The #1 Factor Fueling Your Sugar Cravings

May 16, 2014
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

Overcome Weight Loss Resistance, Restore Belly FLAT

If you are struggling to lose weight, but find that your cravings overpower your willpower then you’re not alone! I have a strong suspicion that more than 50% of the population struggles with an underlying condition that goes undetected and unsuspected by most health care practitioners.

Along with your belly bloat and stubborn fat, you’re also contending with one or more additional challenges like fatigue, hypothyroid, adrenal burnout, eczema, acne, mood swings, sinus infections, digestive difficulties or autoimmune challenges. Any one of these seemingly unrelated symptoms can be a sign of an insidious invader.

When Balance Is Lost…

This pathogen’s prevalence can be attributed to excessive carbohydrates from hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, starchy vegetables and gluten-rich grains. Other factors that feed its insatiable appetite may include GMO foods, antibiotics, birth control pills, and chlorinated water.

An overload of dietary and environmental copper is probably the most unrecognized factor of all.

Super food favorites like cacao, chocolate, soy, tea, seafood, avocado, and most nuts and seeds pack a powerful copper punch which can interfere with adrenal function. The weaker the adrenal glands become, the more metabolism slows and the more copper tends to accumulate. Other common copper sources are prenatal vitamins, the copper IUD, copper cookware, and copper pipes, all potentially contributing to your metabolic slowdown.

As its numbers grow and crowd out beneficial gut bacteria (probiotics), this hidden weight gain culprit can transform itself from a simple organism into a bold aggressor, and bore into the mucosal lining of the intestines ultimately creating a leaky gut.

Leaky gut syndrome allows undigested food particles and toxic byproducts known as mycotoxins and aldehydes to be released into the bloodstream. This in turn creates allergic responses, food intolerances and inflammation—all compromising your ability to burn fat for fuel.

To add insult to injury, this stealth saboteur inhibits the conversion of the thyroid hormone thyroxin and lowers adrenal gland activity, resulting in the grinding halt of your metabolism.

By now you may have guessed that I’m referring to Candida albicans, that notorious fungus among us.

Overgrowth Equals Overweight

Keeping Candida in check is no small task since there are so many factors contributing to its overgrowth. It’s ironic that although it is so wide-spread, Candida is incredibly evasive so standard laboratory tests and stool analysis are not always definitive. In my experience, the best way for you to combat this fungal menace is a combination of daily probiotics, non-allergen producing natural antifungals, and a homeopathic remedy that was created to treat mild to severe cases.

Your Candida Prescription

 

Dietary Defense

While changing your diet alone will not effectively eliminate Candida, it is definitely the place to begin.

  • Stabilize blood sugar levels to reduce cravings and quell inflammation.
  • Focus on eating essential and healthy fats from flaxseed oil, fish oil, olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, grass-fed butter, macadamia nuts, almonds, and pumpkin, flax, chia, and hemp seeds.
  • Include high quality sources of grass-fed and free range animal protein, omega-3 eggs, non-starchy vegetables, and low glycemic fruits (no more than two servings per day).
  • Avoid all sugar and foods containing yeast, mold and the products of fermentation. This includes alcohol, brewer’s yeast, soy sauce, vinegar (except apple cider vinegar), corn, gluten containing grains, and cheese.

*Insider info! Popularized “healthy” sweeteners like coconut sugar, agave, honey, and maple syrup still feed yeast overgrowth. Sugar alcohols like erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are promoted as alternatives, but these suspicious sweeteners remain in your blood stream much longer than regular sugar and tend to cause headaches, digestive upset, bloating, and fatigue.

 

Hone in with a Homeopathic

Y-C Cleanse is my Number One solution when it comes to Candida. As a clinically proven homeopathic, very finely diluted potencies of Candida and its byproducts stimulate your body’s own immune response to kick yeast and fungus to the curb.

