Certain diets, medications and conditions that affect the immune system are thought to create an imbalance of the flora within the digestive tract. William Crook, author of "The Yeast Connection," theorized that this imbalance leads to an over-colonization of Candida albicans, a form of yeast. The increase of this microorganism induces a hypersensitivity to certain foods known as yeast syndrome, which can trigger an allergic reaction, prompting a number of undesirable symptoms. To return the balance of flora, holistic medical practitioners often recommend the candida diet.
Dietary Restrictions
As with almost any diet, the candida diet restricts certain foods. At the onset, all simple carbohydrates, especially those containing sugar and white flour, are eliminated. Cheese, yeast, preservatives, nuts, and most fruits and grains, such as barley, oat, rye and wheat, are avoided as well. It's also recommended that you keep fat intake, as well as alcohol and any stimulants commonly found in beverages, at a minimum.
Dietary Inclusions
Along with dietary restrictions, holistic practitioners also recommend increasing the intake of other foods. According to Creighton University Medical Center, the candida diet requires more low-carbohydrate vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, radishes and asparagus, to name a few. It also calls for adequate amounts of protein, such as red meat, pork, poultry, fish and eggs.
Dietary Supplements
On a candida diet, it's often necessary to include dietary supplements to support dietary changes, including multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, gingko biloba, garlic, echinacea, bromelain and probiotics.
Flora Imbalance
Eliminating certain foods, while increasing others, is thought to affect the flora in the intestines, namely Candida albicans. Overgrowth of this microorganism along your digestive tract is said to cause yeast syndrome, resulting in more frequent headaches, fatigue, muscle pains, intestinal gas, bloating, cramps, sinus congestion and poor memory. Women usually experience recurrent vaginal infections, urinary tract infections and premenstrual syndrome. Sexual dysfunction, irritability, depression and sleep problems are also linked to this condition.
Warning
No scientific evidence exists to support the validity of yeast syndrome or the use of the candida diet to treat symptoms associated with the condition. While most people generally feel better while maintaining such a diet, it isn't necessarily the effect of the diet on the flora of the intestines. You're eating far less processed foods, which tends to increase your intake of fresh, more nutritious foods, and thereby improves your health, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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