Candida albicans is a type of yeast that occurs naturally in the human gut. When candida populations grow dramatically, the typical balance of microorganisms in the gut is lost, resulting in a condition called candidiasis. Candidiasis is characterized by gastrointestinal distress, bloating, weight gain and joint pain. Altering your diet may relieve symptoms of candidiasis.
Purpose
The purpose of an anti-candida diet is to eliminate the yeast from the gut and allow beneficial microorganisms to repopulate. Candida yeast require sugars to survive and reproduce. A candida diet significantly reduces sugar intake to starve the yeast and to reduce their overgrown populations.
Features
A typical candida diet progresses through three distinct phases, according to The Candida Diet website. In the first, most stringent phase, dieters perform a candida cleanse to clear the colon and starve the yeast. This phase lasts two or three weeks and involves eating a diet primarily consisting of vegetables. All fruits must be avoided because of their high sugar content. In the second phase, which lasts four weeks, dieters follow a strict low-sugar diet and begin treatment with antifungal medications. During the final phase, prohibited foods are gradually reintroduced to see if they trigger candidiasis symptoms. Many dieters stay in this phase long term, because it helps control their gastrointestinal symptoms.
Diet Guidelines
When following an anti-candida diet, the majority of your food intake consists of vegetables. Eat asparagus, leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, squash and onions to receive beneficial vitamins and minerals. Lean proteins contain little sugar, so they are acceptable anti-candida foods, according to The Candida Diet website. Avoid sugary fruits, chocolate, aged cheese, wine, glutinous breads, starchy vegetables, caffeine and processed foods. Choosing whole grains such as buckwheat, whole wheat pasta, quinoa or brown rice limits your starch consumption while boosting energy. Balance your diet to include complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein while minimizing sugar intake.
Benefits
Overgrowth of candida causes bloating, fatigue, gas, abdominal pain, joint pain, dizziness, weight gain and irritable mood, according to The Candida Diet website. Following an anti-candida diet may reduce these symptoms and restore your good health. In addition to alleviating gastrointestinal distress, a candida diet promotes weight loss, according to the Yeast Infection Advisor website.
Expert Insight
According to the Mayo Clinic, little scientific evidence supports the diagnosis of candidiasis. An anti-candida diet may relieve your symptoms because you cut back on processed foods and excess sugar. Replacing these foods with whole grains, vegetables and fresh, unprocessed food boosts energy levels, promotes weight loss and benefits overall health.
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