Candida is a yeast-like fungal bacteria that lives in your digestive system and is harmless -- unless it multiplies out of control. Following a candida diet helps prevent this overgrowth by limiting foods that the candida feed upon -- sugar and other simple carbohydrates -- and eating fermented foods that replenish beneficial bacteria that help keep your candida from multiplying unchecked.
Candida
In small numbers, Candida albicans are harmless; but some medications, such as birth control pills, antibiotics and corticosteriods can allow your candida population to grow. Too many candida bacteria can lead to vaginal yeast infections, jock itch and diaper rash, as well as oral thrush and athlete's foot. Because candida thrive on sugar, the candida diet eliminates as much sugar and simple carbohydrate, which your body can quickly convert to sugar, as possible.
Candida and Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and help keep your immune system healthy. There are many types of probiotics, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium can help restore the natural balance of gut flora in your digestive tract. These live micro-organisms are found in both supplements and occur naturally in fermented foods. Yogurt, kefir and lacto-fermented vegetables all contain probiotics. "Lacto" means that the culture comes from a dairy starter such as yogurt, so it has the same type of friendly bacteria. Beneficial bacteria keep candida in check.
Lacto-fermented Vegetables
Any vegetable can be fermented, but traditional examples include sauerkraut, kim chi and pickled ginger. To ensure you have a product that contains live probiotics, look for vegetables that have not been pasteurized -- it should say "live and active cultures" on the label. Pasteurization is a heating process that kills all bacteria -- even beneficial bacteria. Increase cultured vegetable intake slowly because they can be high in fiber and may cause constipation if eaten in great quantity. Drink more water as you increase fiber intake to stay regular.
Other Candida Treatments
Adding lacto-fermented vegetables and other cultured foods to your diet will help restore balance between beneficial bacterial and candida. Adding foods with anti-fungal properties will also help prevent future candida overgrowths. Coconut oil contains both lauric and caprylic acids -- both potent anti-fungals. Onions, garlic and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help fight candida. Oleuropein is a plant chemical found in olives and olive oil that fights candida and helps strengthen your immune system.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; 2011
- Every Diet: Candida
- Natural Bias; A Great Source of Natural Probiotics; Vin Miller; October 2009
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Probiotic Bacteria in Fermented Foods: Product Characteristics and Starter Organisms; Knut J. Heller; February 2001
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