thinking, my conscious mind is no longer looking out; it's looking in because a thought is on the inside. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 27:38 So I say, "Wait, what if I'm driving the car and I have a thought?" And I've got to tell you, in fact: Then you're not driving the car. "What do you mean? No accident or nothing." I say: "Driving is a program. You don't have to think about driving." In fact, most of the time, if you've been driving for a long time, you never think about the details of driving. It's an automatic behavioral program. It plays when you're not paying attention. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 28:02 I go: "Aha! When the conscious mind is thinking, it's not paying attention to the outer world. Why? It's inside." So I say: Walking, driving, talking, doing your job—hey, those are habits. You've been doing it all—whatever [it is]—for a long period of time. You don't have to re-learn it. It's automatic. Do you even have to think about walking? No, you didn't even have to say: "Oh, I'm going to walk from here to there. I'm going to get that." I say: "Walking is automatic. You don't think about it—program." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 28:37 So then comes the number and this is scientific: Ninety-five percent of the day is the average person's amount of thinking. Then what does that represent? Biologically, only five percent of the day are you creating your life with the conscious mind's wishes and desires. Ninety-five percent of the day your life is coming from programs that you downloaded mainly before age seven. And I go, "Where did I get the programs?" I go: "Before age seven, your brain is not primarily functioning at the level of consciousness, which in EEG terms is alpha, beta, and gamma. When you're under seven, you're operating primarily at theta, which is just below consciousness." Theta—imagination. Hey, the tea party: Pour nothing into the cup. Drink the nothing. "The best tea I ever had in my life!" That's imagination. That's theta. That's what kids do all the time. They can have imaginary friends. They play with them all the time. It's imagination. Theta is hypnosis. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 29:41 I go, "Why is that important?" How many rules does it take to be a member of a family? How many rules does it take to be a member of a community? Now we're talking thousands. I go, "Why is that important?" I said, "Well, teach an infant a thousand rules." I go: "They can't read a book. They can't sit in a classroom. They can't understand a video." I said: "How are they going to learn?" Nature took care of that. Nature gave the first seven years theta, which is hypnosis. You want to know the behavior? Watch your mother, watch your father, watch your community. Watch their behavior; download it. Now it's your behavior! Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 30:19 So the behavior that's in your subconscious mind didn't even come from you, did it? Nope, it came from other people. And did they answer your wishes and desires—what you'd like? Not necessarily. So then, are there programs in there that give you what your wishes and desires are? Not necessarily, no. In fact, I say, "So what about these programs?" Sixty percent of the things you downloaded as a kid—sixty percent of the subconscious programs [are] disempowering, self-sabotaging, and limiting beliefs. And you operate ninety-five percent of the day from them. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 30:53 Ah, but here's the monkey wrench you didn't catch! Why am I using my subconscious programs? Because my conscious mind's not paying attention; it's thinking. Well, then, do you see the programs when they come out? I go: "Nope! You're the only one who doesn't even see the program!" Why? Everybody else around you is responding to your program. You're not even paying attention [to] what the hell is coming out. Sixty percent of it [is] disempowering yourself. So the issue is this: We are not controlling our lives. Our program controls our lives. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 31:28 I say, "Oh, this is a new science." I go: "Scientifically, this is valid. This is understanding theta activity, downloading programs, conscious, subconscious, blah, blah, blah, blah." But the Jesuits knew about programming for 400 years. They would tell their followers, "Give me a child until it is seven, and I will show you the man." Oh my God, that's 100% right! The programming is before age seven, and 95% of the life is the program. They knew it. They created Catholic schools to help the programming go along. And that idea is never lost because if you can watch an infant today, which I've seen carrying an iPad, interacting with a program on a computer, that's far better programming than Jesuits could ever have thought of. Dr. Jill 32:17 Yes, it's clear, isn't it? That's a really good transition because one of the things I see as the biggest crisis in healthcare is environment, but it's environment that is no longer socially interactive or present. We're numbing ourselves out with machines, with iPads, and with phones. They are designed to create an addictive behavior, so they're tapping into some of those subconscious programs, right? Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 32:40 And let me just add this to that: It's not just that behavior, but it's also creating disempowering behaviors. So these programs—as you were just going to say, and I'll let you have it back again—were not designed to help us; they were designed to control us. Dr. Jill 33:05 Yes. And sell and control. Yes, so we are pawns in this new world of technology that is neurodynamically designed to be addictive. If you haven't seen The Social Dilemma, that's a great place to start in your education on social media and the impact. I do want to talk about this. One of the things you just got done saying is that before seven, we're programmed. I totally understand and believe that. But the truth is, we have the power to change that programming. Tell us about that. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 33:36 Most everybody out there has changed that programming. I say, "You've already done it." I say: "What, the movie The Matrix, being a documentary, everybody's programmed?" Yes, of course, that's the foundational belief of the movie and the reality. And in the movie, they offered the red pill. And I say: "What was the red pill? You get out of the program!" Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 33:54 I go, "Almost everybody out here right now listening has done that." I say: "What was the consequence? How did it happen?" I'm going to tell you. Falling in love is a red pill. I go, "What do you mean?" Because when you first fall in love, you stop thinking. Biologically, you stay present; you stay in the conscious, creative mind. You've waited for this person your whole life. They're there. What, you want to start thinking and then ignore them? Are you kidding me? You stay up conscious. You stay mindful. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 34:23 I say, "So what happened?" I say: "Your life up to meeting that person: Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You meet them [and] 24 hours later: 'Oh, man, life is beautiful. Life is so wonderful. Hey, the food's really good. That music is even better than I ever thought it was.'" And even the crappy job is not so crappy. I said: "What'd you do?" You made honeymoon. What's honeymoon? Heaven on earth. I said, "What was your heaven on earth?" Whatever you wished and desired. You and a partner coming together when you're both wishing and desiring, you're sharing the same wishes and desires, you manifest a honeymoon. Oops, I dropped something, but okay. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 35:01 Is the honeymoon already there? I go, "The honeymoon's always there." I said, "Then how come you don't have it?" Because when you start thinking, you then go back to subconscious control, the default. And the problem is, why do 50% of marriages end up in divorce? The answer is this: Marriage has started with the relationship of two conscious creative minds sharing together a belief in creating a honeymoon, and it ends when thinking enters into the people and they start playing their regular programs, which are 60% negative. The partner hears these programs. The one saying the thing doesn't hear it; the other one hears it. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 35:43 I love the response. When somebody comes out in a relationship and the loving partner hears some kind of BS come out of their other partner, they look at them and go: "Who are you? Where did you come from?" What? It was never part of the behavior. And then, all of a sudden, it shows up. And the more thinking, the more that negativity shows up. There's a point where a partner will say: "That's enough. That's not why I signed up here. I signed up because we had a great honeymoon." After you started thinking, this thing went right down the tube. The point is, that's what reality is about. