Help Need Advice About the Yeast Die off Period on My Four Year Old Going Mad :(

This is a huge change for him. I suggest that once he's used to it, he'll calm down. In the meantime, work on having patience with him. It might help to read How to Talk so Children Will Listen and Listen so Children Will talk so that you can help him express his feelings verbally.

I dealt with this with two of my kids and myself. MSM really helped us better than anything. Also, could you cut back a little bit on the supplements? Sometimes that helped me. You can increase it when the symptoms subside some. I also used supplements that calmed like Camomile, and valerian root. This helped my kids a lot. They did the exact same thing. I wish you the best.

I can relate, we've never lived by any family for relief so it's always been my hubby and me trading off when needs be. When we switched our son to a gfcf diet, our biomedical doc told us to help avoid withdrawal symptoms, to slowly implement it over the course of about 5 months. Well, I got impatient after only 3 weeks and went cold turkey, big mistake:( My son went through nasty withdrawals and they ended up lasting about 2-3 weeks if I remember right before his body started to calm down. As far as his cravings for mac and cheese, does he want the boxed stuff (Kraft) or would he take a homemade version? If so, here is a version I've done and it was a huge hit with my whole family...

http://myaspergersgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/cheese

Hang in there lady!!

His body is detoxing as well as getting used to the new normal. It is hard for adults to handle this, and I imagine it is even harder for little people. Lots to battle all at once-for you and for him. I think you already got some good advice, and I can't really add anything to it. I just wanted to encourage you in your journey. We have taken some of our children off of wheat/gluten, and that was not easy, although manageable. Best wishes.

Then maybe the treatment, is wrong?
It is affecting him adversely.
Not better.

Or maybe, is he Hypoglycemic?
When people are prone to low blood sugar... they get moody/impatient/irritable and other things.
Thus, they need to graze, throughout the day, in order to keep their blood sugar levels, even keeled. It is not the same a Diabetes. Different.

Or maybe his entire system is going through a HUGE adjustment, to the sudden change in his diet. Maybe it gets worse, before it gets better? Try asking the Doctor.

Also, maybe this seems really rudimentary, but is he well rested, gets enough sleep and naps???? All I know is, my son, if he is tired or over-tired, he actually gets more HYPER and boisterous. So he naps. Then he is much better. Some kids get hyper when tired, because it is a clue, that they are FORCING themselves, awake.

Or is your son, sensory sensitive? There are all kinds.

I agree very much with Sunny D.

The other thing I would add is that we started with dairy free, then went gluten free a few months later. We didn't do anything about yeast for many more months. During this entire period of time we staggered in supplements, usually implementing no more than one new supplement per week.

I found that when I tried to do too many things at once, it became hard to spot what helped and what didn't (or actually caused problems).

I would consult with your biomed doc to see if you can slow down on the implementation of some of these approaches.

I have seen others say to go "cold turkey." We tended to follow the "low and slow" philosophy though.

Good luck and I wish you guys the best.

I agree with the low blood sugar / withdrawl symptoms. He isn't being medicated, you're merely supplementing things that his body already needs, so it's not an overmedication issue.

Four year olds are extremely strong-willed anyway, so I think you're just getting the "best" of these combined factors right now. Allow him to eat regular, small meals to avoid the blood sugar crash and stay consistent with discipline. Acknowledge his feelings, but don't allow abusive or disrespectful behavior.

Good luck!! I'm sorry you're going through this! The dietary changes sound very positive, but they are drastic. Just be prepared to pray for some extra grace and patience as you transition.

I'm sorry you are going through this...

It's entirely possible he's over-medicated...

talk to your pediatrician and the bio doctor to let them know what is going on. Talk to your pharmacist as well - they are EXTREMELY knowledgeable and will help out as well.

While he's hitting and kicking - that would just do me in and I wouldn't have the patience (sorry I know that's bad) but I don't think that's an allergy reaction - talk to the neurologist again and have him re-evaluated for other disorders...my GFs, son had outbursts like this and is NOT ADD/ADHD - although we all thought he was...he has some other neurological disorder and is being treated for that...MADE A HUGE difference!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

A.,
Part of this is the craving for - SUGAR - and your 4 year old up until now has gotten what he wants during the day.

Look up the GAPS diet - and find a GAPS diet group somewhere near you - and start reading as much as you can without neglecting your kids!

As far as being in school, I would - and this is ME - take him out. It is far too stressful to have a major dietary change where *everyone else around him is eating essentially contraband* and reminding him of what he cannot have. homeschooling for a half a year, a year, until he can get a leg up on functioning in this diet (and kicking you is just small beans!) may be the saving grace he needs. Your warm, loving attention during the day vs the inattention to detail at school may help him more than anything else. Leaving him hanging there on his own. I know. day job. you have to weigh - functioning baby boy vs extra income. And you will come to view it as that. What can you cut out of your budget to keep your baby sane?

Plus - you don't know that he isn't getting it at school. (Please, can I have a bite of your mac & cheese?)

Cravings aren't about sanity. it's about what your body is used to. And the body wants to get back where it was. Because it was comfortable there. Yes, this is *JUST*LIKE*DRUGS*. What they don't tell you is: sugar is harder to 'come off of' than drugs. It is not only ubiquitous, it is addictive. No kidding. Look it up.

Gluten free isn't a diet for sometimes with periods of 'oh hey, I can have that for just once.' You know that. Expecting your 4 year old to reason with that and know how to work with it - and deal with it effectively - and everything that goes with it - well, like that's saying he can stand up in court and give testimony. Nope. Nada. Can't do it. So don't make him. don't hurt him with those expectations.

Cravings are really, very, nasty feelings. They are very real. You can't wish them away.

