Alternative medicine practitioners believe that many people suffer from candida syndrome, a condition in which the gut contains abnormally high levels of the yeast species Candida albicans. Symptoms of candida syndrome include fatigue, weight gain, sluggishness, joint pain and gastrointestinal distress. A common treatment for candida syndrome is a special diet. Taking L. acidophilus in conjunction with the diet may improve candida syndrome, but you should discuss your symptoms with a physician before starting the diet.
Diet Features
Candida diet proponents believe that candida syndrome occurs when yeast feed on sugars in your gut and multiply in number. The candida diet emphasizes low-carbohydrate foods, such as vegetables and lean protein. Alcohol, processed foods, sugars, fruits, beans and other high-carbohydrate foods should be eliminated from your diet. A typical candida diet lasts six to eight weeks, although some people stay on the diet long-term to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
L. acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a species of bacteria that naturally lives in your gut. When L. acidophilus bacteria come into contact with food in your intestines, they release hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid. These chemicals are toxic to candida yeast and unhealthy bacteria found in the gut. Taking L. acidophilus may kill candida yeast, improving symptoms of candida syndrome, according to The Candida Diet website.
Dosage
Some brands of yogurt contain live, active cultures of L. acidophilus that can be eaten during the candida diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating one 8-oz. serving of yogurt every day may kill excess candida yeast. Alternatively, you can take L. acidophilus supplements in tablet, capsule or liquid preparations. Take between 1 and 15 billion colony-forming units of L. acidophilus per day while following the candida diet.
Considerations
Some conventional medicine practitioners believe that alternative medicine proponents use candida syndrome as a catch-all diagnosis for a variety of health issues. There is no scientific evidence that supports the diagnosis of candida syndrome or the use of a candida diet to cure medical problems. Taking L. acidophilus supplements, however, can restore healthy bacteria to your gut. This may improve gastrointestinal problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Discuss L. acidophilus supplements and the candida diet with a doctor to see if they are safe for you.
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