Candida albicans is a naturally occurring type of yeast that lives in the human gut. While some level of yeast is normal, dramatic increases in the candida population can cause a yeast infection called candidiasis. Symptoms of candida overpopulation include fatigue, weight gain, gastrointestinal distress and joint paints, according to the Candida Diet website. Modifying your meals to follow the candida diet may improve symptoms and restore normal levels of yeast.
Guidelines
The main guideline when following the candida diet is to avoid sugars. Candida yeast feeds upon sugar, causing further population growth that exacerbates symptoms. Avoid all fruits, which tend to be naturally high in sugar. Most nonstarchy vegetables, including leafy greens, carrots, onions, tomatoes and broccoli, are acceptable and provide important vitamins and minerals.
To balance your diet and maintain energy, eat protein-rich foods such as meats, fish and nuts in moderation. Certain nuts, such as peanuts and pistachios, contain high amounts of mold and should be avoided. Switch to complex carbohydrates found in whole0grain foods over starchy white breads and pasta. Eliminate all aged cheese and alcohol from your diet.
Diet Stages
The Candida Diet website reports that an anticandida diet plan involves three stages. The first stage lasts two to three weeks and involves cleansing yourself of candida yeast. Eliminate all sugary and banned foods, and drink large amounts of water or broth. In the second stage, which lasts four weeks, take an antifungal medication and begin reintroducing banned foods such as beans, vegetables high in carbohydrates and certain fruits. Berries, pears and green apples are acceptable to reintroduce in this phase. The final phase involves repopulating your gut with healthy bacteria and normal levels of yeast. Eat yogurt with active cultures, sauerkraut or probiotic supplements.
Diet Myths
Many people beginning a candida diet believe they must stay on a restrictive diet forever. While the final phase of the diet is intended to be a long-term maintenance plan, dieters typically reintroduce most foods and avoid only the ones that exacerbate their symptoms. According to the Candida Diet website, most dieters reduce consumption of dairy products, sugary sweets and soft drinks but return to eating fruits and high carbohydrate foods. In general, whole grains and unprocessed foods are best to keep candida populations in check.
Benefits
Following a candida diet regulates the gastrointestinal system and reduces problematic symptoms such as gas and bloating. Many people following the candida diet feel more energetic and less fatigued, according to MayoClinic.com. A candida diet also promotes weight loss and decreases risk for diabetes. The diet's focus on vegetables and whole grains boosts nutritional intake and improves overall health.
Considerations
While a diet free of sugar, cheese, gluten or alcohol may seem boring or bland, many flavorful meals follow the candida diet guidelines. Use extra virgin olive oils and fresh herbs to bring flavor to your meals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic has antifungal properties and alleviates symptoms of candidiasis. Plan your meals carefully to maintain balanced levels of protein, carbohydrates and fats while eliminating prohibited foods. Brown rice, quinoa and whole grain pasta make excellent substitutes for white pasta and starchy vegetables.
Warning
Although proponents of the candida diet claim it improves energy, promotes weight loss and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms by killing harmful yeast, MayoClinic.com reports that little scientific evidence supports these claims. No clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of a candida diet in eliminating medical problems. Merely switching to a healthier diet, rather than anticandida properties of the foods, may alleviate symptoms mistaken for candidiasis.
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