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 36:18 So the idea then becomes simple, which is the obvious thing: "What if I created all programs that represented my wishes and desires—if I had those programs?" I said: "Oh, you know what? Whether you're consciously creating those wishes and desires or your conscious mind is off in left field, your subconscious will be manifesting the wishes and desires. And guess what? A honeymoon is not a short period. A honeymoon is every day of your life for as long as you live." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 36:46 Does it work? Personally, I had some very bad programming when I was young because my mother and father had a dysfunctional relationship. I downloaded my father's dysfunctional behavior. I played it when I couldn't see it. The result is that I couldn't get relationships off the ground. Then I understood the nature of the programming. Then I understand the nature of reprogramming. Around 50, I met my partner, Margaret. We just celebrated 28 years! And I'm not selling just a relationship; I'm talking honeymoon for 28 years. To wake up every day in my life and go: "Oh my God, I'm still here. Oh my God, I have another day to smell the roses, to have a piece of cake, to enjoy the love, watch the environment, and love my life." I celebrate life. Jill celebrates life. What's the result? Where's the illness? What illness? Dr. Jill 37:45 Yes! I love that. There are some points that I think are so crucial that you just made, number one, being present with our partners, watching them in real time and observing them. So often we create a program of them, a template, and then we don't expect them to change. Or, we expect them to behave the same. And when we're in real time, present with another person—whether it's a friend, family member, business associate, or lover—we can respond in real time. And that's part of that co-creation that you're talking about. It's crucial. Dr. Jill 38:15 The other thing is that with illness, I find one thing that was—I'm sure this is related to the program, [and] I'd love your comments—I never identified with the cancer. I never became the cancer. I never made that part of who I was. Even now, I'm like, "Oh yes, 20 years ago, I had cancer." And of course, it's real, but it's almost foreign because it was never part of me. And I really believe that's a huge part of why I overcame a very, very aggressive cancer at the age of 25—because it never was my identity. Do you want to talk about that a little bit? Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 38:44 Yes, let's just talk about this. The first thing is that I'm going to give a fact of science [to] which [a person might say], "He really said that?" And I'm going to say, yes, I'm going to say this. There's not one gene that causes cancer. There's not a gene [where], "You have this gene, you get cancer." The one scary one for women, of course, [is] the breast cancer gene. I go, "So what?" I go: "Women who carry the breast cancer gene don't necessarily have to have cancer. As a matter of fact, nearly half of them don't get cancer. But they have the gene." So then I say, "Then where did the cancer come from?"—because those who have the cancer with the gene and those who are healthy with the gene have the same gene. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 39:20 What's the difference? The answer is this: Cancer is correlated with a gene, not caused by a gene. Cancer is caused by disharmony in the system. Disharmony is the source of disease. Harmony is the source of health. Disharmony means your programming wasn't really good, and you're responding to things in a negative way that is going to cause a breakdown of the system. That's where the stress comes into it. So the concept is this: The image—even if once you tell a woman, "Yes, you have the breast cancer gene," what the hell image do you think is going to be in her head? The answer is: Cancer. I go: "Yes, but isn't the function of the mind to take the image of the head and turn it into reality?" I go, "Absolutely! What's the consequence?" Ninety percent of cancer has no genetic linkage at all. Dr. Jill 40:14 Yes. That was the biggest question I got as a 25-year-old. Every single person, to a T: "Oh, did you have genes?" No, I didn't have genes. I had a dysfunctional system when I was in my 20s. That goes into a whole other lecture that I could give, but I was not living consciously. And there were some things, stress-wise, that were contributing. And it was the environmental toxic load. So all of these things are the petri dish. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 40:38 And more than that, there must have been the two programs. Eighty to ninety percent of all people will not test positive for two beliefs. Number one, and I think the most important, is the belief, "I love myself." Eighty percent of people will not test positive for that belief. Number two, and this is the one where the healthcare crisis comes from: "I am safe." When you have a picture of fear, then the chemistry of fear is to manifest the fear. When they say "This is it" and [show you] a picture of the tumor and everything, then you make the chemistry of the tumor. Then the idea is that we have to own quantum physics. Consciousness is the source of our life experiences. We have to understand the nature of epigenetics. Consciousness is the source of what controls our genes. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 41:07 The third thing that I think is part of the Renaissance that we really must emphasize at some point is Newtonian physics, which separates physical from non-physical, matter versus energy. It's an illusion. It's not real. But it programs us in a very bad way because the program says: "Whatever is made out of matter can only be affected by matter. Whatever is made out of energy can only be affected by energy." And I say, "So what's the consequence?" I say: "The body is matter. And what do you think the whole foundation of the pharmaceutical company is? The body is matter and we make the matter to fix the matter." Dr. Jill 42:16 Yes. What's the matter with that? [laughs] Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 42:18 Three hundred thousand people die in the US every year from prescription drugs, that's what's the matter with it, when less than 50,000—I think 30,000—people die from illegal drugs. We have a war on illegal drugs, and 300,000 people dying from pharmaceutical drugs is called the cost of doing medicine. I go: "That's damn expensive! We don't need that." Simple law of science: If a drug works, it only works because you already had a receptor for that drug on you. Do you think nature put receptors on cells, waiting for the pharmaceutical company to make a drug? No, come on, man! If you have a receptor for a drug, it's because you have a receptor for a drug that you make. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 43:01 I go, "I can make any drug." Of course, because any drug works because you have a receptor to connect it. If you have a receptor, then you obviously have a signal that will bind to that receptor. Then you say, "Well, it's not working." And that's where everything gets screwed up because that system isn't working and then you go right away: "Oh, the body is defective. The genes aren't working right. There's an interference with the physical." I go, "Yes, there was an interference because it didn't start down here; it started up here." And once you start to understand this, yes, treat the body if there's an immediate need to treat the body, but the process of treating the patient is treating this part. Knowledge is power. They do not have the knowledge of who they are. They're programmed [to think]: "I'm a victim of my genes and I have no power." I go, "Well, there's your problem." Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 43:54 And the issue about it is that you guys are in the front of the evolution that says: Okay, I can treat the patient, but I've really got to treat the consciousness of the patient. Why? Because, as quantum physics says, consciousness is the source of this creativity, and as epigenetics says, consciousness is the source of this expression. You cannot leave that out. Dr. Jill 44:18 You just talked about two beliefs that I think are critical and it's a great place to kind of wrap up. The first one is: Do we love ourselves? Do we really, really, truly love and accept ourselves? I have written a book and done a movie on that message. The heart of healing is: How do we show self-compassion and love? Because that is the only way that our cells will respond in health. Dr. Jill 44:41 The second thing was so crucial too, and that is the fear and the unsafety. This is where a physician in the office can make all the difference, because if they add to that fear message, guess what? That's just adding to that patient's unhealth. So one thing we are obligated to do as physicians is create a safe environment and teach that patient how to start to feel safe in their body. With those two beliefs, maybe in the last couple of minutes here, could you maybe give us some practical advice for somebody who's like: "How do I start doing that, Bruce? How do I feel safe in my body? And how do I love myself?" Because that, I couldn't agree more with you, is really the core message here. