Candida problems are thought to be caused when the beneficial yeast form of candida albicans mutates to it’s fungal form. As it grows out of balance it is said to produce toxins which affect the mucousal lining of the intestines leading to leaky gut syndrome and a whole host of problems. The list of suggestions of how to deal with the effects of candida is as large as the list of numerous symptoms that are said to be associated with the problem.
So where do we begin with a candida diet?
Stress. Stress and emotional upset can negatively effect our immune systems and many candida sufferers have reported that their candida problem really got a hold after a period of intense stress or a prolonged period of low level stress. So take steps to de-stress your world.
Get your Thyroid checked, maybe your metabolism has slowed due to mild hypothyroidism. If it has follow your doctors advice and also follow East West Healing and learn about how to raise your metabolism through food.
Diet. The candida diet is an elimination diet, foodstuffs that contribute to the candida problem are either eliminated completely or removed from the diet for a time until their contribution to the problem is evaluated. This diet is recommended as a guideline for someone who has never carried out an elimination program before.
Those with mild candida symptoms may want to try it for a month to evaluate if it helps, those with severe symptoms should seek the help of an expert with a case history of success with long term candida sufferers.
Step 1. Cut down on Sugar and make sure that you don’t consume high sugar foods without also having some protein to stop blood sugar spiking.
Step 2. Cleansing & Food Choice. Drink plenty of water to help your body detoxify. Don’t over do it, 2 litres per day is plenty.
Start the day with a cup of hot water and lemon juice (there is no need to eliminate lemon juice even though it is a fruit).
Eat salads with raw salad vegetables such as celery, peppers etc to help detox and to help energy, go easy though, a compromised system might find fibre hard to digest.
Add some vegetables that inhibit the growth of Candida: raw garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, turnip, kale. Cabbage,kale and broccoli are cruciferous and require thorough cooking.
Get your Carbs from baked, steamed or boiled roots such as potato, sweet potato , parsnips etc. Always eat with a protein snack to stop blood sugar spiking.
Get your protein from white fish and fowl. Cut out red meats for first four weeks as they may strain a weak digestive system. Another area that may be helpful is to perhaps eat smaller meals. Chew your food well, digestion starts in the mouth.
Step 3. Repopulate Add probiotic (pro-life) bacterial flora back into the system. a good probiotic supplement is useful, but if you come to rely on them then that suggests that they are masking a problem. (again look at the work of East West Healing
Step 4. Re-introduce Begin by reintroducing foods back into the diet. Introduce one food per week and note the effects. If a food disagrees then eliminate it. Keep processed sugars to a minimum.