Expert: Glen Aukerman, M.D. - 8/30/2011

Question
Hi,
I'm a 27 year old woman living in the Caribbean on a long-term volunteer assignment.
About six months into my service here I started getting persistent yeast infections. The local doctor and my agency's medical officer both attributed the problem to the hot, humid weather and the fact that I take a birth control pill (Ortho Tri-Cyclen.) They both wrote me prescriptions for a variety of different pills, creams and inserts each time the infection came back but the only thing that has seemed to help keep the yeast infections at bay has been taking Acidophilus supplements.
A few months after the yeast infections set in, I started having horrible cystic acne outbreaks. I have never had acne in my life prior to this year and it was shocking. The local dermatologist I saw prescribed antibiotics and cortisone pills as well as a few different topical gels. The only thing that seemed to work was Kenalog injections. I'm still struggling with mild to moderate acne, flaring up about a week before my period. However, Benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil have been fairly effective at managing the problem. When this started, I wondered about a connection between the yeast infections and this new skin problem. I began to suspect that I might have a fool allergy or sensitivity- but all the doctors involved in my care told me they didn't think I had an allergy. I asked for testing but was denied- the Government is footing my medical bills while I'm on this assignment and they have the final say in what is covered.
On top of all of this, I have more recently begun having extreme flatulence and unwarranted fatigue. Again, I can't seem to connect the problem to any specific food and I can't prove that any of these problems are related but my gut is telling me that they must be. Up until the past year I have never had any health problems. I have been stressed out due job pressures and living overseas, but, I've taken measures to manage my stress- journaling, yoga, walking, and I really want/need an explanation and a way to remedy these problems. Could I have a Candida overgrowth infection? Am I allergic to gluten? Dairy? If it's not an allergy, what is it?  Please help.

Thanks for your time,
Stephanie

Answer
yes, this is due to gluten and your celiac processes
if able go to a steamed white or brown rice, yogurt and lamb diet for a few weeks to clear
then eliminate wheat, oats, rye, barley, and all starches except potato, white rice, tapioca, and arrowroot