Candida albicans is a species of yeast that naturally lives in the intestines. A sudden spike in the candida population can cause a medical condition called candidiasis. Alternative medicine practitioners claim that diet and exercise reduce candidiasis symptoms and restore good health. Talk to your doctor before beginning an anti-candida program to ensure that it is safe.
Candidiasis Identification
Candida yeast feed upon sugars passing through the digestive system. A large concentration of sugar can trigger a sudden growth in the candida population. Candida overgrowth in the body is characterized by fatigue, weight gain, sluggishness, bloating and depression. Symptoms of candidiasis diminish when the digestive system is cleansed of excess sugars and toxins.
Exercise
According to Candida Solutions, yeast thrive in an acidic environment. Exercise raises the body's pH, making it more alkaline. This alkaline environment prevents yeast populations from rising. High-intensity exercise promotes sweating, which flushes excess toxins from your body and eliminates candida yeast.
Reduce symptoms of candidiasis by performing 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise five days per week. Try running, swimming, dancing, jogging or biking to boost your heart rate and facilitate sweating. Wear breathable cotton clothing to prevent sweat build-up that creates a moist environment for candida growth.
Dietary Modification
Supplement your exercise program with dietary modifications. Reduce consumption of fruits, aged cheese, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and glutinous grains. Instead, focus on eating plenty of vegetables, lean protein and whole-grain foods. The Candida Diet website reports that these dietary modifications boost your body's pH and reduce sugar levels, causing candida death. Follow an anti-candida diet for six to eight weeks to effectively control yeast populations.
Considerations
Many physicians do not recognize candidiasis as a legitimate medical diagnosis. MayoClinic.com reports that no scientific evidence suggests that diet and exercise reduce yeast levels in the body. Dietary modification and frequent exercise may reduce fatigue, promote weight loss, relieve gastrointestinal distress and boost energy levels. However, these effects may be due to adopting a healthier lifestyle, rather than reducing the candida population.