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 45:19 I'll tell you, let's get right to the root of why people do not love themselves. The answer is: Because parents act like coaches on a sports team. I go, "What does that mean?" A player isn't doing well. What does the coach say? "Oh, do better." No! The coach says: "That's not good enough. Who do you think you are? You don't deserve to be on this team." Well, a player is older than seven. They're in consciousness. They understand that the coach is saying, "You better do better!" Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 45:47 Now let's say the parent is the coach and the kid is under seven. There's no consciousness operating. What's operating? Hypnosis, programming. So when the father says, "That's not good enough, you don't deserve this, you're not lovable, you don't belong," blah, blah, blah—acting like the coach who says, "This is going to make them do better"—if the kid is under seven, you just programmed them to self-sabotage because the subconscious is going to create 95% of their life. And if I get a program "I do not deserve," when I'm thinking 95% of the day, what the hell program is running? "I do not deserve." So I could say something so stupid in my corporate structure or something, and somebody says, "That guy doesn't deserve to be here." And then, all of a sudden, I'm kicked out of the structure. Why? Because I myself made behavior to conform to "not good enough" and to not love myself. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 46:41 This is why that one's so important—because if you can't love yourself, I'm going to be honest, you can't accept love from somebody else. I go, "Why?" Because they say they love you, but in your mind, you're going: "Well, they don't know me, man. I know I'm not lovable." And you'll push them away. And then you'll find yourself with nobody around. And guess what you'll say? "You see?! I'm not lovable!" [inaudible] You just did that. And when it comes to "Do I have any power?" the answer is: No, it has been systematically deprived of them. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 46:59 I've got a minute; I've got to say this because this is really cool. There's a power struggle in the world. It's always been this way. There are three levels of power. Number one, caveman. Who's the biggest badass with the biggest club? Whatever they say, do it. They've got the power. Evolution came along. There are people then who control the resources that you need. And all of a sudden they say, "If you want those resources, you've got to give me something for this." And you know what? The ones who had the resources paid the caveman to hit you over the head if you didn't pay for the resources. Dr. Jill 47:53 A personal hitman. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 47:55 That's the king who owns the resources with an army of cavemen. Then I say, "But the last of the power struggles came down to 'knowledge is power.'" And it was recognized that, yes, that is the supreme power of everything. Knowledge is power. The first thing the church of Rome did was acknowledge: "We are the source of infallible knowledge. We are the source of truth. We say it; it's true." Well, you say, "I don't care." The point about it was that people gave up their power to the belief. And I say it here very quickly: There's a code behind the power brokers. I call it the powermongers' credo. I say, "What is it?" Are you ready? Give them the fear for free and then sell them the antidote. Dr. Jill (pre-recording) 48:46 Hey, everybody. I just stopped by to let you know that my new book, Unexpected: Finding Resilience through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith, is now available for order wherever you purchase books. In this book, I share my own journey of overcoming a life-threatening illness and the tools, tips, tricks, hope, and resilience I found along the way. This book includes practical advice for things like cancer and Crohn's disease and other autoimmune conditions, infections like Lyme or Epstein-Barr, and mold- and biotoxin-related illnesses. What I really hope is that as you read this book, you find transformational wisdom for health and healing. If you want to get your own copy, stop by ReadUnexpected.com. There, you can also collect your free bonuses. So grab your copy today and begin your own transformational journey through functional medicine and finding resilience. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 50:59 "What do you want me to do? Put a mask on? Sure. I'll mask on. I can't visit my mom, who's dying in a nursing home?" "No, you have to give that up because you can't do that." "Really?" Dr. Jill 51:09 Yes. If you're controlled, then fear created the biology of illness. It really, really is a great analogy. Bruce, this has been so fun to dive deep. I love talking to you. I love your enthusiasm. I love your wisdom. And I love most of all that you were so far ahead of the curve because people are kind of coming along to this belief. But the truth is, you were one of the very first ones writing and talking about this. And I'm just grateful that way back in the day, in the lab, you saw this and started writing about it. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. 51:44 I can't be any happier than I am for myself! I have a different life! I have a different life than before that discovery. Dr. Jill 51:53 Yes. And it transforms us all, too. I have many stories, the same thing, of me continuing to transform because of this knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do. Thank you for spending your time with us today!](https://www.jillcarnahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bruce-Lipton-Biology-of-Belief-Can-Your-Mind-Spontaneously-Transform-Your-Health_-WEB-1.jpg)
110 Comments
I was having this last week and through the weekend, finding your blog and this article was timely. Magnesium did the trick for me – it was truely a blessing from God to get this information and I had sent for magnesium the week before all of this started, not because I was preparing – I just read about how great magnesium was for us. Just the first two tabs worked so well, that I doubled the recommended dose to 1,000 mg and I feel better than ever! I was having aches and pains before the Herxing started, but once it started I was in so much pain I could barely move and yet had to host my family from out of town for Christmas. Then I took the magnesium and it made the last day of their visit so much better. The magnesium worked immediately for me. Thanks so much for your help from afar Dr. Jill! God bless you!
Wonderful news, Kim! I hope you are feeling better soon… yes magnesium is simple, safe and profoundly effective!
What is a good pain medication to help manage some of the aches and pains and headaches associated with the die-off? I’m sure that we want to be careful not to cause any major additional strain to the liver during this process. Thanks!
SPM Active is a very powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever. You may take 2 gel caps up to 3X daily
Hey, great article and very beneficial. Ive recently carried out a couple of liver flushes (lime, garlic, ginger and olive oil) to help with my Psoriasis, which seems to have created an adverse effect than what I was hoping for.
Im now very gassy, itchy, feels like i’m consitpated but actually having diarrhea and more Psoriasis on the skin.
I did suspect a bacteria overgrowth (saliva test) and my naturopath believes this too…
My question is… due to the large amounts of lemon juice and garlic i had for 5 consectutive days – could this trigger a die-off? Ive started taking HCL with pepsin in case its low stomach acid.
Is there a connection between low stomach acid, liver flushing and die-off?
hope to hear back 🙂
Garry
Hi Garry,
Thanks for your comments! Yes, it is possible you triggered a “herx” reaction. I generally do not recommend the liver flush you are describing, especially without knowing what is going on in the gut, liver and gallbladder. With psoriasis you very likely have underlying imbalances in microbes in the gut (http://doccarnahan.blogspot.com/2013/01/healthy-gut-healthy-you.html) I suggest finding a functional medicine doctor to order more extensive testing, like the comprehensive stool analysis to determine the extent of dysbiosis and a determine a treatment plan. Garlic is a potent herbal anti-microbial and may have triggered your symptoms.
Take care
Dr Jill
Great article!
Hi, can you recommend or tell me how to find a good integrative medicine doctor in the western Chicago suburbs? thank you
You could try searching on http://www.functionalmedicine.org for physician in your area.
