Candida albicans is a naturally occurring yeast in the body, living in the digestive tract and the vagina. Candida levels are regulated by the immune system and probiotic bacteria. Problems occur when the bacteria can no longer control the growth of the yeast. It takes over, weakening the intestinal wall and entering the bloodstream, creating a condition known as candidiasis. According to "The Yeast Connection" by William Grant Cook, Candida albicans accounts for the majority of diseases caused by yeast. Using the candida or yeast cleanse diet along with lifestyle changes, the growth rate of yeast can be controlled. But before beginning any treatment, seek the advice of a health care professional.
Causes of Candida
There are several possible causes of yeast overgrowth, including antibiotics, stress, diabetes and some birth control methods. Antibiotics are the most common cause because they destroy the beneficial bacteria in the gut, allowing yeast to overgrow. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, a hormone that weakens the immune system and raises blood sugar levels. Yeast feeds on the extra sugar, and the weakened immune system is unable to stop the growth. Similar to stress, diabetes produces an excess of blood sugar that feeds the yeast and allows it to grow quickly. The estrogen found in birth control pills shifts the hormonal balance in the stomach and also feeds the yeast.
Symptoms
Symptoms of candidiasis vary from individual to individual making it hard to diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, mood swings, joint pain and cravings for sweets. Other symptoms can include bloating, gas, weight gain, dizziness, itchy rashes and a white film on the tongue.
Colon Cleanse
The first step in the yeast cleanse diet is a colon cleanse. Normally yeast lives in the intestinal tract, but in a system with candidiasis, the yeast overgrows the colon and enters the bloodstream. The colon cleanse removes as much yeast as possible and prevents more from entering the blood. While dietary changes help to slow the growth of yeast, a colon cleanse must be done to sufficiently expose and remove excess yeast. There are different cleansing methods, including colonic irrigation, herbal supplements and fasting.
Candida Diet
After completing the colon cleanse, the diet is designed to starve the yeast by reducing sugar. The first few weeks of the diet are very strict and limited, but gradually different foods are worked back into the body. Restricted foods include fruits, all sugars, white starches, alcohol, dairy, caffeine, processed foods, vinegars and some nuts. Dieters can eat hormone free meat, certain whole grains, vegetables, legumes, certain oils and teas. Drinking lots of water is recommended as well. In phase 2, antifungals are introduced to kill the yeast. Garlic, grapefruit seed, oil of oregano and olive leaf extract are natural antifungals.
Probiotics
After cleansing and killing off the excess growth of yeast, probiotics or good bacteria need to be replenished. To replace bacteria supplements can be taken, or probiotic foods can be eaten. Supplements include ThreeLac, FiveLac and Flora Five. Probiotic foods include fermented cabbage, sauerkraut or probiotic yogurt. In the final stage of the diet, all foods can be slowly be reintroduced. Dairy, sweets and processed foods should still be avoided as much as possible.
References
- The Candida Diet
- "The Yeast Connection"; William Grant Cook; 1986
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