Aside from its extraordinary healing power, my favorite thing about Y-C Cleanse is that this formula will not wreak havoc on your liver as many prescription anti-fungals do. It can be used daily for three months or more, and once or twice weekly for maintenance thereafter. Creative solutions may include using Y-C Cleanse diluted as a nasal spray or douche.

This highly successful product that I’ve been recommending for years has a litany of testimonials verifying its effectiveness.

Here’s one of the latest from Lisa in Michigan:
“Throughout the years, carb cravings have always sabotaged my weight loss efforts. I was a “toast-a-holic” and could not go even ONE day without “something sweet… Given that I had been on antibiotics for over a decade for cystic acne I began to wonder if this was actually the source of my “lack of will power” rather than just a weakness of resolve. I began my first Y-C Cleanse 1 month ago. And the long and short of it is — it’s working. I am NOT craving carbs. I can walk past the crackers, bread, rolls, pretzels, cookies, chocolate chips without feeling deprived. I can do it – and not even binge later in a moment of “weakness.” Seriously! I feel free for the first time in years. Last week I began the Fat Flush Diet, without ANY interference from carb cravings whatsoever. I finally have hope that I will be able to lose weight. Thank you, Uni Key for the Y-C Cleanse!”

 

Be Proactive With Probiotics

My trusted source for all the probiotic power you need is Flora-Key.   Providing 10 billion CFUs per serving, this powdered supplement does double duty as a natural sweetener. Five different strains of beneficial bacteria were specially selected for their immune enhancing, yeast-fighting, and tummy flattening abilities. L. plantarum is especially good at relieving gas and bloating, and L. reuteri is the “woman’s probiotic”, helping to protect vaginal health.

I’m appalled by other formulas that contain upwards of 50 or 60 billion CFUs per serving. Overloading an already challenged immune system with high doses of bacteria can actually trigger an inflammatory autoimmune response and even create constipation! Flora-Key is effective while being gentle and safe for adults, children, and infants alike.

 

Spice Up Your Life

Cook with antifungal herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic, and oregano. These antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatories have powerful medicinal properties. I strongly prefer food forms rather than popular extracts that can evoke a strong food allergy response in individuals who are compromised by Candida.

 

Essential Extras

Biotin 5mg will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels, decrease cravings, and prevent yeast, the normally harmless, ever-present inhabitant of our gastrointestinal system, from changing into the source of ill health literally from our head to our toes.

The Adrenal Formula sustains energy levels, fortifying your glands and allowing you to forgo those sugary snacks that give a very temporary boost. This prevents hypo and hyperglycemia. Craving sweets due to the need for quick energy is a common symptom of adrenal fatigue.

The specially formulated copper-free Female Multiple provides hormonally balancing daily nutrients without contributing to copper overload, linked to hair loss, fatigue, anxiety and depression, yeast overgrowth and belly fat.

 
Keep in mind you may need to experiment to find the right combination of diet and lifestyle remedies specifically designed for your unique biochemistry.

To paraphrase a dear friend and Candida Pioneer, Shirley Lorenzani, “It’s no coincidence that candida overgrowth is the 21st century disease, and sugar is the 21st century food.” But now with an arsenal of natural remedies, you can take back your body, your mind, and your life.

For a complete Candida control plan, check out The Gut Flush Plan. I’m also a fan of Ann Boroch’s book The Candida Cure.

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

30 Comments

  1. Jean

    Hi,
    I’m curious about Y-C. I’ve tried it twice and can’t make it a full week. My sugar cravings multiply and I end up with a great big appetite. Is this usual?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Ann Louise Gittleman

    Hi Jean: It sounds like you are experiencing a Herxheimer response in which you are reacting to the endotoxins released from yeast die-off – which is to be expected! While this is not a typical response, every body responds differently and a retracing of symptoms can be part of a detox which usually does not last longer than four days. I suggest you try Y-C again and use 1/2 the recommended dosage coupled with a probiotic.

    Reply
    • Deb

      will taking a fibre supplement like Metamucil help move the toxins out faster?