His best bet is to find recipes that are TASTY (and he might like pesto - finding a gluten free pesto is HARD but very worth it! You will likely have to make your own.) Have stuff on hand that he can snack on. He's a growing boy. Won't be 4 forever. will get taller. Will get a bigger appetite. Will get cravings for a long, long time, and they WILL upset the applecart if he is underprepared.

don't forget - gluten comes in ODD places. Look them up. Know them.

cheeses - like goat cheese - you have to find grass-fed animal cheese.

there is a product out there called 'chreese'. It's fake. Iknow. It still tastes good. Don't use it until the cravings go away, or not at all. Because it can trigger MORE cravings for the real deal. Very tasty stuff. Very expensive.

There is so, so much your doc didn't give you info for - and you will need to do a lot of research to keep him on this diet.

If you do decide to homeschool - Waldorf education is a very effective way to go. I think there are some in your area, but may be not close to you. Check it out. It is a schooling path that is very open to the dietary change path.

There is so, so much more. You'll be thankful you asked here. You'll ask other places too. Keep on asking. the questions will start you on a path for better for your whole family.

Oh and BTW - if you haven't given up all the stuff he can't have - and are still keeping it in the house - expect it gotten into at some point in time. Give it up. Go the diet with him. It's hard. but you know, it is SO much more healthy for you and your family in the short AND long run. Researching it will help you understand that too.

Good luck, and don't stop with what I've written,
M.

It takes a few weeks for the gluten to get out of the body, and it is normal that behavior might get worse before getting better. Now that you have started keep it up and you should notice a change after about 2 weeks to a month. We noticed a major change in my daughter after about 2 weeks!
Just a story to keep your spirits up, we just saw some friends for the first time since we started the diet 3 months ago and they were absolutely amazed at my daughters behavior. I quote my friend "this is so crazy, she is like an angel now" in comparison to before when she was crazy all the time.

Your son is going through withdrawal and is detoxing. I think you're probably doing too much at once. The candida is craving the sugar, it's just like an addiction.

It's just something you'll have to work through and be understanding. I agree with trying to find acceptable substitutes. It actually won't help the cravings (I've gone through detox) though, just for a short period of time.

Good Luck!

The yeast should be DEAD by now!

Four year old children can be very negative in their behavior. He may be very bright and bored in school. Remember Einstein did not talk until he was four. My bright little guy said just two words until he was almost four and then he talked all day long!

Use allowable foods to substitute for the Mac and Cheese. Consult a dietition or nutritionist for suggestions and recipes. perhaps there is a Mac and Cheese recipe using imitation cheese, butter and almond milk with rice noodles?

Large grocery stores have Nutritionists on staff. I mention this because it sounds as though your medical bills may be high.

What is a bio medical doctor? At four years of age they see Pediatric Doctors. What does your Pediatrition say about these dietary restrictions?

You are tackling a lot at one time (gluten free, yeast free, antifungals, etc). No wonder he's going nuts. I'm currently finishing my first week on the candida diet, and I can testify to the irritability he must be feeling. Although I have more energy than I've had in months and my GI symptoms are greatly improving, at times I just don't feel that great (headache, irritable, cravings). Consider cutting back on the dosage of antifungal to allow his little body to catch up on the elimination process, occasionally indulge his food choices (it may slow the progress towards your goal, but save your sanity and his), and encourage fluids and rest. Make sure he's getting enough calories--a difficult task since kids need lots of carbs. Hope the Dr has truly discovered the cause of your son's concerns.

My husband has been struggling with systemic candida for almost a year which means its in his blood. We have had to all conform to this diet if we want to all eat together. He has had some really great food ideas and has even invented a candy that is safe for Candida suffers. Have to tried cutting all fruit but dark berries? Make sure he has no carrots either, also would he drink juices if you where to try and supplement fresh juices from a juicer? One last thing make sure the meat you are feeding him if any hasn't been treated with hormones or antibiotics. I hope your doc hasn't put him in antibiotics either. If you have more questions we have tons of info please feel free to message me!

I am sorry you are going through this... My nephew has celiac and does eat mac and cheese although it is made with rice... you may also be able to make it with rice milk? I am not sure as it has cheese... Just a thought! Best wishes to you and I hope he get through this rough period quick!

http://www.feingold.org/symptoms.php

Nanc

Our son is seeing a wonderful behavior therapist
We see a 90%class change in him overall. Maybe this might work for you

You might seek a second opinion about the supplements -- that sounds like a pretty high dosage, to the point that it could be exacerbating his behavior.

My only other thought is that you CAN get rice noodles and soy imitation cheese. Try your nearest Whole Foods or look online. My son has a severe dairy intolerance, and I'm willing to go to a bit more expense and trouble for fake dairy products so he won't feel excluded or deprived.

I agree. All too much too quick. He's is a baby and he doesn't understand so he is acting out. I would take it slower and hopefully that will help in the transition. Good luck mama

My suggestion as a mother of two teens and an ADA (American Dietitic Association) registered dietitian (R.D.) for nearly 30 years would be for you to consult with a R.D. with extensive experience in pediatrics. I would suggest asking local pediatrians for RD referrals; eatright.org is also an option for gaining information and potential referrals.. I know that a "bio medical" doctor is not a recognized board certifiable specialty. In many states, anyone can call themself a "nutritionist, etc". It is very possible that your son may need to avoid gluten if he has symptoms consistent with celiac disease. My opinion is that the bio medical doctor has layered many "diagnoses" on your son; it is unclear if verified medical tests have confirmed these results independently .Eliminating all of the supposedley "offensive" foods at once is not the usual standard unless there are tests documenting specific problems in all areas.

My sincere advice is to get a second (or third) opinion from a board certified pediatrician familar with pediatric nutritional issues as well a consult with a ADA Registered Dieitian with pediatric expertise. Wishing you the best!