Candida is naturally occurring yeast in the body generally found in the mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract. When friendly bacteria and properly functioning immune system are not present, balance of the system may be lost and Candida overgrowth may occur, but you can help yourself by paying closer attention to your diet.
Someone with an overgrowth of yeast can experience any number of unpleasant symptoms such as a yeast infection, fatigue, rash, depression and anxiety. The symptoms of Candida overgrowth are frequently treated with anti-fungal remedies. Even with these remedies, however, if your diet is not changed to create an environment within the body to prohibit the overgrowth of Candida, relief is sure to be temporary, and problem symptoms will return.
Once you have established that you have a yeast infection, by reviewing symptoms and confirming the presence of causative background factors, there are a variety of dietary changes that you can make to improve your health. Refined sugar should be eliminated from your diet entirely as it encourages the growth of yeast. Sources of this sugar include honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, and the familiar white granular sugar. Be sure to read all labels carefully because these sugars are used in many products you may normally buy off the grocery store shelves. Don’t eat fruit or drink fruit juices – as they contain natural sugars that promote the growth of yeast. Don’t drink beer, wine or liquor as the alcohol also provides sugar, and many of these products are fermented with yeast.
Bagels, muffins, pastries, breads and crackers should also be eliminated from the diet as they contain yeast and sugar. Anything with vinegar which is made with yeast culture should be avoided as well. This would include salad dressings, olives, pickles, mayonnaise, steak sauce, barbeque sauce, soy sauce and mustard. Again, it is important to read all the labels on grocery items. Mushrooms should be avoided as should peanuts and peanut butter, cheeses, and meats that are dried, smoked or pickled. Beverages that should be avoided are fermented drinks such as root beer and cider, black tea, and coffee, including decaffeinated.
Increasing your intake of raw garlic and soluble fiber will help your body to fight the yeast infection. A supplemental dose of acidophilus will help to make your intestinal track more acidic which helps to kill off the Candida. Other recommended supplements include volatile oils, such as peppermint oil or oregano oil these should only be taken in capsule form as the straight liquid may be toxic. Get plenty of sleep and keep your stress to a minimum as well.
Early in the diet many people notice a worsening of their symptoms. When the Candida is killed it releases proteins and toxins. This process is known as die-off and is temporary. With strict adherence to the diet, the patient will usually begin to notice improvements in two to four weeks.
Keeping your immune system, friendly bacteria, and Candida in proper balance can be a lot of work; but it is a small price to pay to reclaim your good health and transform your life.
