Fungi are a classification of microorganisms that normally live on and within virtually all people without much consequence. Fungi can take on many different forms, including fungal, yeast and mold types. Under certain disruptive circumstances, fungal overgrowth can occur, causing unpleasant symptoms and potentially leading to serious health complications. Effective fungal detoxification diets focus on starving the fungus, targeting the fungus with natural antifungals and restoring intestinal flora and fauna.
Candidiasis Diet
The most common culprit causing fungal infections in people is Candida albicans. According to "Chronic Candidiasis," about 65 percent of the calories from a detox diet should come from high-fiber low-starch vegetables such as broccoli, celery and asparagus. About 20 percent should come from high-protein foods such as fish, chicken, seafood, eggs, seeds and some nuts, such as almonds. About 10 percent should come from complex carbohydrates including brown rice, beans and lentils. The final 5 percent can come from fruits, especially berries, papaya, pineapple and grapefruit that have natural anti-fungal properties.
Starving the Fungal Infection
An effective fungal detoxification eliminates foods that encourage the proliferation of fungus. All fungi, including Candida species, thrive on carbohydrates, preserved refined foods, moldy foods and foods that contain yeast and gluten, as cited in "Human Biochemistry and Disease." As such, it is important to avoid refined white sugar, soda pop, fruit juice from concentrate, bread and pasta made from white flour, foods high in gluten, peanuts and walnuts, mushrooms, vinegar and beer. Further, most dairy products should be avoided such as cheese and milk, although live-cultured yogurt helps to replenish your friendly intestinal bacteria.
Targeting with Natural Antifungals
In addition to fruits, many other foods and herbs display antifungal properties. Raw onions and garlic are very potent antifungals, but ginger root, cabbage, broccoli, turnips and kale can be effective as well, as cited in "Medical Herbalism." Olive oil, coconut oil, grape seed extract and oregano can also be consumed to help kill-off Candida species.
Adding Probiotics
The final strategy of a fungal detox diet is taking probiotics, which are live microorganisms that encourage the growth of the beneficial bacteria in your intestines. Beneficial flora and fauna help by regulating your immune system and control the proliferation of Candida species. Probiotics are found in yogurt with live cultures, but can also be taken in capsules that contain lactobacillus or acidophilus.
Recommendations
Depending on the severity of symptoms, fungal detoxification diets are recommended for at least four weeks, or until you notice considerable improvement. Once your symptoms are under control, you can gradually reintroduce foods into your diet, although continuing with the detox diet long-term is not contraindicated. In terms of supplementation, taking vitamins A, C and E to boost your immune system may be a beneficial complement to your fungal detox diet.
References
- "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition"; Richardson and Warnock; 2003
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Chronic Candidiasis: Your Natural Guide to Healing with Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise, and Other Natural Methods"; Michael T. Murray; 1997
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
Member Comments