Candida albicans is a fungus which is normally found in people's intestines. According to Marcelle Pick, an OB/GYN for the organization Women to Women, when a person has a compromised immune system, Candida can reproduce and grow rapidly, causing side effects like yeast infections and thrush. Additionally, someone who has an overgrowth of Candida in her body may experience headaches, hives, confusion and irritability. There is a special Candida diet which limits the consumption of white flour, starches and sugar. The diet includes only foods that do not promote the growth of the fungus.
Walnuts
Some nuts, like peanuts, are mold-supporting foods, according to Women to Women, so they should not be eaten on a Candida diet. Walnuts however, do not support the growth of Candida albicans so they are approved to eat on the Candida diet. Since foods like pretzels and crackers can't be eaten on the Candida diet, walnuts can replaces those foods as a good snack.
Brown Rice
Dr. Brent A Bauer, a physician and medical correspondent for the Mayo Clinic, states that while there is no scientific evidence proving that the Candida diet is effective, many people feel better when they trade in refined carbohydrates and sugar for unprocessed foods and whole grains like brown rice. The Candida diet includes brown rice because it is a complex carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates do not encourage the growth of Candida albicans like white flour does, however Women to Women recommends limiting your intake to a maximum of 15g of carbohydrates per meal.
Spinach
Spinach is approved for consumption on the Candida diet because it is a healthy carbohydrate which doesn't promote the growth of Candida albicans. Marcelle Pick recommends that people suffering from an overgrowth of Candida eat plenty of dark leafy vegetables like spinach, as they are thought to stimulate the immune system in addition to providing vitamins and minerals.
Chicken
Women to Women recommends that people with an overgrowth of Candida include a source of protein at every meal. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which has no carbohydrates or starch naturally, unless it is breaded or marinated. Use organic chicken for greater health benefits.
Member Comments