Raine’s Recovery: Infection + Immune Support Plan Part 2

If you’re constantly getting staph infections, experiencing candida albicans overgrowth, or dealing with eczema that just won’t settle, it’s time to look deeper.

Because while it’s tempting to blame bacteria or yeast as the cause of your flare-ups, the truth is: These infections are often just a side-effect of an undernourished immune system.

This is Part 2 of our treatment plan for Raine Baljak, who is navigating TSW and recurring skin infections. Read to the end to see Raine's results after 2 weeks on the Skin Friend Clear Skin program. 

Missed Part 1? We revealed a game-changing way to support the skin microbiome. Read it here.

Images: Raine with fungal skin infections, June 5th 2025.

Infections and Eczema: Is Staph or Candida the Root Cause?

If you’ve ever dealt with a skin infection on top of eczema, you’re not alone—and you might be wondering: Is staph (or candida) the real cause of eczema?

No, they are a side effect.

Candida and staph infections aren’t the root causes of eczema. They’re usually a sign that the immune system and skin barrier are struggling to keep harmful microbes under control. 

So what should you do when an infection shows up?

First, Treat the Infection With Your Doctor’s Help

Always speak to your doctor to address any active infection—because the right medication, taken early, can be lifesaving. But then what?

That’s where Step 2 comes in. Let’s see what the science really says.

Step 2: Feed your immune system what it’s really missing

When the immune system is struggling, your body becomes a much easier target for opportunistic pathogens. And when it comes to eczema-related infections—including candida and staph—that internal weakness often begins with something simple: nutrient depletion.

This is especially true if you’ve recently taken antibiotics for a skin infection. While antibiotics are often necessary, they don’t discriminate. They wipe out both bad and good bacteria—including those that help your gut produce essential B vitamins. And without those vitamins, your immune defences start to break down.

Natural nutrients that help support immune health (and why they matter for your skin)

Let’s break down a few standout nutrients that support your immune system, skin barrier and microbiome resilience—especially when it comes to finding a natural remedy for candida albicans or recurring eczema infections.

1. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7)

One of the most overlooked nutrients in immune health, vitamin K2 plays a powerful role in protecting your gut microbiome during antibiotic use. Research shows that menaquinone-7 (an active type of K2) may protect against gut damage and inflammation normally caused by antibiotics, because it protects your gut microbiome from harm during antibiotic use. 

If you’re looking for a natural way to support your gut during antibiotics, vitamin K2 is it.

FAQ: Should I take probiotics during antibiotic use?

As a nutritionist, I used to recommend probiotics during antibiotic use—but not anymore. Because recent research shows they may increase the risk of infection and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Some probiotic strains carry antibiotic-resistance genes, which can transfer to harmful bacteria in the gut. This means that rather than protecting your microbiome, probiotics might actually disrupt it further—especially in people with weakened immune systems.

So I now recommend taking vitamin K2 (but only the menaquinone-7 form) because it has been shown to help protect your natural gut microbiome during antibiotic use. In a recent study, Menaquinone-7 (K2) reduced gut inflammation and prevented microbiome disruption caused by antibiotics. It even reversed antibiotic-related cognitive changes in mice, suggesting a protective gut–brain effect.

Research also shows that a deficiency in dietary vitamin K2 (menaquinone form) can alter the gut microbiome, especially in females, suggesting that vitamin K2 plays a key role in maintaining a healthy microbial balance.

Menaquinone-7 is a well-absorbed form of vitamin K2 naturally produced by gut bacteria, and it’s a safer way to support gut health without the risks associated with probiotics. See the end of blog for menaquinone-7 sources or see PM here. 

2. Zinc

Zinc is essential for normal immune function and it’s also key for wound healing and skin recovery. Low zinc levels have been linked to increased infection risk, delayed skin repair and even changes in gut permeability (Scarpellini 2022; Sturniolo 2001).

If you have frequent infections or problem skin, low zinc could be a quiet driver behind frequent skin flares.

3. Biotin

Often promoted for hair and nails, biotin is much more than a beauty supplement.
Biotin supports B-cell and T-cell immunity, natural killer cell activity and helps regulate inflammatory responses.

And here’s the kicker: biotin deficiency is common after long-term antibiotic use and is linked to recurrent fungal infections, particularly candida (Saleem 2023). This was a light-bulb moment for me, and it's helped my eczema patients gain control of their skin.

Restoring biotin, zinc and vitamin K2 levels can be a crucial step in addressing the root cause of candida albicans infections—rather than only treating symptoms.

