First things first, what is candida? By definition, a fungal infection typically on the skin or mucous membranes caused by candida. Basically, too much yeast. Sounds simple right? wrong. Common side effects of candida include: feeling tired, digestive issues, lack of focus, sugar cravings, mood swings, irritability, yeast infections, anxiety, depression, and UTIs.

After being tested negative for mono about 6 times we finally came to the conclusion I had candida. Having candida is not like any other type of sickness just due to the fact you can't take antibiotics to cure it. It also takes 3-6 months to work its way out of your body. The most common way to get it out, change of diet.

Candida is yeast, yeast needs sugar to grow. In order to get rid of too much yeast, no sugar. So having candida is like having 20 new allergies. One of which includes rice. Rice and well all carbs for that matter, turn to sugar in your body. You do not realize it but rice is in literally everything. Rice flour this, rice sugar that. Having to read a nutrition label is almost second memory at this point. However, that's the scary part about candida. The new diet can become obsessive at points. I notice it not only in me but people I have spoken too who also have had it. A lot of times the candida diet leads to eating disorders because of how nit-picky you have to be.

The first month was brutal. All I wanted was sugar in every shape and form. I also just felt weak and tired. All I wanted to do was sleep, not to mention I had no motivation to be an extrovert, which I usually am. I was diagnosed in July and once August came around I was truly a new person. Even one month of eating right and getting 10 hours or more of sleep each night, made a difference.

Here we are now, Headed into November. My 4th month. Now, I am in the die-off phase. Did you think the symptoms were done? Nope. There are die off symptoms as well: nausea, headaches, swollen glands, chills, elevated heart rate, and my favorite skin breakouts. Sarcasm intended.

The die-off just started for me and putting the pieces together to figure out that it was the die off and not my third week of strep throat was a nice thing to know. Although all these symptoms are rough, I am almost through the hardest part.

As cliché as it sounds, candida has taught me how strong I am. I do not cheat on my diet, but I have learned really good things to make up for that. I have learned so many new cooking recipes and ways to deal with some of the other harsh side effects, like the irritability and anxiety.

All in all its been a rough few months but an overall learning process in the end. I plan to keep up with this new lifestyle once the candida has officially all died off. I mean I really can't complain.. I have never felt better and I lost 20 pounds.. had to brag about that one :) Knowing my immune system can be back to where it used to be is nice along with knowing I will not have any of these side effects again once I fully get rid of candida.

If you suffer from any of the side effects named above I'd highly recommend asking a doctor to see if maybe you could have candida.. its a lot more common than people think!