Candida is a naturally occurring yeast we all have in our guts. Along with other bacteria, it assists with digestion. Modern living and modern medicine, while effectively destroying harmful bacteria in our bodies, can also kill healthy bacteria needed to keep candida in check. Yeasts grow, and once allowed to multiply, candida can cause health issues ranging from minor rashes to multisystem malaise and compromised immunity.
Causes
A combination of the refined Western diet and several common medicines is thought to contribute to unwanted growth of candida in the gut. Foods containing yeast, sugar and refined carbohydrates plus antibiotics, contraceptive medications and steroids create the ideal conditions for overgrowth. According to Dr. John Edwards Jr. of UCLA, "The immune system is further weakened if there are nutritional deficiencies, environmental mold exposure, emotional stress or deprivation, food and inhalant allergies and exposure to chemical toxins."
Foods to Avoid
Since a high-sugar, refined diet contributes to the problem, remove cakes and candy from your diet. Cut out wheat, alcohol and caffeine and cut down on fruit and dairy. Read labels carefully for additives, preservatives, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Minimize nuts, grains and pulses and anything high in carbohydrates such as potatoes or corn. You may crave the sugars for a short while, but if you persevere, you will feel better, lose weight and gain energy as a result of your improved diet.
What to Eat
Begin by eating plenty of unprocessed meat, fish and vegetables. Limit fruit, which can be high in sugar, to berries and apples. Eggs and yogurt are fine. Live yogurt with acidophilus--probiotics--can help to replace lost bacteria. Some diets recommend other fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or kimchi, as they introduce more beneficial bacteria--but others say they are best avoided. Experiment with what works for you.
Alternative Therapies
Several complementary therapies offer treatment for candida overgrowth; practitioners offer both herbal and homeopathic remedies. Supplements such as Threelac are available by mail order, but do not appear to be endorsed by peer-reviewed studies and have received mixed reviews. Easily obtainable supplements that may help, and can do no harm, include vitamin C, omega oils, vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium and garlic. These can all help with the secondary problems of overgrowth such as inefficient digestion and compromised immunity.
Prevention
A healthy diet, low in refined carbohydrates and sugar, is the best defense for your digestive system. Avoid antibiotics if you can, and always speak with your doctor about whether an antibiotic is strictly necessary. If you do need them, or are prescribed steroids, chemotherapy or other medication designed to kill bacteria, anticipate your digestive needs. Include live yogurt or a probiotic supplement in your diet as a preventative measure right away.
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