The only way to treat yeast is to kill off the candida bacteria, reducing their numbers back to where they’re supposed to be naturally. But when yeast is killed off rapidly and in great numbers, whether by the body’s immune system, by drugs, or by a radical change in diet, the dying candida cells excrete toxins.

This condition is known as the die-off Reaction. The side effects of candida die-off are headache, fatigue, aches, mucous congestion, constipation, gas, dizziness, depression — unfortunately, they are some of the same symptoms that you’re trying to get rid of in the first place!

Because of this, many people have stopped their yeast-reduction program before it’s finished, thinking either that it’s not working or that the treatment is worse than the disease. The candida die-off side effects can last from a few days to a few weeks, but they usually clear up within seven days. Once they’re gone, the candida symptoms are gone, too, and you’re back to normal.

The first step is to starve the candida by changing your diet. This means staying away from sugars and simple carbohydrates that break down rapidly, and foods that are fermented or contain yeast or mold. Along with the diet change, a doctor can also prescribe something specifically to get rid of the candida, and some home remedies work, too. Grapefruit seed extract, calcium undecylenate, and sorbic acid are among the more common anti-yeast remedies.

Get plenty of rest, as excessive fatigue or exercise during the die-off phase will make the symptoms worse.

It’s also important to drink a lot of water, as this helps flush out the toxins being released by the dying candida. Furthermore, be sure to have complete and thorough bowel eliminations, using laxatives if necessary.

So, don’t be discouraged. The process of killing off the excess candida in your system can be rough, but in the end you’ll be glad you did as you return to your full health.