In the past two months I have started progesterone cream and estrogen suppositories and after about three weeks I started with a yeast infection and diarrhea that is continuing ..into second week or so … I am 53 and in menopause .. I am also started taking thyroid medicine t3 lioyhyronine.. Could yhe hormones be causing this .. I eat clean .. My diet has not changed on these new prescriptions .. I am losing weight with the diarrhea and I and eating more .. Only veggies, clean meat, protein , and only two fruits a day , no grain or bread or gluten , clean protein powder, organic Greek yogurt and all organic veg and fruits basically , lots of water .. Again only thing changed is the prescription .. Any suggestions
Help !
Hi Lisa, if you have underlying fungal dysbiosis, the hormones can make yeast worse
Does bentonite clay help with die off symptoms?
Hi Dr Jill, thank you for such great information. I have been dealing with candida overgrowth for several years. My diet is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free…you get the picture! I finally found a doctor to help me with this. She did a stool analysis and found that the candida is still high. She prescribed diflucan 100mg, twice a day. By the 5th day I was totally incapacitated…everything in my body was in such pain that I could not even sleep. I have stopped the medicine and I’m still trying to recover. I asked my doctor to prescribe nystatin instead, but she says it is not strong enough and wants me to stay on the diflucan and reduce it to once a day. I don’t think I can make it! By the way, she wanted me to take the diflucan for 60 days!!! How have your results been with nystatin? Any advice?
Hi Cricket, That sounds like an intense herxheimer reaction and it likely means that your doc was on the right track. Nystatin is not systemically absorbed so may treat the gut but not if you have yeast in other areas of the body. Best to discuss with your doctor and make decisions together. Read more about yeast here.
best
Dr Jill
if we suspect there is yeast overgrowth,we can take lemon juice early in morning fasting to increase stomach acid.
You may take lemon juice but I am not sure there is any evidence it will raise stomach acid.
Hi Dr. Jill
In the talk you did for Genova on difficult GI cases, you mention that you have a handout for Herxheimer Reactions. Is this something you make available online or only through your office? Thank you! (great talk by the way)
Thank you, Andrew
I give this out to my patients
warmly
Dr Jill
What a great article, very helpful! Thank you. I have been dealing with sibo, ibs, gluten & lactose intolerance mostly because of extreme antibiotic use. I’ve been GF and LF for years now, eat a fodmap free diet for 2 years and still have extended belly plus pain. I did a spit test and it undoubtedly showed yeast. I’ve started a very low carb and high fiber diet and have had migraines straight through since 2 days in. I generally feel like I have a flu without the respitory issues. Taking Epsom baths now and drinking detox tea as well as oxygen therapy. My question is how long will this last? I really feel awful and don’t want to fall off the low-carb wagon!
Thank you, Sara
Sorry I forgot to mention I’m taking 150 billion + a day probiotics and trying to use enzymes at each meal but that’s very difficult as most enzymes make me extremely nauseous. Thank you!
Hi Sara,
Yeast can take 3-6 months to treat
warmly
Dr Jill
Also, you just started a Low carb diet, and doing this can cause an electrolyte imbalance(“Keto-flu”). Up your sodium intake, and magnesium. Trying drinking some broth and see if you feel any better after that. I often find I get headaches whenever my sodium is too low.
hey dr jill,
I had been suffering from some thyroid issues and after intense examination they discovered i have some yeast. Dr put me on fluconazole 200 mg daily for 3 weeks. In about the second day it hit me. I was getting sort of paranoid. It really felt very bad. As if i was having a heart attack. I am also on an intense diet. I had to bee taking warm bathes to cool down and drink linden leaves tea. In the past i was on h. pylori treatment and was being treated for hyperthyroidism. I am struggling and dr wants me to continue. I am trying to cope with die off symptoms which affect me a lot.
Hi Mario,
If you are having an intense detoxification reaction or herxheimer it is likely that you are overwhelming your body’s detoxification ability. In that case I always suggest patients slow down on treatment
warmly
DR Jill
Thanks…
I have stopped for now. My body feels numb. Is this normal… drinking a lot of water… It is and feels very strange My doctor wants me to continue with the pills. All he says is that it is normal.
Hi Dr. Jill
I am on my 3rd day of Organic Olivia’s parasite cleanse. I’ve had horrible herx reaction. Got flu like symptoms, sever headache, chest pain sore throat. It all started just a few hours after taking my first dose and now 3 days later it hasn’t gotten any better. The only reason I started this cleanse was because I had a case of pinworms. Along with my cleanse I am taking garden of life raw probiotics 100 billion. I am not sure how much longer I can endure these side affects my headache is excruciating. I don’t want to quit but I’m not sure if I’m doing more harm than good? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Nicole
Hi Nicole
I am not familiar with that program but feeling terrible is never a good idea. A herx reaction means you are overloading detox system and need to slow down or increase support for detoxification. You may also be reacting to an ingredient in the cleanse.
warmly
Dr Jill
In 2006 I lost 40 pounds due to antibiotics, started on colonic hydra therapy and it helped, problem now is closest is 100 miles. 30 days of vancomycin has me in about same situation
Doc,
I’ll try to keep this concise; I recently (late September) became unemployed and left behind a lifestyle that I have discovered was toxic and unsustainable. Towards the end of my time at the job I was eating out two to three times a week, drinking a thermos full of coffee and smoking cigars on occasion, sometimes once or twice a week. After a few weeks of unemployment I started doing some light exercise and unexpectedly became bored with being home all day with all sorts of freedom. I was looking forward to it for a few weeks before transitioning to more schooling and new work.
Fast forward to now, I’ve started having increased anxiety and depression, something I’ve not had much experience with. I don’t have a good reason to be depressed or anxious, but I did some research into my toxic habits and discovered that an imbalanced gut environment could be at the root of my causes. I’ve started taking probiotics, multivitamins and fish oil supplements to try and re-balance the gut. Also, these past few days I took some garlic and oregano oil supplements to try and kill the excess bacteria, and it seems to have worked. I’ve been itching in various spots and have had bouts of minor drainage/ brain fog/mild depression as a result. I’ve been drinking lots of water and have adjusted my diet. No more coffee, cigars are gone and I am working to curtail my stress. I’ve also gotten back into taken herbs like lemon balm, st. john’s wort and ashwagandha.
My point in writing is to ask how long it generally takes to re-establish the gut biome that is necessary for these symptoms to ease. I’ve read various timelines, but am uncertain as to how long it takes.
Also, do you find coffee to be an okay addition to gut flora?
Hi Shane,
That is wonderful! I’m awfully proud of the fact that you took the initiative to get healthy and work on the gut! Balancing the gut starts with a very clean diet (generally gluten-free, dairy-free, processed food-free and sugar-free at the very least) As you mentioned, avoiding sweetened beverages and alcohol is also key. Probiotics are a great next step. Dealing with the dysbiosis with herbal regimens should improve the gut in 8 weeks or so. However, if you hit a road-block, be sure to find a functional medicine doctor to test so that you are not missing anything.
