Candida Diet

Candida Albicans is a fungal organism that lives in our intestinal tract. In small amounts, this innocent bacterium is peaceful and beneficial to our immune system. However, an overgrowth of candida can cause a variety of discomforts.

Cause of Candidiasis

The candida organism grows rapidly when other intestinal bacteria are out of balance. Antibiotic, steroid and oral contraceptive use can cause a bacterial disturbance in our system. Other causes include a highly acidic intestinal tract from processed food ingestion and stress. Hormone imbalances, exposure to toxins, including mold, and chronic illness can also overwhelm the bacteria balance and cause candida.

Symptoms

In order to determine if you are suffering from overgrowth, it is advisable to get a laboratory test for its existence. There are several symptoms related to the condition, including:

• Fatigue

• Poor concentration

• Joint pain

• Rashes

• Vaginal yeast infection

• Puffy eyes

• Nail fungus

• Anal/vaginal itching and/or burning

• Hair loss

• Stomach discomfort, including bloating, gas, heartburn

• Sugar cravings

• Oral thrush (white coating on tongue)

• Chronic sinus infection

Candida Diet Solutions

There are several supplements available in your local health food store and naturopathic offices. Acidophilus is a common supplement that helps to re-establish bacteria balance. You can research probiotic formulas for one that is specifically used for candida infection.

Foods to Avoid

Carbohydrate elimination is the first and foremost step to take when when dieting to treat candida overgrowth as bacteria thrives on them for life and reproduction. By cutting back on your intake of breads, crackers, pasta, sweets, fresh fruits and dried fruits to within 20 – 60 grams of carbohydrate a day, you will “starve” the fungal population and reduce its reproduction ability.

Sugar comes in many forms. For this reason, it is important to keep the following terms in mind when reading food labels in an effort to reduce carbohydrate intake:

• Sucrose

• Fructose

• Maltose

• Glucose

• Glycogen

• Lactose

• Mannitol

• Sorbitol

In addition, honey, molasses, maple syrup, raw sugar, turbinado sugar, chocolate, alcohol, corn syrup and rice syrup should be avoided. Gluten and yeast-containing foods should be avoided as well.

Vinegar and vinegar-containing foods heighten the acidic environment of the intestinal tract and therefore, should be avoided. Limiting dairy products, with the exception of yogurt, is also helpful during this elimination process.

Foods to eat

Your body needs certain nutrients when candida overgrowth is present. These include allicin from garlic and onions, beta-carotene and vitamin C from dark green leafy vegetables and broccoli, and vitamin E from nuts and seeds. Gluten-free grains like brown rice and millet are also beneficial.

Most importantly, including plain unsweetened yogurt into your daily intake is an excellent choice. The live active cultures inhibit further candida growth by balancing out the ecosystem in the intestines. As mentioned, supplemental acidophilus or bifidus will also restore the flora balance.

Oat bran and flaxseed, for its fiber content, is a candida diet recommendation.

Reintroduction of foods

The food restriction diet is best to be followed for at least 4 weeks and up to 12 weeks, if necessary. After this time, the reintroduction of one food per week can be attempted. It is important during this phase to closely monitor your body for symptoms. If previous symptoms appear, it is wise to avoid that particular food as much as possible. A follow-up laboratory test can be conducted to ensure proper candida quantity has been restored.