Sometimes it’s easy to tell the good guys from the bad guys.

There are honorable citizens who keep the peace, and then there are disreputable folk who disturb it. We all support the sheriff and his posse, wearing their white Stetsons, as they head out against the black-hatted outlaws.

Everyone cheers when it’s a simple matter to run the hooligans out of town, but what about when they’ve dug in so firmly, it seems they simply can’t be rooted out? Or maybe the posse is just disorganized and isn’t working together on the same strategy. What a mess!That sense of confusion and disarray is a familiar one for those of us interested in running our digestive issues, low immunity, and yeast overgrowth out of town on a rail. We’re pretty sure that improving gut health is the key, but uncertainty about how to do it is the seemingly overwhelming obstacle.

There’s been a lot written about the harm done to the gut by “bad” bacteria such as Candida albicans, antibiotic use, and lifestyle stresses, and the resulting need to repair that damage in order to have a strong immune system. This post isn’t going to deal directly with the why, since that information is well documented and readily available elsewhere, and instead we will continue on with how to fight back in a strategic and coherent way, and identify the weapons that can help get the job done.

First, clear out the bad guys.

To get rid of yeast overgrowth, we recommend Yeast Assassin (or the Lite version, if you’re pregnant or nursing). Both contain caprylic acid, a potent antimicrobial compound that fights fungal infections such as C. albicans.

Other tools, such as Garlic and other immune boosters, can assist with the eviction. The goal is to root out fungus and harmful bacteria that have colonized the gut, so that there’s a relatively clear area on which beneficial bacteria can stake their claim.

Be sure to mend the fences!

While you’re going to the trouble of invading the gangster’s hideout, you need to be sure you’re not allowing them to sneak back in while your back is turned. Sugar feeds yeast, so if you’re faithfully taking your Yeast Assassin while just as faithfully having your sweetened cereal for breakfast every day, you won’t make much headway.

Examine your diet by keeping a food diary for a few days; you might be surprised at what’s been on your plate that is at cross purposes with your desire to heal your gut. Do your best to eliminate sugar (including artificial sweeteners and even “natural” sugars such as fruit and honey) and restrict foods that the body converts to sugar (grains and flours, alcohol, starches such as potatoes, etc.).

If you already know that you have food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerances, be vigilant to stay far, far away from those foods. You may be able to welcome some items back into your diet eventually, but they will not contribute to your gut healing right now.

Stick to unprocessed natural foods, with no extra flavors, dyes, preservatives, or other additives. Emphasize fresh fruit and vegetables along with healthy fats and daily cups of bone broth. If you’re able, eat fermented food with every meal (fermented/cultured vegetables, kefir, kombucha, etc.). Consider a structured program, such as the GAPS Diet.

Make cleanup as gentle as possible.

Those hooligans who’ve been camping out in your gut can leave behind a mess, and they can wreak a bit of havoc on their way out, too. Sometimes, as the body clears out old toxins and dead yeast, people report experiencing temporary symptoms such as headaches, skin breakouts, brain fog, or digestive upset.

You may want to have some extra tools on hand to assist in the swift elimination of dead yeast and bacteria, and to minimize the sometimes-unpleasant symptoms of detox. Digestive Enzymes, Silymarin Liver Support, and Activated Charcoal can all support this effort in unique ways.

Post plenty of good guys as lookouts.

First, you chased the bad guys away, and then you fixed up the hideout so that it’s not a welcoming place for them to come back. Now it’s time to install some good guys in that place, good guys who will keep it nice and neat and not cause trouble when they come into town.

These good guys are beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Beeyoutiful provides several options with different strains of bacteria in varying potencies. You’ll want to choose one (or more) with strains that are particularly good for fighting yeast and restoring the gut, in a potency that is sufficient for your needs. (If your gut has been in disrepair for a long time, you may need a stronger option than someone who has milder issues.)

Before you choose your posse…

Keep in mind that conquering Candida is only one part of a life-long and multi-pronged strategy for reclaiming your health territory for good. It’s vitally important to remove inflammation triggers and use dietary support and lifestyle changes to support gut restoration.

It is crucial to understand that the severity of Candida infestations and the damage it may have done to the body can vary widely; the protocol we suggest is generic and may not be suitable for situations that are severe or long-standing, or in light of other health issues.

IMPORTANT: We aren’t medical professionals, and we don’t know the details of your unique health situation. This is intended as a general guide for adults and not as specific advice that applies to everyone! Before you make dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a diagnosed condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications or other supplements, PLEASE consult with your healthcare provider to determine together what is appropriate for YOUR body.

Beeyoutiful’s suggested protocol

Month 1: 3 Yeast Assassin (regular or lite) + 4 Acidophilus Blast per day
Month 2: 2 Tummy Tuneup per day
Months 3 & 4: 1 Gut Guardian per day
Months 5 & 6: 1 Gut Guardian Supreme per day

(Many of the items mentioned are available in discounted groupings: Anti-Yeast Pack (Pregnancy version) and Gut Restoration Pack.)

If you’re still struggling with yeast symptoms after the first month’s anti-yeast protocol, continue supplementing with Yeast Assassin for another month. Remember that lifestyle and diet changes are necessary along with appropriate supplements; clearing out a yeast overgrowth and going right back to a gut-damaging diet will not support long-term relief of symptoms.

Educate yourself! Learn more about how yeast damages the gut, and discover how the digestive system works.

Armed with a strategic plan and the right weapons, you can send yeast and bad bacteria packing so you can bask in the warm glow of good gut health. We’d love to hear your story; get in touch with your questions and ideas, or to share your favorite tools and recipes. Happy trails!