Best to you
Dr Jill
Hi dr Jill, I have been stuggle with an yeast infection for months now, I have tried everything, diflucan, flucess, vaginal inserts and nothing seems to work, I then ordered a bottle of yefense my symptoms started to clear up finally but however I find myself feeling tired and experiencing cold sweats and chest pains, overall I feel terrible I don’t know if to discontinue, but it’s the only thing that’s working for me
Hi Chrissy,
You might try backing off on dose for awhile and working with detox tips. IF that doesn’t help, then stop the product
warmly
Dr Jill
Dr, I suffer from all of these symptoms. My psychiatrist wrote me 150mg qd diflocan for 2 weeks, then nystatin for 3 months. I’m concerned about the hormones I take. I have secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Pituitary gland is “asleep”. I take testosterone cyp and arimidex because my estroidiol is 125. Also I have factor v lieden mutation (heterozygous). High risk for DVT / PE. The steroids are required for life so I hope that is not a problem. Oh, I eat a gallon of ice cream every night. I know this must stop. Thanks
Joshua Tackett
Jdtackett80@gmail.com
Hi Joshua,
Cut out sugar and ice cream and you will be doing yourself a huge favor!
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill
I been diagnosed with mold toxicity from IGG allergy test and Vcs eye tes t and having Lyme symptoms,anxity,depression and ms symptoms as well..everything was high except black mold. My candida was the worst. It took 5 years to figure this out .I went from jogging everyday ,bike riding and being super working mom. To bed ridden and lost 20 in 3 weeks. I was wearing my 12 year olds clothes. Threw the years I have educated myself more and more and always suspected mold.I moved into 3 different homes all moldy!! Such bad luck.. wow! Everyone thought I was going crazy & even myself . No! I am not crazy i am sick and won’t give up! Nobody believed my theory of mold sickness. I made my family move 3 times i needed to know if was the house. Final move into a newer home now no mold and I felt better when I moved in and could take a full breath and my son no asthma yay! Anyway I work for Integrative medicine and they treat mold and Lyme patients. I learned so much working here and took me a while to realize.this was it even though I th ought i had every illness out there. It was all mold!! Yay!! test confirmed. Last house tested comfirmed! I’m not crazy .. Well maybe a little thanks to the mycotoxins. Anyway I was trying to say that I moved into a new home and felt better but after 2 days and taking probiotics only i am so nauseous, feel dizzy and cramping in pelvic area. I also am taking baths with bentonite clay. I was drinking it, but stopped. For some reason I feel skinnier when I take a bentonite clay bath s. I do Epsom salt as well. I drink lemon water with ACV and coconut oil in my tea and coffee. Work gave me Gpur to take ,but I feel so bad I can’t eat or do anything and because this sickness went on for 5 y ears i put hope into everything and everybody and was let down. Besides knowing its mold finally. A part of me is scared i will feel this way forever .in know work can help me but I feel them getting sick of me..My son is 6 and I have almost been sick the whole time he has been around. I hate it and sometimes I just want to die and give up. My patience is thin now and this is getting old. I’m 37 and feel 87 or dead. This is ridiculous that some mold is this bad in your body. What can I do to get bette r? Will I get better? I know u can’t answer this ,but hope has let me down and for years I’ve diagnosed myself and doctors just have me on anxiety meds. I have no idea what a good feeling feels like anymore i just know pain. I feel cursed! I don’t eat gluten and I eat healthy.digestive enzymes,probiotics and multivitamin. I eat More of a keto diet. I haven’t been able to workout much and constantly feel like fain ting. I have before at the last house it was really scary. I’m still.scared i wi’ll faint again.I was out on beta blockers i don’t take them though. I live in fear of dying! I feel i am fighting for my life everyday i don’t want to be taken away from my kids.they are to young.I’m sick of fighting i want to live life. sorry this is long and hope it makes sense. i have a hard time typing on a tablet. Do u have a link of people who recovered? Or what has worked the best for the worst case.scenario? so over this and I feel I’m just detoxing ow..because symptoms changed i can breath and head pressure gone but im.nauseous and dizzy and aches and pains
I hope you found help by means of a functional doctor!!!!! I am 32 and my story is so so so similar to yours, i found help. Its been two months since treatment for mold and associated lyme. Still quite ill but not nearly as bad. You can so this. You are not crazy, just sick from mold. It doesnt matter what anyone thinks. Everyone and western doctor told me i had anxiety. Please. Its such a long illness but we will overcome. Get help if ypu havent. Save plenty of money.
Hi Dr Jill,
I have a history of Lyme disease and have been dealing with leaky gut and yeast overgrowth issues off and on for many years. Recently I have been on a protocol of diflucan, prescription strength probiotics and L-Glutamine powder with immunoglobulin IgG. I also take digestive/pancreatic enzymes with each meal. I also use bioidentical hormones, Biest cream and testosterone. Do the hormones contribute to the fungal dysbiosis in my body?
Hi Susan
Estrogens can make it more difficult to eradicate fungal infections.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr Jill,
Thank you for the great article. My naturopath says I’m going through a healing crisis right now. I’m doing plenty of research about it. Most articles and books say they usually last about 2-3 days and in rare cases a few weeks. Have you seen any cases where a person has flu-like symptoms or fever/chills/sweats for over a week during a healing crisis?
Thank you!
Laura
Hi Laura
It can certainly last longer than a few days… I suggest cutting back on your regimen and increasing detox methods, like sauna, hydrotherapy and epsom salt baths.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Great article. Thank you for it. I have been suffering with vulval lichen sclerosus for nearly 10 years. I suspect I have major gut dysbiosis, and have been slowly transitioning to Full GAPS, to then start Intro once I have some time off work in the summer. I am off most grains, only have small amounts of honey and fruit daily, nothing processed, eco meats. I live in Spain and my monetary limitations have made me really need to transition more slowly than I’d like. (I also cannot afford any naturopath, and the national health system wants me to continue steroid and hormonal treatment, despite a decade of them failing, and causing a whole host of additional problems.
I read that borax can be helpful for those with LS, and began doing twice weekly soaks with 1 Tbs. of borax (in a small tub). I then got so sick, I thought I had a 2-week long flu, until I realized this could be a Herxheimer reaction. I backed down to 1 tsp in a bath a week, and after the first 2, I was fine at that level, but my 3rd, again, I woke up and all the same symptoms, congested, nauseous, mild headache, chills, swollen glands in my throat, body aches. Do you think that such a small amount of borax in bath water can have such a big impact? I will again back off. I really can’t mother or work feeling constantly like I’m nursing a flu, but at the same time, I am noticing improvements to my vulval skin. I plan to try some of your suggestions! Sorry for the length … I guess I needed to unleash my perpetual state of imbalance. Thanks!
Your post is over 2 years old, but I am a fellow lichen sclerosus sufferer. I have found borax to be very helpful in treating LS. I also have found that I seem to be more prone to yeast infections and sometimes I think I am confusing itchy skin that is LS with itchy yeast symptoms.
