My Gut Health Journey: How I Beat SIBO, Candida & Leaky Gut
A few years ago, I was stuck in a cycle I couldn’t seem to break. My days were clouded by persistent brain fog and a deep, chronic fatigue that made even simple tasks feel monumental. Nearly every meal was followed by extreme bloating, and my system just felt off. Add in recurrent yeast infections and restless, poor-quality sleep, and the truth was undeniable: I hadn't felt truly well in years.
My breakthrough came after I invested in a comprehensive 3-day stool test—specifically the GI-Effects® Comprehensive Profile. The results were eye-opening and finally gave me concrete answers. They confirmed I was dealing with markers for SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and a severely Leaky Gut. The Candida Overgrowth diagnosis came from connecting my debilitating symptoms with extensive research—a classic case of listening to my body when other signs were less clear.
It was a lonely journey at first, as I didn't have the resources to work with a specialist. Today, I work with a fantastic Functional Medicine doctor—something I highly recommend if you can—but I started this healing process on my own, armed with research and determination.
It’s also important to note that I had been gluten-free for almost 15 years when I realized how bad my symptoms were. Through this process, I learned an important lesson: "gluten-free" does not automatically mean "healthy." For years, my diet was filled with poor eating habits: processed gluten-free snacks, french fries, and not enough protein & whole foods that were feeding the very inflammation and bad microbes I was suffering from. My body was in distress, and it was time for a radical change.
Below is the multi-phase strategy I used to clear the bad stuff out and truly rebuild my gut health from the ground up, in the simplest form - the 3 supplements that gave me the best results in the shortest amount of time. If you want to see a full list of supplements I take, read more here.
Disclaimer: I am a life coach, not a medical doctor. The information shared here is based on my personal experience and research. Please consult with a trusted doctor or naturopath, like a Functional Medicine practitioner, before making any changes to your health routine.
The Gut Imbalance Trifecta: Candida, SIBO & Leaky Gut
To win the fight, I first had to understand the enemies. I was dealing with a trifecta of issues creating a vicious cycle.
Candida Overgrowth: A fungal issue where yeast grows out of control, hiding behind protective shields called biofilms.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): A bacterial issue where microbes from the large intestine begin growing in the small intestine, causing extreme bloating, gas, and nutrient malabsorption.
Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability): The foundational damage where the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food to "leak" into the bloodstream, triggering widespread inflammation, fatigue, and brain fog.
Step 1: Clear & Reset
This was an intense, 90-day period focused on starving the bad microbes and actively eliminating them. This phase had two core components that worked together: a strict diet and a powerful supplement.
The Foundational Diet
You cannot supplement your way out of a bad diet. I had to radically change what I ate to stop feeding the overgrowth. This started with a 2-week transition period to let my body adjust. For a full 90 days, my diet was simple but strict:
Protein: Chicken and fish only.
Vegetables: A limited list of "safe," low-fermentation veggies.
Preparation: Everything was always cooked. Raw vegetables are incredibly difficult for a compromised gut to digest, so steaming and sautéing became my best friends.
NO sugar, alcohol, processed foods, dairy, or starchy vegetables. I also avoided fruit, except for blueberries, in moderation, and always eaten with/after a protein.
The Clearing Supplement:
Canxida Remove
After easing into the diet for 1-2 weeks, I then introduced Canxida Remove to go on the attack. While the diet starved the invaders, this formula did the heavy lifting. Its broad-spectrum (antifungal and antibacterial) approach attacked both the Candida and the SIBO, breaking down biofilms and systematically cleansing the gut.
Learn More About Canxida Remove Here
Step 2: Repair the Gut Lining with L-Glutamine
While clearing out the gut, it was critical to start repairing the physical damage to the gut lining. For this, one supplement is absolutely key.
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that acts as the primary fuel source for the cells of your intestinal wall, helping to tighten those "leaky" junctions. For me, the results were tangible and fast. L-Glutamine was a game-changer for helping me have more regular, type 4 bowel movements (the "ideal" on the Bristol Stool Chart)—something I had struggled with for years!
My protocol is simple: I take 5g of L-Glutamine every single morning on an empty stomach, mixed with a bit of water.
You can start this immediately on your gut-healing journey as it’s extremely gentle and supportive.
This is the L-Glutamine I Use and Trust
Step 3: Repopulate with Probiotics & Enzymes
About 1-2 weeks after starting Canxida Remove, once the initial "weeding" was underway, I introduced the next crucial component for rebuilding. This staggered approach gives the Remove supplement a head start and can make the die-off symptoms more manageable.
The Rebuilding Supplement: Canxida Restore
This is where Canxida Restore comes in. It’s a smart combination of six powerful probiotic strains and seven essential digestive enzymes. The probiotics re-establish a healthy microbiome in the space you just cleared out, while the enzymes were essential for helping my body break down food properly, finally ending the bloating and discomfort.
Rebuild Your Gut: Discover Canxida Restore Here
Bulk Package for Restore + Remove:
My healing journey took time, and consistency was everything. Canxida Remove and Canxida Restore are designed to work in synergy. To follow the core of my protocol, I recommend getting them together.
You can get the “Most Popular Package” with both Canxida Remove and Canxida Restore and save 30% on your order. To complete the full protocol I used, I highly recommend adding the L-Glutamine to your routine as well. (It comes from a different brand.)
The Canxida Most Popular Package - Resotre + Rebuld (30% OFF)
Beyond Supplements: 3 Lessons for Lasting Success
Healing Takes Time. This was not a 30-day fix. It took years to get to that low point, and it took over a year of consistent effort to truly heal. Be patient and focus on one day at a time.
Die-Off Symptoms Are Real. As your body detoxes, you can feel worse before you feel better. I experienced a mild depression and extreme fatigue. Prepare for it by lightening your workload and prioritizing rest.
Proactive Self-Care is Non-Negotiable. You cannot heal from a place of depletion. Daily walks, sunlight, meditation, and setting firm boundaries were essential for my recovery.
I'm living proof that feeling better is possible. A few years ago, I was struggling daily. Today, my energy is back, the brain fog is gone, and I feel comfortable and strong in my own body again. I know how overwhelming this journey can feel, but you are not alone, and you can get better.
Any questions? Let me know in the comments!
I wish you much success and good health on your journey!
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