Candida is a group of naturally-occurring yeast-like microorganisms in the digestive tract and on the skin, with Candida albicans the most common species. Candida overgrowth is most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infections, although it also can cause a fungal condition in the mouth called thrush. Some holistic medical practitioners believe that a chronic overgrowth of candida is responsible for many health disorders. The candida diet is designed to reduce candida to a healthy level. It allows some types of cheese and restricts others.
Causes
Candida usually does not cause harmful effects, as natural flora in the digestive tract keeps it in control, explains the Every Diet website. Candida overgrowth can occur due to a poor diet, weakened immunity or an imbalance in intestinal bacteria. This imbalance may develop from overuse of antibiotics that destroy not only harmful but friendly bacteria, some of which keeps candida from excessively multiplying. Corticosteroids and oral contraceptives also interfere with intestinal flora.
Candidiasis
Candida overgrowth is commonly called candidiasis. Purported fungal-related symptoms aside from vaginitis and thrush include athlete's foot, nail infections, jock itch, ringworm and diaper rash. Digestive effects can include constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, heartburn and colitis. Candidiasis also may cause eye infections, canker sores, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, fibromyalgia, urinary tract infections, asthma, diabetes and depression.
Foods to Avoid
You'll need to avoid many foods at first for best results on a candida diet, notes nutritionist Anne Collins. Later you may be able to add certain foods back into your diet. Avoid all types of sugar, all yeast foods and all refined flour products. Any foods that contain or may contain mold or fungi are prohibited, and this includes many types of cheese. Roquefort and blue cheese, aged cheese, cream cheese, and any type of processed cheese and cheese snacks are prohibited, at least until your symptoms resolve. Other foods that may contain yeast or mold include alcohol, fermented foods, vinegar, chocolate, fresh or dried fruit, fruit juice, mushrooms, peanuts and foods with gluten such as wheat and barley.
Acceptable Dairy Products
Some dairy products are allowed on the candida diet, depending on whether you are sensitive to these products. Butter and low-lactose cheese may be okay, such as cottage cheese, Colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, provolone and Swiss, according to Collins.
Organic yogurt containing active live cultures may be beneficial as it provides friendly bacteria.
Considerations
A slightly less restrictive candida diet usually works as well as more prohibitive diets, according to physician Richard Podell, medical director of the New Jersey Fibromyalgia Clinic. Podell allows most candida patients to eat a moderate amount of fruit and one serving of gluten-containing grain products, such as bread or pasta. Like Collins, Podell allows cottage cheese and non-aged cheese, along with yogurt that is not sweetened. Every Diet recommends eating a disciplined diet for at least three months. Although you may begin adding other foods after your symptoms clear up, simply returning to your previous way of eating will make the candida problem reoccur.
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