I recently began an herbal regimen (along with my continuing borax use) that is really helping but I did have a pretty big herx reaction, too. Hang in there. I know LS is a terrible thing to live with.
I don’t know what it is I’m dealing with but I believe it’s candida. I believe I was misdiagnosed with anxiety/panic and it actually was this. I have been sick for over a year now. I’m 6 months off the doctor rx’d medication for the anxiety. It’s been a total nightmare. During this time, I developed yeast in my mouth and in my urine. I was rx’d Nystatin and then later Diflucan as the former failed to rid it all. It seems to just re-occur. The pain from this is unreal and I’ve been experiencing a lot of off moods-crying hysterically and just feeling so off. I’m wondering if that sounds right for candida or something else..I so need help with this..thank you
Hi Kim,
You may need to support your immune system or look for what might be causing the recurrence…. things like weak immunity and mercury can make candida hard to eradicate.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hello ,My ND tested me (via stool and saliva samples) for suspected parasites but found that i have moderate yeast with low total salivary sIgA level. He started me on oil of oregano tablets, soil based probiotic and caprylic acid. Ive been taking the combination for 3 weeks and feel worse! nausea, acid reflux, lump in throat, stomach pain. Could my symptoms be die-off symptoms? I had all these symptoms prior to starting the treatment , all the symptoms started right after i had a miscarriage. I believe excess hormones from pregnancy cause the imbalance in my guts. Would you agree?
Hi Tyra, this is quite typical… I suggest decreasing dose and going more slowly with treatment until you can tolerate the full dose. You may need to assess immune function and other factors like mercury levels, too
warmly
Dr Jill
Hello Jill
My ND linked me in to your article. I have Hashi’s, under active thyroid, SIBO and Candida. I have debilitating anxiety most days along with nausea. I am GF, dairy and sugar free and following Bi-Phasic Diet. My ND says I am methane dominant but my levels arn’t that bad. She says I also have histamine problems. She is treating my SIBO and has me on numerous supplements. I started on Neem (1 three times daily) about a month ago and added in some Allimed starting on a quarter cap a day and I built up to 3/4 cap where I have been now for nearly 3 weeks. A couple of days after starting the Allimed I think I had some awful die-off which lasted a couple of days. I had a good week last week with little or no anxiety, 5 days in a row is the most I have felt well in over 2yrs. But a week ago I started to go downhill again with the anxiety, nausea, fatigue, weak, brain fog, aching joints. My ND says that die-off can come in waves and she believes it’s happening again. She gave me Toxaprevent, charcoal, high dose VitC for the die-off. She said that Allimed doesn’t suit everyone and I wondered whether I should stay on the 3/4 cap or lower it. What would you advise please?
Do you think I am experiencing die-off again? I feel very frightened as I write because it feels like my head is going to explode and I am in fear and flight mode constantly. Are these normal symptoms?
Amongst many supps I am also taking HCL & Pepsin and Designs for Health Plant Enzymes but I spotted in your article not to have plant enzymes. Why is this please? My ND didn’t seem concerned by them.
My symptoms are not being helped by the fact that my T3 is very low, I don’t seem to be able to convert well and I don’t understand why, nor did my former Endo.
I have asked my ND if there are any other tests she can do, although I have had many over the last 2 yrs trying to find out what is wrong. I also have a very long history of anxiety and I am 55 now; in fact anxiety is troubled me for most of my life. I did have a 23andme test done last year which picked up various things but I know that test isn’t accurate. My ND recommended a mycotoxin and dried urine neurotransmitter test would be useful. I did have an Organic Acid Test done a few months ago and she recommended that we could do it again (but no the genetic side of it). I so need more help right now. She is my third ND, so much better than the last two but it doesn’t hurt to ask someone else’s opinion. Hope to hear from you, thank you, Jennie
Hi Jennie
Many plant based enzymes are made with aspergillus which can be a problem for mold/yeast sensitive patients
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill, me again. Spoke with my FD about my plant enzymes and she has recommended Designs for Health Digestzymes but then in the next sentence she said to take just one with each meal because they are quite potent which has worried me now in trying them, not that my SIBO levels are that high apparently. I was going to have a look around to see what is available but I have no idea what I am looking for as regard ingredients. She has recommended Designs for Health digestzymes. Do you think they are a good one for me pleaseCan you help please? Thank you
Hi Jennie,
Yes, that sounds like a good idea…some patients also need betaine HCl
warmly
Dr Jill
ingredients:- Betaine HCL 200 mg
GastroENZ™ Proprietary Blend 180 mg
Ox Bile Extract, Protease (DPPIV), Amylase, Pepsin, Protease SP, Glucoamylase, Lactase, Acid Protease, Invertase, Lipase
Because of a throat infection, I went on a detox and took colloidal silver. Maybe too much. I developed anxiety and think it may be a herx. What can I do?
Hello! Im wondering how much is tOo much w symptoms from die off. I have some achiness and trouble sleeping, but nothing else really. I read alot about slowing down when you have candida symptoms but i dont feel like the symptoms im having are too much. I am takihg omegas, vitamins w aloe vera for obsorption, and milk thistle for liver help.
Hi Lori,
That is quite possible. If you feel poorly you may need to slow down or stop your treatment plan
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill
This is a very helpful posting.
A quick question…What dosage of molybdenum do you recommend to help mitigate candida die off symptoms?
Thank you
500mcg to 1mg twice daily
Thank you for this very helpful information. I started treatment for Candida overgrowth a few weeks ago. I started to have die-off symptoms (headache, abdominal bloating/cramping and flu-like symptoms. Symptoms would resolve if I decreased dosages of herbals and increased hydration/rest. However, each time I increase the herbal amounts the symptoms get worse.
Would a dietary supplement of Beef Liver (Vital Proteins capsules) also help with liver congestion?
Hi Christine,
You might need to go slowly and support the detox routes with NAC, R Lipoic acid and milk thistle in addition to epsom salt baths
warmly
Dr Jill
If doxycycline is taken for ivf treatment pre implantation and it creates symptoms of dizziness and feeling sick can this be related to heavy metals (amalgams) and liver being sluggish? Also citrate lowers ceruloplasm which is also liver implication of not having elimination pathways being helpful in removing toxins that the doxycycline might be trying to force out. Should there have been heavy metal testing or candida Dino testing prior to starting In vitro preimplantation phase. Thanks.
Molybdenum is also a problem with copper issues. Not sure it does not create problems.
What are you thoughts on coffee enemas for detox ? Bentonite clay?
Thank you for all your wonderful information.
Some patients find these incredibly helpful. I love clay and charcoal for binders.
Hi Dr. Jill,
I believe I am experiencing die-off reaction in the form of a rash that is mostly located in my armpits. I’ve been taking probiotics, following the anti-candida diet, and taking the supplement, saccharomyces boulardii. The rash went from being 4 small spots to over 26 large spots. Do you recommend doing a liver cleanse and if so, what cleanse do you recommend?
