Candida Diet

Candida is a group of toxic yeast-like microorganisms (Candida albicans being the most common), that live among many other organisms in the human mouth, throat, intestines and genital/urinary tract. Under normal circumstances yeast live in 80% of the human population all the time with no harmful effects, as they are in balance with other bacteria.

Candidiasis

When the natural flora in the intestinal/digestive tract fail to control the candida yeast population, "overgrowth" occurs.
Overgrowth is uncontrolled multiplication of yeast cells, resulting in various symptoms commonly termed Candidiasis or just Candida.

Candidiasis affects a wide variety of organ systems. Common examples of candida infection are vaginitis; vulvar rash; oral thrush; conjunctivitis; athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, diaper rash, muscle and joint pain, canker sores, sore throat, tingling sensations, kidney and bladder infections, infections of the nail, rectum, and other skin folds, effects in the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, gas, distension, and heartburn), depression and even diabetes.

In immunocompetent persons (those whose immune system is functioning normally), any warm, moist part of the body exposed to the environment is susceptible to infection. This infection is mostly superficial, and proper treatment leads to full recovery.

In immunocompromised persons (those whose immune system has been impaired by disease or treatment), more serious systemic illnesses may occur.

Causes of Candida

Poor diet, an out-of-balance intestinal bacterial environment, and weakened immunity can all give rise to candida. Overuse of antibiotics destroys the natural flora in the intestines that keep the candida cells in check. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, AIDS patients, infants, diabetics and others with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to an infection of candida (candidiasis). Corticosteroids and oral contraceptives also upset the balance of intestinal flora. Yeast cells mutate, requiring ever higher dosages of Nystatin (the anti-fungal drug), so that the yeast is
strengthened and the immune system further weakened.

Candida Diet Plan

Reversing candida

1. Detox
   The first aim of your Candida cleanse is to cleanse the system of the toxic byproducts of Candida. Fasting, colon cleansing, wheatgrass, fresh vegetable juices, plenty of water, detox herbs, exercise, and anything else that extracts toxins.
2. Reduce the yeast population in your system
   Candida treatment must bring yeast cells back into balance. Use anti-microbial herbs and phytochemicals in formulas from your natural or health food store that include a combination of these powerful herbs, 15 days on then 5 days off, repeating as long as needed. The 5 day break discourages mutating yeast from multiplying and developing immunity to the herbs.
3. Inoculate yourself with probiotics
   Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, along with acidophilus (found in yogurt), maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds (lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid) that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.
4. Improve your diet
   A diet to eliminate Candida is a long-term lifestyle - and in fact diet is your best defence against candida. Yeast loves sugar and simple carbohydrates; if you keep feeding yeast cells they will multiply, and even the best anti-microbial herbs won’t keep them in check. Eat a disciplined diet for at least 3 months, then When your symptoms disappear, you can expand your diet. But don’t revert to old habits, or the candida symptoms will quickly return.

Keeping Candida in Check

Foods to Avoid

Aged cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, dried fruits, fresh fruits, fermented foods, mushrooms, vinegar, glutenous foods (wheat, rye, oats, barley), all sugars, honeys and syrups (that includes any ‘ose’, like lactose, sucrose etc), and foods that contain yeast or mold (breads, muffins, cakes, baked goods, cheese, dried fruits, melons, peanuts - although nutritional and brewer’s yeasts are not harmful, as they do not colonize in the intestines).

Foods to Eat

Vegetables (including plenty of raw garlic), protein foods (beef, chicken, eggs, fish), live yogurt cultures (both dairy and non-dairy,) FOS*, whey, acidophilus, green algae’s (such as spirulina and chlorella), nuts, seeds and oils, and non-glutenous grains (like millet, rice, rice bran and oat bran).

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* FOS, or Fructo-oligosaccharides, are nondigestible dietary fibers that help to keep the stomach and bowels healthy.
FOS are considered a "prebiotic" because they nourish the naturally present "friendly" bacteria (especially Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) which help to ward off infection in the digestive system.

Supplements

Checkout combination products containing these herbs & supplements for natural defense against candida overgrowth:

• Acidophilus
• Arm mesia
• Bentonite
• Black walnut
• Bifidobacterium
• Caprylic acid
• Cloves
• Garlic
• Goldenseal
• Grapefruit seed extract
• Oregano oil
• Oregon grape
• Pantethine
• Pau d’Arco

See also: Candida Diet