Candida albicans, a form of yeast, exists peacefully in the bodies of all of us. However, chronic stress, poor diets or use of antibiotics can disturb the microbial balance in the intestines to the extent that this problematic organism can take over the body. Systemic candida often results. Dietary approaches remain the first step in treating the condition.
Systemic Candida
When candida penetrates the intestinal wall, it gains access to the bloodstream and can then begin to populate almost any area of the body. As such, explains Leon Chaitow, it can result in a huge array of different symptoms. The naturopath, who wrote the book "Candida Albicans," notes how common symptoms include fatigue, inability to concentrate, carbohydrate cravings and itching.
Sugar and Carbohydrates
The first steps in dealing with a candida infection involves the removal of sugar from the diet and the moderation of carbohydrates generally. Dr. Rodger Murphree, a physician familiar with the problems caused by candida, reports how candida derives its fuel from sugar, so cutting out sweet foods helps to starve the population. Because complex carbohydrates, like rice and pasta, can turn into sugar in the intestines, you should moderate your intake of these foods as well.
Dietary Yeast
Some people with candida infections react badly to dietary yeast, although this causes no symptoms in others. Research conducted by Japanese scientists in 1995 showed how, in 20 percent of people, antibodies produced against the candida species also cross-reacted with saccharomyces cerevasiae, also known as bakers yeast and found in bread and alcohol. Their results, published in the journal of "Clinical and Experimental Allergy," suggest that individuals should test their reactions to dietary yeast and remove it from their diets if required.
Anti-Fungals
While starving the yeast remains an important part of the protocol, it may not prove enough to eradicate the candida infection. Jonny Bowden, a board-certified nutritionist who has written several books on approaches to health, recommends the use of anti-fungal foods and herbs to help kill off the problematic organisms. He points to garlic, coconut oil, grapefruit seed extract and pau d'arco as good choices in this regard.
Beneficial Bacteria
When you have killed off the candida population, replenishing the intestines with good bacteria remains an important step to avoid any returns of the problem. Bowden explains how each bacterium releases anti-microbial peptides to control the growth of any rivals. Ensuring that beneficial bacteria, like the lactobaccillus strains found in live yogurt and probiotics, become the dominant species can help keep candida in check.
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