I was taking candidase for balancing yeast levels, I have read many good reviews about this product but as for myself, I started having an odor while taking these supplements. I stopped the pills and I’m noticing the odor just a couple of times a day. I take an epsom salt soak every day. It’s been a couple of weeks. Do you have any suggestions please. Thank you
I suggest stopping and adding probiotics like lactobacillus now
Thank you for the quick response!
A lot of people with candida issues will have mercury toxicity, so prescribing alpha lipoic acid is one of the worst things you can possibly do. NAC also can cause big problems for thiol sensitive mercury toxic people. Look up the work of Andy Cutler.
A lot of people with candida issues will have mercury toxicity, so prescribing alpha lipoic acid is one of the worst things you can possibly do. NAC also can cause big problems for thiol sensitive mercury toxic people. Look up the work of Andy Cutler.
I was treated for fungus/candida using biofeedback/energy medicine to kill off. I had what I thought was a herxheimer reaction, with some nausea, lower abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, gurgling noises in abdomen, stools are now pencil thin to half size normal and very soft and in pieces. This has been ongoing on for 7 weeks although the nausea is gone, I feel fine physically now, except my stools are still abnormal and the gurgling and some gas is still present. The natural path I was seeing hasn’t dealt with herxheimer that has lasted longer than 4 days and she said it is blockage in my liver and gall bladder that has remained. She said to continue to drink lemon water and stay hydrated. I am scheduled to get a colonoscopy and upper scope as she did not think it is a herxheimer reaction lingering. If the scope is normal then she is going to work on unblocking my passageways. After reading about herxheimer, I am still concerned this is a lingering herxheimer reaction, and I was not sure if there is anything I can do this far out, and what damage may have occured. I don’t want to do anything to interfere with the scope procedure either or possible stool samples they may take. Any advice would be most helpful. I am very concerned about my health and don’t know what to do or who to see to help me.
Hi AW, I suggest getting further testing to determine the cause – stool, organic acids, imaging and blood work
Hello, Last 6 months I had digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, intestinal weird movements, hair loss, acne and weight loss (almost 22lbs) 14 days ago I started taking 40 million probiotic twice a day, my constipation and bloating has been better and I also gained 3lbs, but my piss turned green, I have brain fog and my acne has increased. Is that part of the die-off and how long it should lasts?
It might be… best to do further stool testing if you continue to have symptoms
I’ve heard that alka seltzer has had problems with bleeding of the brain after taking it.
Please site reference, Ingrid
Hi there dr Jill,
I found this article very useful and just understanding what is going on.
Iv had several issues in my gut since 2018. I had a bladder infection in 2018 for which many antibiotics were given and changed following that i had a cracked tongue and the docs believed it was due to gastro symptoms. After suffering for month’s with reflux and acidity and heartburn i started doing some reading to understand things.
Im a vegan. I eat right. About 3 weeks ago i started s bolloulardi which is when i was proved + for sibo.I started with 1 tablet and then was told by the naturopath to increase it two 4. 2 in morning 2 at night. This made me feel lethargic tired and achy. Im now back at the blader infection. I was prescribed two antibiotics. I had terrible diarrohoea. M wondering if u can advice me on how i can introduce s boullardi safely without aggravating my body. Do u think its due to the high of s.b. ?
Hi Kavita
Some patients are sensitive to s. boulardii so I suggest trying a different probiotic like Klaire Labs Detox Support
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Kavita, depends how long you did one tablet of S.B for? S.B is one of the better probiotics for candida, however it’s best to introduce one capsule/tablet for at least a week or two weeks and let your body get used to it. Then increase by one more capsule (again for two weeks) rather than upping straight to four. Just listen to your body. The body can only take so much in one go. When you feel you can tolerate and start to increase, increase by one capsule for another week or two and see how you feel. If you feel worse always drop back down and let the body recoup. Probiotics (particularly S.B) can also create a die-off effect due to the probiotic good bacteria eradicating and taking over the bad bacteria. However, S.B alone most likely will not clear everything so presumably you are using other anti-fungals etc. It’s always best to start slow and build gradually so the body can cope with the changes/detox. Hopefully you have had some luck. Best
It is so impressive you take the time to respond to patients looking to you for advice. I have struggled for years now with fatigue and anxiety. I struggled to understand anxiety before I felt it myself. I had never experienced it- suddenly finding myself fighting consuming anxiety without an apparent reason was difficult. I looked at old pictures of myself and longed for her not understanding what was going on and why I lost interest in things that used to bring me happiness. The fatigue was and still is so profound it has changed who I am, how I mother and what I do. In additional to fatigue and anxiety I have been severely itchy, have had horrible constipation lasting weeks, and I could not clear my face. The acne that would not go away was something I had never had before – the welts would last months. It occurred to me that my breaks out were the one physical manifestation I could show a doctor. My dermatologist had been prescribing antibiotics for months at a time thinking the breakouts were staph. (side note I had months of antibiotics years prior due an apparent infection that turned out to be an ovary cyst) I asked her (after I researched candida) if could be yeast. She said yes and had me on diflucan for a few weeks and and then itraconazole for two months. My face cleared up for the first time in years and I felt better. I found a physician who listened to me and thought my symptoms could be an overgrowth but she said diflucan was too hard on the liver and prescribed nystatin. I started two a day and the third day I felt awful like a had the flu, my lower back hurting so bad I could not sleep. I told my husband I literally hurt from my toes to the top of my head. I found your site and followed your advice of pulling back and stopped for a few then started slowly. Today, I am able to function and not feeling the awful flu like symptoms, but still fatigued and feeling the phantom anxiety I want so desperately to see fade. Do you see anxiety in patients with no history of anxiety or personality disorders suffer when dealing with an overgrowth and do they fade with treatment as the other symptoms? Are there supplements that can help with the mental side effects of this insidious fungus. What are your absolute must do supplements to help aid in all candida overgrowth healing. I feel like I take so many but not sure if I am doing the right thing. Thank you!
yes, fungal dysbiosis can definitely contribute to anxiety. Treating it will improve symptoms slowly
Hello Dr. Jill,
I started on a probiotic last month (Epigenetics Super 12 Probiotic) and about 10 days after I started I suddenly got extremely emotional with sadness, mood swings, and anxiety. I also suddenly had a lot of stomach issues including cramps, diarrhea, black spots in my stool (??), nausea, and loss of appetite. On top of all this, I had insomnia, fever like chills and shaking, and a dry mouth and even period spotting (again, ??). I stopped taking the probiotics and these side effects lasted for about two weeks and finally eased up. I decided to try the probiotics again and all the same symptoms came back 7 days after I had started them again. Are all these side effects just from the probiotics? Is it wise to stop taking them or are these good die-off effects that I should push through?
