Lady comes to the consultation area with a fluconazole (antifungal) box in her hand. She asks me if this would work on a "Candida overgrowth".
Candida Overgrowth is a nonsense disease invented by naturopaths to make money. Many people have skin issues, gi issues and mood disturbances. In an effort to make some money, naturopaths will tell them it's due to Candida Overgrowth. They will tell them there's a fungus that's present on everyone's skin and gi tract (true), but for these poor souls it's over growing and is the source of all their problems (not a thing). The solution is antifungals and to stop eating carbohydrates. Along with lots of expensive follow up visits of course
So the lady explains that she and her husband don't have much money and they've been dealing with Candida Overgrowth causing him to have itchy skin and hives. Their family doctor suggested moisturizer and antihistamines which they felt wasn't attacking the "root" of the problem, so they've spent hundreds of dollars getting to the root of the problem with a naturopath. The antifungals and visits have used up a good chunk of their money so they're looking for something cheaper.
I explained how impossible Candida Overgrowth is as a concept, and suggested cheap alternatives and lifestyle modification. Limit length and temperature of Bath/shower as much as possible as this dries out the skin and makes things much worse (naturopath had suggested longer showers to Rinse off the sugar and Candida). I suggested a particular moisturizer (CeraVe) and hydrocortisone for really bad areas but not on face.
Fast forward a few weeks and she comes in and tells me he's mostly better. She's really upset because he's 75 yo, 6'2" and had gone from 170lbs to 130lbs because of the dietary restrictions. He was starting to gain weight again but she was mad someone could lead them down that path and put his health in such danger.
Yeah. Naturopaths are awesome
Last edited by Street Pharmacist; 04-21-2021 at 09:20 AM.
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