Candida

Author Dr. Kurt Donsbach called candida "the root cause of all major diseases". Each week I see dozens of people for this illness. Symptoms range from an eczema rash, to severe bloating, to vaginal yeast infections and a thrush-like coating on the tongue. Candida is a yeast-like fungi that lives in our bodies and actually, when kept under control, performs specific functions to protect the intestinal tract from foreign invaders. Candida is found in every one of us. The problem is not the Candida, but the healthy bacteria that keeps the Candida under control.

Antibiotics, diets high in processed foods and sugars, low-level antibiotic ingestion from commercial animal products, environmental pollution, alcohol, and stress are all things that decrease our good bacteria and allow fungi like Candida to proliferate. This yeast usually leaks out of the anus and manifests in the vagina. This is what is commonly known to women as a yeast infection. Proliferation of this yeast in the intestinal tract is, so to speak, fairly easy to do away with. However, a systemic proliferation of yeast is entirely different and can take months to get rid of.

You see, when our good bacteria is constantly being killed off Candida and other fungi proliferate and, eventually, permeate our intestinal lining. Once the yeast is in the blood stream other organs and systems can become infected and hindered from performing their main functions. Let us review the foods that can feed this yeast as well as kill off our good bacteria.

All commercially farmed produce and livestock contains antibiotics, pesticides, chemicals, and, increasing more each day, genetically modified organisms. A consistent life-long, low level exposure to antibiotics in animal products and pesticides in produce will cause the bacteria to die off in the gut, not to mention thousands of other detrimental results in your health. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are catalysts for fermentation, which means food for a yeast overgrowth. Overeating carbohydrates are especially responsible for the proliferation of Candida because they ferment and allow yeasts to grow wild. Stay away from oils as well since they become rancid too easily, causing them to release free radicals in the body and suppress the immune system.

What foods can helps us stop feeding Candida and rebuild our intestinal health?

1) Whole Organic RAW Vegetables: The greener and leafier the better. Green, leafy vegetables contain an abundance of chlorophyll which purifies the blood and stops the growth of bacteria and fungi. It also promotes the growth of healthy gut flora to keep the Candida at bay. Steamed vegetables are very nutritious, but you must eat, at least, 50% of your green vegetables raw to gain the amount of chlorophyll needed to control Candida. A salad each day will help you reach that goal.

2) Whole LOW-GLYCEMIC Fruits: Apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Fruit is usually banished from most Candida cleanses, however I include it in mine. Fruit is highly detoxifying, its fibers feed good bacteria, and it is cleansing when eaten properly - which means alone. Tropical fruits, like bananas, are forbidden while cleansing from Candida.

3) Whole Grains and Beans: Depending on the severity of the yeast, you may want to do away with grains and beans altogether. However, I have had success with Candida with whole, gluten-free grains like millet, brown rice, and quinoa. Mung beans are the only beans I recommend because they are detoxifying and do not contribute to damp conditions like yeast.

4) Nuts and Seeds: I recommend no more than 1 or 2 handfuls a day. Peanuts, cashews, and pistachios should be forbidden. Dry roasted, unsalted or raw, unsalted are the best.

Supplements like a good probiotic, oregano oil, coconut butter, and herbs like Pau D'Arco are also extremely helpful.

A strict Candida diet, with a good supplemental and herbal protocol, should be followed for, at least, one month before slowly reintroducing old foods to your diet. If you have Candida, please be aware that you may always be vulnerable to it. Try and see it as a gift from your body to let you know whenever you're in need of a good cleanse, or better diet. We need symptoms to tell us when something is wrong so that we can heal. Masking symptoms will only spread the disease and keep us temporarily complacent, and ignorant.

If you are interested in a personalized Candida protocol you can schedule a consultation with me here.

Best of health to you all!