Candida is a form of yeast that lives in harmony in the human body through a delicate balance of beneficial bacteria. Under the right circumstances, however, this opportunistic organism can proliferate, resulting in numerous diseases that can range from mild allergic symptoms and vaginitis, to more invasive conditions that can be life-threatening, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, liver and heart. High sugar intake and immune suppression have been linked to candidiasis.
Sugar
Yeast thrives on sugar. According to Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson in their book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," a high-carbohydrate diet that provides plenty of sugars supports candida growth and is one of the predisposing factors for candidiasis. Sugar, in all its forms, aggravates an existing candida condition. Trigger foods include sweets and chocolates, sweetened drinks and yogurt, alcohol and refined carbohydrates, which may also contain yeast, such as bread, biscuits and cakes. According to Dr. Lawrence Wilson, author of the article "Chronic Intestinal Yeast Infection," in addition to a sugar-free diet, artificial sweeteners should be avoided at all costs. Avoid consuming stimulants, which include coffee and tea since they can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and feed the candida.
Fermented Foods and Yeast
Molds have been linked to candida sensitivity. Avoid ingesting mold-containing foods such as aged cheese, peanuts and mushrooms. Similarly, eliminate fermented foods from your diet such as vinegar, soy sauce and pickled foods. Foods that contain mold and wheat gluten tend to cause allergies in many individuals. Avoiding such foods may help minimize the stress on the immune system that can be caused by these foods if you are allergic. Boosting the immune system is functionally important in alleviating a candida infection. On the same note, eliminate breads and products containing yeast, which have shown to directly aggravate candida.
Antibiotic Residue
According to Dr. Murray Susser, as mentioned in the book, "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," antibiotics may be the single greatest cause of candidiasis due to their inability to differentiate between good and bad bacteria, killing off beneficial microorganisms needed in keeping candida levels under control. Due to the heavy use of antibiotics in animal agriculture, a consumption of meat, dairy and poultry products can aggravate an already existing candida condition. Studies have shown that traces of antibiotics can show up in milk. In addition, these foods have been shown to promote pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Avoid non-organic produce and limit the consumption of meat, poultry and dairy products.
References
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide"; Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson; 2002
- "Candida Albicans: A Nutritional Approach"; Louise Tenney; 2007
- Dr. L. Wilson: Chronic Intestinal Yeast Infection
- "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible"; Patrick Holford; 2004
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