Thanks for the response. I went ahead with the 50mg ALA dose on schedule, however a few days ago I stopped the MSM and raw garlic, as I wondering if these caused or at exacerbated by unpleasant symptoms. It is so hard to figure out what is causing each bad reaction, and if a bad reaction means accelerated healing, or just an allergic or otherwise unproductive reaction. Perhaps I might need to step up my anticandida supplements when I am off ALA, and not take those supplements(especially garlic) while on ALA? I am wondering if MSM should only be taken while taking ALA, as MSM might stir up mercury and if ALA isn't present it might be mostly redistributed rather than being excreted. So far I am feeling okay with the ALA dose, although it is just one hour since I took it.