Anti Candida Diet & Constipation

Candida infection can result in myriad symptoms, with the Henry Spink Foundation listing almost 50 different problems associated with the fungus. The most common symptoms remain poor concentration, carbohydrate cravings, itching and low energy. Certain protocols exist to help clear the candida organisms from the body, also this may sometimes result in constipation.

Candida

Candida fungi exist in all humans, normally peacefully. Disruptions to the bacterial balance in the intestines can allow the opportunistic organisms, particularly the candida albicans species, to take over the area and mount a systemic infection. Dr. Lawrence Wilson, a U.S. physician familiar with the condition, explains that several factors may contribute to such a disruption and lists antibiotic use, a high sugar diet and excessive stress among them.

Anti-Candida Diet

An anti-candida program aims to correct the microbial imbalance in the intestines and typically involves several key steps. Dr. Rodger Murphree, a family doctor and the author of several books, identifies the procedures required. First, you must adopt a low-carbohydrate diet to starve and weaken the yeast population. Following this, he suggests using anti-fungal compounds such as garlic, coconut oil, grapefruit seed extract and pau d'arco tea. Finally, he points to the use of probiotics as a sensible step in restoring a healthy bacterial balance in the intestines.

Constipation

The Herxheimer response, also known as a die-off reaction, remains the most common symptom experienced during an anti-candida diet. This makes the individual feel ill on account of a temporary increase in fungal toxins that flood the bloodstream. Leon Chaitow, an osteopathic practitioner and the author of "Candida Albicans," notes that the lowered intake of carbohydrates can also mean an extremely low intake of fiber. Your intestines require a sufficient supply of fiber as physical bulk to maintain movement throughout the bowels. Without enough fiber, constipation may occur.

Fiber

The solution involves introducing more fiber to the diet. However, avoiding an increase in sugar and digestible carbohydrates remains very important during the die-off phase and providing too much of these can feed the unwanted candida. To achieve both, you can eat more high-fiber, low-carbohydrate vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, or start taking whole flax seeds and psyllium husks each day with water.