Candida refers to the fungus Candida albicans, small amounts of which populate the moist zones of the body such as the digestive tract, according to Womenshealth.gov. Overgrowth of candida causes yeast infections and oral thrush. Alternative medicine understands candida to be the underlying cause of other physical ailments, including fatigue, allergies and depression, although conventional medicine does not recognize this unofficial meaning, according to Real Age. The Candida diet proposes a way of eating that starves candida of the foods that help it grow. Rhubarb is considered one of the most effective candida growth inhibitors.
Identification
Rhubarb belongs to a family of digestive aids with strong bowel detoxification properties, according to Jeanne Marie Martin and Zoltan P. Rona M.D., authors of the "Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook." Rhubarb contains rhein, a chemical that hinders the growth of Candida in the intestines.
Features
The Candida diet involves four stages, according to the Candida Diet website. Phase one, detox, involves the removal of all candida risk factors, including antibiotics, and eliminates foods that cultivate candida overgrowth, such as chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. Phase two attacks the candida fungus with natural antifungals such as oregano oil. Phase three includes probiotic supplements to boost the proliferation of friendly intestinal bacteria.
Parasiticides
According to Paul Pitchford, author of "Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition," rhubarb has been used effectively by alternative health practitioners to treat chronic digestive problems related to candida and also parasites, which may be ingested through improperly cooked meat. Rhubarb destroys intestinal parasites, and can be used as a laxative also.
Prevention/Solution
In general, the balance of bacteria in the intestines works to keep candida growth in check, according to Real Age. However, rhubarb can help to cleanse the intestines as well as the liver, and help keep candida at a manageable level. Probiotics such as those found in yogurt and fortified milk are another option.
Warning
While rhubarb is unlikely to cause harm, some of the natural antifungal treatments used in the candida diet, including caprylic acid, may be toxic if taken in excessive amounts or over long periods of time, according to Real Age. Also, the scientific support for these treatments in candida infections remains flimsy. Speak to your doctor or health care provider before you begin the candida diet.
References
- Womenshealth.gov: Candida
- Real Age Medical Encyclopedia: Candida/Yeast Hypersensitivity Syndrome
- The Candida Diet: What is Candida?
- "Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook"; Jeanne Marie Martin and Zoltan P. Rona M.D.; Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook; Random House, 2000
- "Healing with Whole Foods"; Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition; Paul Pritchard; 2002
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