Ask Dr. Nan.

I have had Candida for nearly three years. I don't eat sugar or drink alcohol. I wear cotton underpants, take acidophilus, don't take baths (only showers). Occasionally, I also get bacterial infections. No doctors have helped me. In fact, even when I'm on medications for yeast, I sometimes get bacterial infections. Can you help me?--V.W., via e-mail

A: Your frequent bacterial infections coupled with an overgrowth of vaginal yeast suggest to me that your immune system is probably suppressed. And while you're taking acidophilus, some are stronger than others. You don't mention taking any natural anti-fungals, just prescription anti-fungals. Different anti-fungals work on different types of Candida. So ... here are a few suggestions.

Begin by boosting your immune system. That way, your body can better fight infections and fungal overgrowth. I particularly like medicinal mushroom formulas like MycoPhyto Complex. The advantage of this formula over others is that all the mushrooms are grown on immune-regulating herbs. (Call 800-728-2288 to order).

Next, take the strongest probiotic you can find. The strongest is Dr. Ohirra's Probiotics 12 Plus. If you can't find it at your natural food store, call Martie Whittekin at 877-262-7843. Mention my name or this newsletter and she'll give you a discount (I get nothing for this referral). Take at least two twice a day for two to four weeks, then one to two a day. This formula is so strong it's been found effective against flesh-eating bacteria! I like it for both fungal and bacterial infections.

Then use an herbal anti-fungal, such as Candida Cleanse by Rainbow Light (available in most health food stores). If one anti-fungal, or formula, doesn't work, try another. Candida is less likely to become resistant to herbs than to medications, but not all herbal products work on everyone. Pau d'arco, grapefruit seed extract, caprylie acid, and oregano oil are all excellent anti-fungals to control Candida.

Make sure you take any anti-fungal away from probiotics. One cancels the other out. I suggest you take probioties before bedtime and first thing in the morning, and anti-fungals during the day. Most important, don't give up. Candida is difficult to control, but it can be done. Expect to be on any protocol for 6-12 months if you have a difficult case of yeast overgrowth.

Q: I see that you recommend Ultimate Bone Support, which contains vitamin K. Since people like me who are taking Coumadin are not supposed to take vitamin K, what do you recommend?--B.C., Brooklyn, NY

A: First, let me assure you that vitamin K is extremely important in helping to form strong bones. We all need some of it every day. And, fortunately, we get it in many foods. We should be getting 70-140 mcg of vitamin K each and every day.

This is why we put vitamin K in Ultimate Bone Support. However, there's very little vitamin K in my formula. Two tablets of Ultimate Bone Support contain just 40 mcg about what you'd find in a potato the size of two eggs. And people taking blood thinners aren't told to stop eating potatoes!

If you have any concerns about taking vitamin K along with your Coumadin, talk with your doctor. He or she can adjust your blood thinner to take this small amount of vitamin K into account. The idea is not to avoid vitamin K entirely. It is to be consistent and take the same amount of it every day.

Have a question? Send it to: Ask Dr. Nan P.O. Box 467939, Atlanta GA 31146. Or e-mail to [e-mail]. While I can't diagnose or treat your illness by mail, I'll answer as many questions as I can in the newsletter.