Candida albicans is a type of yeast that is naturally found in the human gut. Rapid candida population growth triggers a condition called candidiasis. Symptoms of candidiasis include fatigue, bloating, abdominal pain and depressed mood. Following an anti-candida diet reduces candida levels, improving symptoms of candidiasis.
Significance
Candida yeast thrive on sugars found in digested food. The purpose of an anti-candida diet is to strictly limit sugar intake to starve and kill candida. Certain grains cause spikes in blood sugar, triggering symptoms of candidiasis. Returning the candida population to normal levels restores balance to your gut flora and may reduce gastrointestinal distress.
Features
The anti-candida diet consists of three stages. The first stage is most restrictive and lasts three weeks. Dieters eliminate all processed foods, fruits, beans, starchy vegetables, aged cheeses and alcohol. Eat low-carbohydrate vegetables and lean protein during this stage. In the second stage, slowly add apples, pears, beans and high-carbohydrate vegetables into your diet over a four week period. A course of antifungal medication further reduces candida levels. The final phase is a maintenance diet that limits sugar consumption and focuses on vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Dieters stay in the third phase for weeks or even years.
Acceptable Grains
Simple carbohydrates from starchy, glutinous grain products cause blood sugar levels to spike, triggering symptoms of candidiasis. Strictly eliminate white bread, rye bread, oatmeal, pasta, barley, wheat and spelt products from your diet. Whole grains do not cause blood sugar fluctuations and provide fiber that clears the digestive tract. Choose quinoa, brown rice, millet, wild rice or buckwheat to keep your energy levels high without causing gastrointestinal distress.
Benefits
Proponents of the anti-candida diet claim it diminishes many symptoms of candidiasis. After several weeks, dieters experience reduced gastrointestinal distress, increased energy, less fatigue and less joint pain. Many dieters lose weight and feel less bloated. An anti-candida diet may lift your mood and increase immune system functioning.
Misconceptions
The diagnosis of candidiasis is not accepted by the mainstream medical community. According to MayoClinic.com, no controlled scientific studies support the diagnosis or the efficacy of an anti-candida diet. Dieters' improvement of symptoms may be due to replacing unhealthy, processed foods with fresher alternatives. Incorporating more whole grains into the diet boosts energy and improves overall health. Before beginning an anti-candida diet, ask your doctor if it is a good diet plan for you.
Member Comments