Candida Overgrowth Diet

Candida infections can make life a misery for those affected. From brain fog to constant fatigue and from itching to an intolerance of carbohydrates, people can experience a vast array of symptoms when this fungal organism--which normally lives in controlled numbers in the intestines--overgrows and causes a systemic infection. Dietary changes represent the primary method for dealing with this problem.

Carbohydrate Content

Dr. William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection," identifies carbohydrate intake as one of the biggest factors in the Candida Overgrowth Diet. Because Candida exists as a yeast, the cells can only be fueled by sugar. It naturally follows that reducing the availability of fuel for the organisms takes center stage in treatment. Because the complex carbohydrates provided in foods such as bread, pasta and rice break down into sugars in the digestive tract, they must be restricted together with the sugar-containing foods such as confectionaries, cakes and fruit.

Anti-fungals

Having begun to starve the Candida organisms by reducing carbohydrate intake, the next step consists of the use of anti-fungal compounds. Jonny Bowden, a nutritionist certified by the American College of Nutrition and author of seven books on nutritional approaches, recommends a number of Candida-killing foods and supplements. These include coconut oil, garlic, berberine and pau d'arco, together with a quality probiotic product. These natural anti-fungals can help kill off whatever Candida cells remain, and the probiotics provide beneficial bacteria to re-colonize the intestinal tract.

Die-off reaction

The die-off reaction represents a unique characteristic of the diet. Also known as the Herxheimer response, after the doctor who first noticed it, this effect generally occurs several days into the diet when a multitude of Candida organisms begin to die in large numbers. This results in a high load of fungal toxins being released into circulation. At this point, Dr. Crook points out that a person may develop very strong cravings for carbohydrates, as well as an increase in the intensity of previous symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. He stresses the importance of working through this die-off period.

Problems

People can experience other problems while undertaking the Candida Overgrowth Diet. The majority of these problems revolve around the regulation of carbohydrates in the diet, especially hidden sugars. Yogurts, cereals and other packaged goods often contain sugars to enhance flavor. Other people may over-consume carbohydrate-rich vegetables such as carrots and peas, which can still feed the Candida organisms. Chaitow explains that all carbohydrates, regardless of source, affect the success of the diet.

Benefits

Dr. Crook explains how yeast species, especially Candida, can cause an almost unlimited amount of problems in a person. When a Candida infection becomes systemic, colonies can travel through the bloodstream. This allows them to affect any organ in the body, instigating inflammatory reactions wherever they may settle. Dealing with a Candida infection can therefore deliver an enormous variety of benefits.