      Reply
  3. Sophie

    Dear Dr. ALG, With your wisdom and guidance, we are able to identify and heal the ailments doctors miss time and time again! For a young teen, what dosage of the Y-C Cleanse, Flora-Key and Biotin do you advise?
    Thank you very much.

    Reply
  4. Ann Louise Gittleman

    Hello Sophie: Thank you for your lovely acknowledgement. For a teen, I would suggest 1/2 the recommended adult dosage of Y-C Cleanse and the adult dosages of both Flora-Key and Biotin 5mg. I hope this helps!

    Reply
  5. Sophie

    Dr. ALG, thank you so much!

    Reply
  6. Ann Louise Gittleman

    Hello Everyone:

    Many of you have emailed my office for more testimonials regarding Y-C Cleanse. Here is one that caught my eye on the UNI KEY website:

    My chronic sinus problems I discovered, were caused by yeast. Y-C Cleanse took care of it in less than a week. I don’t wake up with a stuffy nose any more or have a post nasal drip. It’s amazing!

    Reply
  7. AnnLouise

    Here’s another one:

    I cut out breads and wheat products(as much as I could) from my diet. I used the Y-C cleanse morning and night along with my diet change. I will still go back to Y-C cleanse for 4-5 days if I have overindulged in sweets or alcohol to get back on track.

    Reply
  8. AnnLouise

    Just one more:

    This stuff really works. Halfway through the bottle, my cravings for sweets subsided and my issues with gas completely went away. I’ve gotten yeast infections all my life , especially when on antibiotics. Right now I’m on my last day of a 10-day course of amoxicillin and no yeast infection! I plan to continue using Y-Cleanse on an as needed basis. I have recommended it to several friends. Great product!

    Reply
  9. Jenna

    Hi ALG:

    Where can I see more of the recent testimonials about this product? It sounds too good to be true 🙂 and I have tried sooo
    many in the past that just made me feel so much worse for several weeks. I understand the Herxheimer effect but other natural anti-fungals made me really sick for too long to be attributed to the detox cleansing response. Thank you so very much for taking all our questions and answering them with so much personal attention.

    Reply
  10. Ann Louise

    Hi Jenna: Take a look right here and see for yourself how people have responded to this product. I am taking it myself these days for spring allergies – which have taken more of a toll this year than ever! Let me know what you think.

    http://www.unikeyhealth.com/product/Y-C_Cleanse and click on REVIEWS.

    Reply
  11. Sophie

    What an excellent and informative blog and discussion!
    I am spurred to ask more about how Y-C Cleanse actually works:

    Does Y-C Cleanse work for both local and systemic candida overgrowth?
    Does Y-C Cleanse actually enter the bloodstream as well as the gut, sinuses, other?
    When candida is systemic and there is evidence of autoimmune reactions, are there any other natural
    measures that are advisable (and can pharmaceutical anti fungals still be avoided in such cases)?
    Thank you very much.

    Reply
  12. Ann Louise

    Good Morning Sophie:

    As a homeopathic, Y-C Cleanse works both systemically and locally for Candida overgrowth, although positive results for localized infections can take three months or more to resolve. Nail fungus is especially persistent and can necessitate the use of topical measures – oil of thyme, oil of oregano or even a dab of Clorox under the nail bed.

    Due to its homeopathic nature, Y-C has the potential to be absorbed into organs, tissues, and the bloodstream to attack Candida and related fungi. It can also protect against the toxic byproducts of Candida proliferation and digestive dysfunction.

    For those with autoimmune reactions, it is suggested that all natural anti-fungals with probiotics be rotated every third day. For these cases black walnut, grapefruit seed extract, oil of oregano, various Candida-killing enzymes and pau d’arco tea can be used with the Y-C as well as several additional probiotics to assure blanket coverage.

    In severe infections, we have had users – under an integrative physician’s care – add a twice per week dose of Diflucan.

