The candida diet is a low-carb diet that limits the consumption of carbohydrates and sugar to deprive candida, a yeast, from its main food source. Grains, legumes, fruits and dairy products are eliminated, especially in the first phases of the candida diet. The inclusion of fermented foods, such as kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut, and coconut oil is encouraged to help people infected with candida get rid of it naturally.
Symptoms
Candida Albicans is a yeast normally present in the gastrointestinal tract, but that can sometimes overgrow to different part of the body, causing unpleasant symptoms such as joint pain, acne, depression, mood swings, cravings, weight gain, bloating, gas, indigestion, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, rashes, itching as well as red, itchy eyes. A candida overgrowth can be triggered by the use of antibiotics, a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar or even periods of elevated stress.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Coconut Anti-Fungal Properties
Coconut has been shown to have powerful anti-microbial properties, able to get rid of a variety of bacteria, virus and even yeast. Candida is a yeast and studies have shown that coconut oil can effectively kill it, as published in June 2007 in "Journal of Medicine Foods." Moreover, the researchers concluded that it should be used as an effective treatment against candida, especially with the newer emerging strains of drug-resistant candida.
Coconut Oil Vs. Coconut Milk
Lauric acid, the fatty acid responsible for the coconut anti-yeast properties, is present in both coconut oil and coconut milk, so both can be included in your candida diet. The concentrations vary and more coconut milk is needed to get the same amount of lauric acid. Nutritionist and expert regarding the role of fat in human health Dr. Mary G. Enig estimates that humans should obtain 24 g of lauric acid a day to obtain most of the benefits it has to offer, which would correspond to either 3.5 tbsp. of coconut oil or 10 fl oz. of coconut milk.
Coconut Milk and Candida Diet
If you prefer not to use coconut oil, you can replacee it with coconut milk. Even if you include some amount of coconut oil, you can still supplement your diet with coconut milk to get more lauric acid and benefit from its anti-microbial properties. Coconut milk can be used in many ways. For example, you can prepare a smoothie with coconut milk instead of regular milk, you can add it to a soup or you can prepare a coconut sauce to accompany chicken.