This does not sound normal. I recommend stopping the probiotic immediately
Hi Alexa & Dr. Jill,
If you don’t mind me asking- how did this work out for you Alexa? I have started taking caprylic acid capsules and shortly after have experienced normal symptoms of candida die off like fever, sore muscles, brain fog, etc. Those symptoms only lasted a few days and now, about 10 days since starting the supplement, I am experiencing very similar symptoms- bloating, cramps, nausea. I have had black and white specs in my stool since starting the supplement. A few months ago, when I was drinking Apple Cider Vinegar every morning, I experienced milder symptoms and spotting that didn’t stop for 2 weeks until I stopped drinking. Overall, my symptoms are very similar and I’m wondering if I should stop supplementing with caprylic acid 600mg 2x day, or keep going as I have had strong suspicions for candida for ~2 years now (reoccurring YI, gluten intolerance, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal acne, etc).
Thank you so much!
I must be experiencing candida die off as I have broke out all on my neck. It is very itchy and ugly. I have been on a candida diet, starting my fourth week. Also migraine headaches and chills. I ordered a bottle of Borage Oil from NutriONN after reading where you said this would help with acne. I wondered if you recommend I start this now during the die off or wait until the symptoms slow down? I started this diet due to three different bacteria’s that were found vaginally. I did end up taking one antibiotic and decided I did not want to do anymore. So again after reading a article by you I decided to use boric acid suppositories ( the one you recommended) , seemed to really work. So lastly my doctor had me use Uva Ursi which really helped. So waiting on results but feeling better down there. Now to get through the good, bad, and the ugly of this candida diet die off. I am being followed by my doctor, but really need a health coach like yourself;) Thanks for your attention to this post
hi Dr Jill, I have been infected with candida most of my adulthood if not longer. I started kefir (fermented milk) that contains not only probiotics but also beneficial yeasts 5 months ago. In Feb I had a root canal where the upper gum has been causing pain for a few weeks. About same time had narrow angle lazer eye surgery, I have been having low grade headache for last month or so and have had couple cases of eye flashes that brought me back to retina specialist. Nobody seems to know where headaches coming from although retina dr sending me for lab tests. i’m wondering if you might think that kefir die off could have kicked in and is the root cause of headache. In any event I will cut my kefir dosage in half and finish up thru the week so I guess I will have definitive answer in the not too distant future. But just wondering your take on all this.
Hi Norm, that sounds complicated with many variables… you may want to consult with a functional medicine doctor.
Warmly,
Dr. Jill
What do you if you have tried several different methods and your bowels still aren’t moving daily? For me its a few times a week. Laxatives dont work and neither do natural remedies. I have even tried several of the methods you listed above. I’m having a lot of die off symptoms. It can be very paralyzing at times.
Hi, I was getting terrible die off and got instant relief after doing an enema. It is like a magic wand was waived over me and all the awful discomfort just disappeared. Now I can continue to detox knowing I have the power to stop the die off in its tracks. I use a bucket which makes it quite easy, it is a clear bucket purchased online. Power on and don’t give up 😊
Bacillus HU36®, being a spore, offers advantages of better colonization and survival through the digestive track when compared to non-spore probiotic organisms; it also offers claims related to the most bioavailable form of antioxidants and carotenoids.
Hi Dr Jill
I am coming out of severe chronic fatigue. Was so bad a few years ago that walking for 10min could leave me out of commission for 1-2 days.
I’m a lot better now due to: adrenal healing, antifungals, Mycotoxin Detox, liver support, sleeping well, out of chronic stress, optimizing methylation chemistry, etc.
However I am still working on the Candida and I have ongoing die-off symptoms. I take Diflucan 100-150 daily and sometimes can only do this for 2-3 days before the Herxheimer gets too much. This has been going on for months. I know the Diflucan is helping because each time I take it, then lay off it, my health feels a bit better. Molybdenum seems to help sometimes.
So overall it’s good, but concerned about the ongoing Herxheimer and wondering what tests you would be looking at in this case?
Thanks so much
I am not a fan of pushing if the Herx continues and I am so sorry you are having so much trouble. You may need to stop this treatment or work on detoxification to enable better elimination like drainage remedies or other things to enhance kidney, liver and lymphatic pathways first.
Hi Dr Jill –
Thank you for your great website. Can a Herx reaction involve being more emotional? I cut out all sugar (which can do a number itself) and started taking probiotics and Nystatin. This doesn’t feel like a sugar/low carb flu. Thanks!
yes, I believe that the emotions may play into any reaction. Especially when eliminating simple carbohydrates as they can elevate serotonin or be involved in addiction.
Hey! So basically i have reflux, back pain, brain fog as my main symptoms of SIBO. I started the low FODMAP diet and felt amazing on the second day! Then i felt bad again, but different symptoms, like it was a tiny die-off reaction to maybe some starved bacterias. Then i took berberine and felt bad all over again on the second time i took the pills. I feel really anxiety and tired, my vision is weird and i feel like i’m drunk all the time. Could this be a die-off? can a die-off make the reflux worse? Thx!
Also i’m really hungry! I eat, get bloated and feel hungry again…my stools are kinda colored too, i’m scared that this might be something else even though it wouldn’t make sense cause the diet was helping me and i got worse right after i took berberine! but my main concern is the reflux since it can hurt my esphagus:(
yes, it could be related to die off or reaction to berberine.
Hi there, I am worried about a Candida die off reaction that has been going on for 4 weeks now And whether that is even possible or I should be worried something else is going on? I have googled extensively and everywhere seems to say that it should last up to 7 days but I’m on day 30 and I feel awful still. I was diagnosed with suspected Candida (I’ve had the symptoms for 12 years) and started on Thorne sf722. I felt great the first couple of days, I remembered for the first time in years what it was like to feel well it was amazing, then By day 3 a headache started and that built up by day 12 (as I increased my dose) to an unbearable level of fatigue, brain fog, headache, exhaustion – like the worst hangover that does not leave you. I then stopped the tablets a couple of days as I couldn’t cope and started again on a low dose and built up again, but before I could even get back to the recommended dose I just felt too awful to handle any more so I have stopped again. It’s day 32 now and I stopped on day 26 (although I did start a complete no sugar Anti Candida diet on day 26 – the first time 35 years I’ve removed sugar from my diet) and I still feel awful. On the plus side all my symptoms have almost completely resolved (I had chronic histamine issues) and my skin is glowing but I just feel so bad day after day, I’m having to go to bed by 4pm, it’s relentless and I’m panicking now it’s not going having even stopped the tablets 5 days ago. The only thing I can think is it’s die off but nowhere says it can go on this long. My instinct says it is but the lack of any other mention of it lasting so long has me worried something else awful is going on, so I’d be really grateful if you are able to say whether you’ve seen a long die off reaction like this before? I have MTHFR issues which I have read may not help, but I know mthfr is not that uncommon whereas my experience seems to be. Many thanks for your time and any help
Hi Frances
If you have severe candida and treating but having significant die off reactions, I suggest slowing your treatment down and speaking with your treating doctor. Yes, it is possible to have trouble with the treatments and to need extensive treatment often for 4-6 months or longer, especially in cases of underlying immune deficiency
warmly
Dr Jill
It’s hard to say
It’s hard to say
Very good post. I will be going through some of these issues as well..
Share: