Expert: Ryan Hale - 7/25/2009

Question
I suffered from bulimia for a few years, due to pressures being an athlete. Now, nearly being recovered a year, I still feel kind of down. A symptom i cant seem to get rid of is a white/yellowy coating on my tongue in the mornings, however i can scrape this away no problems, but it soon comes back. When i was putting weight back on i was using protein shakes to help and hitting the gym. Until my symptoms worsened. Now I never have any energy to do anything! My doctor is useless, i really don't like going to him as he just gives me the 'oh he's here again' look and just sends me away telling me its probably something that will resolve on its own, I've heard about candida affecting the gut, i'm convinced that the protein shakes (2 a day) and my diet has somehow given me some sort of candida infection??? could i be right?

Answer
Daniel- it is possible you have candida.  Typically, the infection stays in warm moist areas such as the underarms and groin areas.  it can in infect the mouth or most any other area.  When it does it can be more serious and more resistant to treatment.  Usually it only infects the mouths of older folks or those with other diseases (diabetes, AIDs or those in cancer treatment).  If you have been taking steroids, either medically or for athletic performance, that could also be a link.  Either way, you need to find a doctor who respects your needs.  If you feel you are getting blown off by him/her, it's ok to see someone else.  The recovery from your condition and your fighting off of an infection could be the cause of your low energy.  I'm not sure of a connection with the protein shakes and the infection (assuming it is candida) so I really can't say.  As an athletic trainer and someone with a background in sport psychology, I can say that you need to see a physician who respects your needs.