Candida Defined
Ten years ago, most people didn’t think much about Candida overgrowth or the health benefits of a Candida diet. But today, with increasing awareness about the negative effects of too much sugar and a growing interest in natural health, many are exploring diets as a way to remove Candida from the body. In this article, we’ll dive into what you need to know about Candida so you can decide if a Candida diet is right for you.
What Is Candida?
Candida is a type of fungus, specifically a yeast, that lives in your body’s microbiome, which includes areas like the intestinal tract, skin, mucous membranes, and genitals. There are many strains of Candida, but the most well-known is Candida albicans.
Candida itself isn’t new or inherently bad. Everyone has multiple strains of Candida in their bodies. Problems arise when Candida overgrows, crowding out beneficial microbes and disrupting the balance in your gut. This imbalance can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
What Causes Candida Overgrowth?
Several factors can lead to Candida overgrowth, such as:
– A weakened immune system
– Use of antibiotics or steroids
– Chronic stress
– Consuming too much sugar and starch
– Excessive alcohol consumption
– Diabetes
– Surgery and intensive care unit stays
– Birth control pills
Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth in Men and Women
One of the most typical signs of Candida overgrowth is sugar cravings because Candida thrives on sugars and refined starches. Other symptoms include:
– Fungal infections (skin, throat, esophagus, blood)
– Leaky gut syndrome
– Chronic yeast infections
– Mood swings and mental health issues due to gut bacteria disturbance
– Weakened immune system
– Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
The Candida Diet Plan: Your Best Defense Against Candida Overgrowth
The most effective natural approach to tackle Candida overgrowth is to follow a Candida diet plan combined with natural remedies. A Candida diet is a straightforward diet that eliminates sugars and starches, allowing a variety of other foods.
This diet works by ‘starving’ the excess Candida by cutting off their main food sources, mainly sugars, while rebuilding your gut with nourishing probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods. Although this diet won’t leave you feeling hungry, you need to avoid certain foods to achieve results. Let’s look at what to avoid.
The Candida Diet Plan Part 1: Foods to Avoid
In a Candida diet, it’s crucial to follow the rules strictly to get results. Once your Candida is under control, you can enjoy a more flexible eating routine.
1. All Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Removing sugar is essential since it is Candida’s favorite food. Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided as they often contain harmful chemicals or allergens and are linked to various health issues like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Avoid the following:
– All artificial sweeteners, including sugar alcohols
– Barley malt
– Brown rice syrup
– Brown sugar
– Cane sugar
– Coconut sugar
– Date sugar
– Honey (even raw)
– Maple sugar
– Maple syrup
– Molasses
– Muscovado sugar
– Palm syrup
– Panela sugar
– Rapadura sugar
– Sucanat
– Sugar-containing foods like sauces and beverages
– Tapioca syrup
– Turbinado sugar
– White sugar
2. Gluten and Gluten-Containing Grains
Some recommend eliminating all grains on a Candida cleanse, but gluten-free grains are allowed due to their nutritional value. Avoid the following gluten-containing grains:
– Barley
– Bulgur
– Durum
– Einkorn
– Kamut
– Rye
– Semolina
– Spelt
– Triticale
– White and whole wheat
Be cautious with products containing gluten, such as soy sauce, cereals, and packaged goods. Opt for items labeled as gluten-free.
3. Refined Vegetable Oils
While fats don’t feed Candida, certain fats are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. These can cause inflammation, irritating the digestive tract and promoting Candida overgrowth. Do not consume the following:
– Canola oil
– Corn oil
– Cottonseed oil
– Grapeseed oil
– Hydrogenated fats or partially hydrogenated fats
– Margarine or fake butter spreads
– Peanut oil
– Safflower oil
– Soybean oil
– Sunflower oil
– Walnut oil
4. Non-Cultured Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cream, and cheese contain lactose, another food source for Candida. It’s best to avoid most dairy during the cleanse unless you don’t have dairy sensitivities. There are some dairy products allowed, which will be covered later.
So, what foods should you avoid to manage Candida? Following these guidelines is critical for success on the Candida diet.