I am a blood type A and am desparate for some suggestions. When I try to follow the anti-candida diet, I have a lot more fatigue because I really seem to need the fruit. And I'm tired of living only on veggies and whole grain cereals, much as I like them. I need a bit more variety than that. Can you offer any advice? CHRIS

Getting rid of candida can be a nightmare, and I sympathize with your plight!

Paradoxically, the very drugs commonly prescribed for candidiasis often cause and further the condition. What you need is a rebalanced colony of beneficial intestinal micro-organisms -- and the antifungals and antibiotics can only quash the symptoms temporarily, while setting you up for new infections.

What will help is an approach based upon a personalized diet including some herbal and supplement support; and using yoga and skilled meditation practices to reduce stress and bolster your immune system response.

Find out whether you are a secretor or nonsecretor, and follow the diet outlined for you in Live Right 4 Your Type. You may need more protein and less grain than you eat currently.

Use your type-specific probiotic at night, and feed those good critters with a tablespoon of Larch arabinogalactan twice per day. Try 250 mg. of Betaine HCL or 5 drops of Gentian in warm water before meals, as a "stomachic," and two 350 mg caprylic acid capsules taken twice daily away from food to gently eradicate the candida organisms.

There is a detailed discussion of candidiasis with treatment protocols in the BTD Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia which could prove invaluable to you.

The one thing we can be sure of is that you will feel worse before you feel better! This is largely due to the intestinal population changing drastically as die-off and new growth occur. Don't Get Discouraged! Use your yoga and meditation practices to maintain energy and calm, and know that taking this route will mean you can finally beat this problem. You won't have to live on grain and vegetables, or take antifungals and other deleterious drugs.

I wish you the best of health! Drop me a line on how you're doing!