Candida is a type of yeast that occurs naturally in the human body. Sometimes, however, an inbalance in the amount of natural gut bacteria causes excessive growth of the candida yeast population. This type of yeast infection, sometimes called candidiasis, negatively affects several organ systems. Excessive candida levels cause rashes, join pain, sore throat, constipation, gas, heartburn, kidney infections and vaginitis.
Purpose
The purpose of the candida diet is to avoid all foods that act as a nutrient source for the yeast. Eliminating these foods starves the yeast and controls the population, relieving symptoms of the yeast infection. Once the candida population returns to manageable levels, dieters may reintroduce previously prohibited foods.
Features
The candida diet consists of three major phases, according to the website The Candida Diet. In the first phase, dieters detoxify their bodies by eliminating all sources of nutrients for the yeast. EveryDiet.org recommends colon cleanses, detox herbs and fasting to remove toxic by-products made by the candida yeast. In phase two of the diet, slowly reintroduce foods into your diet and start a course of antifungal treatments. The third and final phase of the diet consists of repopulation of healthy bacteria in the gut by eating probiotic yogurt and drinking herbal teas.
Time Frame
While dieters move through the first two phases of the candida diet in several weeks, the final phase is designed to be a long-term solution to problematic candida overgrowth. In general, the first cleansing phase of the diet lasts three weeks. The second phase, which attacks candida growth by starving the yeast and using antifungal treatment, lasts four weeks. Following these two phases, your candida population should be decreased to normal levels. The final phase lasts months or even years. Some candida dieters maintain the diet indefinitely to stave off future infections.
Foods to Avoid
The candida diet prevents yeast growth by controlling the sugary nutrients upon which candida thrive. Eliminate all fruits, alcohol, glutinous grains and cheeses from your diet. Because caffeine and sugar facilitate candida growth, avoid coffee, sodas and sweetened teas. Eliminate mushrooms, peanuts, pistachios and canola oil from your diet because they contain molds that cause candida outbreaks.
Anti-Candida Foods
While removing all sugar, fruits, alcohol and cheese from your diet may seem daunting, there are plenty of foods that you can eat when following the candida diet. Most non-starchy vegetables, including broccoli, leafy greens, carrots, onions, tomatoes, asparagus and avocado are acceptable. Maintain your energy levels by consuming proteins, such as chicken, lean beef, eggs and fish. Whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, make excellent substitutes for prohibited white rice or pasta products.
To stimulate growth of helpful probiotic bacteria, eat yogurt containing live and active cultures. Herbal teas also contain compounds that fight against fungus and keep candida levels low.
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