Is staph the root cause of eczema?

No—staphylococcus aureus (staph) is not the root cause of eczema. This is a myth that bloggers and YouTubers have perpetuated.

Staph aureus usually lives harmlessly on healthy skin—it only causes problems when your skin barrier or immune defences are compromised. If your immune system is well-supported and your skin's pH is balanced, staph doesn’t get a chance to take hold (see my newsletter or blog on pH and Microbiome Health).

Instead of just trying to kill staph or candida, it’s far more effective to support your internal defences—and that starts with targeted nutrition.

More nutrients to support your immune system and skin

• Vitamin C – supports healthy immune system function and general antimicrobial defence

• Vitamin B12 and B6 (pyridoxine) – supports healthy immune system function and nervous system function

• Glycine – a key building block for DNA/RNA, supports immune cell production 

While many of these skin nutrients can come from a healthy, balanced diet, unfortunately antibiotic use, digestive and gut issues, topical steroid withdrawal, disease states, ageing and long-term stress may create silent deficiencies that can affect normal immune system function.

If you're managing your skin holistically, targeted supplements may help restore what your body’s been missing.

2 Weeks on The Clear Skin Program: See Raine's Results

Image: Raine is supporting her skin externally with pH-optimised, microbiome-friendly skincare (Eczema Friend and Wonder Zinc), and internally with Skin Friend AM and PM—targeted supplements that support immune system health and assist in the repair of the gut wall lining. 

This holistic approach is key to supporting skin health—without steroids.

A clean, daily way to support your immune system

If your skin is flaring and your immune system feels run down, the right nutrients can make all the difference.

To support Raine's immune system and gut health during recovery from skin infections, we sent her Skin Friend AM and PM supplements, Eczema Friend, Wonder Zinc and The Healthy Skin Kitchen book (she already has The Eczema Detox). 

✅ AM Activated Multi is our morning formula designed to support immune system and gut health with zinc, biotin, vitamin C, B12 and more—formulated specifically for people with skin problems who need immune system support. 

✅ PM Mineral Matrix is our relaxing afternoon pure powder supplement that includes vitamin K2 (the menaquinone-7. 

Together, they offer targeted, science-backed support for your skin, gut and immune system—from the inside out.

👉 Get the complete Clear Skin Toolkit

👉 Explore AM + PM — your daily foundation to support immune system health.

Scroll down for Raine's reels and to shop the story.

References

Chatterjee K, Mazumder PM, Sarkar SR, Saha R, Chatterjee A, Sarkar B, Banerjee S. Neuroprotective effect of Vitamin K2 against gut dysbiosis associated cognitive decline. Physiol Behav. 2023 Oct 1;269:114252. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114252. Epub 2023 May 29. PMID: 37257737.

Liu, X., Zhao, H., & Wong, A., 2024, Accounting for the health risk of probiotics. Heliyon, 10(6), e27908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27908

Liu, X., Zhao, H. and Wong, A., 2024. Accounting for the health risk of probiotics. Heliyon, 10(6), p.e27908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27908

Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds, 2000. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US). Chapter 5: Vitamin C. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225483/ [Accessed 3 June 2025].

National Academies Press (US), 2000. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225480/ [Accessed 3 June 2025].

Scarpellini, E., Balsiger, L.M., Maurizi, V., Rinninella, E., Gasbarrini, A., Giostra, N., Santori, P., Abenavoli, L. and Rasetti, C., 2022. Zinc and gut microbiota in health and gastrointestinal disease under the COVID-19 suggestion. Biofactors, 48(2), pp.294–306. doi:10.1002/biof.1829.

Subramanian Vignesh, K. and Deepe Jr, G.S., 2016. Immunological orchestration of zinc homeostasis: The battle between host mechanisms and pathogen defenses. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 611, pp.66–78. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2016.02.020.

Sturniolo, G.C., Fries, W., Mazzon, E., Di Leo, V., Barollo, M. and D’Inca, R., 2002. Effect of zinc supplementation on intestinal permeability in experimental colitis. Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine, 139(5), pp.311–315. doi:10.1067/mlc.2002.123624.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), 2023. Nutrient reference values – Niacin. [online] Australian Government, Eat for Health. Available at: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/niacin [Accessed 3 June 2025].

Saleem, F. and Soos, M.P., 2024. Biotin deficiency. [Updated 20 Feb 2023]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547751/ [Accessed 3 June 2025].

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), 2016. Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/F2008B00619 [Accessed 3 June 2025].