    The beauty of Y-C, Sophie, is that as a homeopathic, it is gentle and invasive but cannot evoke common allergy responses so common with the daily use of herbal ingredients that trigger herbal-resistant yeast and Candida strains.

    Reply
  13. Sophie

    Dear Dr. ALG,
    Many thanks for your response and guidance!

    Reply
  14. neyi meshur

    super. thank you

    Reply
  15. Deb

    I have never had a yeast infection in my life, but I seem to have the digestive issues and sinus issues mentioned here. Would this product be useful even without those multitude of symptoms or could my problems be caused by something else?

    Reply
  16. Ann Louise

    Hi Deb: I would definitely suggest giving the product a try since the Mayo Clinic has identified fungus as the most predominant underlying infection impacting the sinuses. Y-C targets yeast and related fungi. It has worked wonders for me and so many others when it comes to sinus issues. Systemic yeast problems are rampant and can manifest in strange ways 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sophie

    Dear Dr. ALG and Team,
    With guidance from this informative blog, I have just added Y-C Cleanse, Flora Key and Biotin to my regimen. I already use the Female Multiple and Adrenal Formula.
    I understand that the Y-C Cleanse and Flora Key can be used for both acute illness and maintenance. Please guide me on the Biotin: can it also be used for both the acute phase and then maintenance? Can one take Biotin 5mg as part of one’s daily regimen, and in addition to the Biotin already in the Female Multiple?
    Can a young teen prone to candida overgrowth also take Biotin 5 mg daily as maintenance?
    Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Hi Sophie! Biotin is a wonderful daily addition to what you are currently taking. You will find that it is quite helpful for hormone production, blood sugar stabilization, beautiful hair, skin and nails, and more. Your teen will do fine to use 5 mg daily. Thank you for your questions!

      Reply
  18. Marcy

    I saw someone took the Y-C Cleanse morning and night, but the directions state a.m. before breakfast. Is there an advantage to taking it nighttime before dinner? Is there a down-side to this or should I stick to one time a day? Thank you

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Hi Marcy, taking the Y-C Cleanse both morning and night would be a very aggressive approach. If you already have a low toxic burden otherwise, the detox might not be so severe, but a more gradual approach is preferred. You may choose to take it either in the morning or before bed, it just needs to be taken on an empty stomach for maximum effectiveness.

      Reply
  19. Marcy

    Thanks so much

    Reply
  20. Marcy

    When trying to avoid foods if the greek yogurt is low in sugar or plain yogurt do you think it’s ok to eat this?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Plain Greek yogurt is acceptable as a part of a lifestyle maintenance program. Added sugars contribute to yeast overgrowth, so plain yogurt would be recommended until yeast and Candida are eliminated. After that time, adding your own frozen berries, cinnamon, and maybe a light drizzle of local raw honey is the best way to go.

      Reply
  21. Marcy

    I haven’t noticed any symptoms as of yet on the cleanse and have been being really good about avoiding the certain foods. Does this mean I didn’t have an over abundance of yeast overgrowth? I do take probiotics regularly and have for quite a few years. The main reason I started taking this was abdominal bloating and also canker sores.

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Not everyone experiences detox in the same way. Probiotic use can certainly help curtail yeast overgrowth, but Candida is so pervasive these days that I’m sure you are benefiting from the Y-C Cleanse. After two weeks or so, reassess your belly bloat and see if that has improved! Canker sores may be improved by cooking liberally with cayenne and sage. Underlying issues that contribute to canker sores are iron-deficiency anemia and gluten intolerance.

      Reply
  22. Brenda Williams

    How do u know when u have completed eliminated the yeast and candida?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      UNI KEY offers a stool test called the Expanded GI Panel that detects yeast, Candida and other fungi.

      Reply
  23. Karen

    Can I drink black coffee before or after taking yc cleanse in the morning?

    Reply
  24. Team ALG

    It’s best to take the Y-C Cleanse first thing in the morning and wait a half hour before drinking coffee or eating.

    Reply

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