How to heal leaky gut/yeast overgrowth on a budget? Body messed up due to stress

[Ophelia]

I've been wondering how to do this for a long time. I do have a great naturopath doc, but appointments and supplements are not paid for at all by health insurance, of course.

My diet is a lot better than it used to be, but I know I'm still not eating enough fiber and that is one thing I will work on. I haven't had any actual tests done, but I now know I've had leaky gut/yeast overgrowth probably for most of my life.

My immune system/hormones are so messed up right now. I had been extremely stressed out long-term (almost one year) from my former job. I had gotten a vaginal yeast infection last Oct/Nov 2009. Then Jan/Feb 2010 I had athlete's foot. Now I just got yet another vaginal yeast infection (never had them before in my life until now). The cystic acne on my back has been horrible since Jan/Feb (I had gotten pg in Jan).
I just got through a miscarriage, and less than one week later I got laid off from work (slowly de-stressing from that).

I'm not sure what to do for myself. Budget-wise, I cannot afford much at all due to the layoff. Due to the yeast infections and athlete's foot, I feel my usual yeast overgrowth has taken over due to the stress.

I know I need probiotics, I just got some pills but how can I continue? They are so expensive! The store did not have the two brands my ND recommended so I had to get another probiotic. Should I use kefir instead?

I know I don't get enough omega 3s. I'm trying to save the expensive fish oil supp for getting pg again. I cannot have flax, soy, nuts, gluten.

I was thinking of making appointment with my ND since it's been quite a while, do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!

[staceychev]

Maybe check out the Body Ecology Diet?

[sbgrace]

What I would do:
Invest in something potent, GSE perhaps, to really clean out the yeast. I, personally, would also do anything suggested by traditional medical care/prescription first and then follow up with GSE.

Use (and continue to use) a kefir that has s. boulardi in it. I can't remember what specific do but I know people have posted around here that certain ones do carry that strain. S. boulardi is great with yeast.

Modify diet to manage yeast growth (BED would be my choice there but SCD would be another option).

Prioritize lifestyle stuff that support recovery--stress relief, processing the bad stuff (journaling might help, if you're religious connecting into that), sleep/rest, exercise, healthy eating, etc.

[WuWei]

Topical coconut oil kills yeast. Topical yogurt or kefir helps to recolonize the mucus membranes. Oral kombucha has s. boulardii, if you do not have mercury issues/silver fillings in your teeth. Oral kefir helps to rebalance gut microbials. Personally, I'm not keen on GSE and no way on pharmaceuticals for yeast.

Green juice/smoothies every day. Toss 2 cups of frozen fruit plus 2 cups of organic baby spinach or other greens in a blender. Drink daily.

Cod liver oil daily. Those are the key to start.

Gut healing Where to start? Help 101 Check the "Cliff Notes" at the bottom of the thread.

Pat

[californiajenn]

In addition to what WuWei said, I would highly, highly recommend an exercise to support your nervous system like yoga, qi gong, and/or meditation. In addition to the the supplements, yoga has helped a ton with my issues, which were mostly caused by stress too. Well, stress and mold. Boo.

[Ophelia]

Thanks! I will check into those. We have a membership to a gym but I haven't gone regularly since before DS was born now that I am not working I will push myself to go (plus we get $20 credit for 12x a month).

I'm hoping the acne will get better once my cycles are back to normal (it's still somewhat bad, even with taking zinc).

[WuWei]

I just read that topical kefir helps acne.

Pat