Alternative medical practitioners believe that overgrowth of candida albicans (yeast in the intestines) is responsible for symptoms such as fatigue, sinus congestion, headaches, mood swings, loss of memory/concentration and cravings for sweets. Excess candida in the intestines is believed to penetrate the intestinal wall, causing yeast and other toxins to be absorbed into the body. The absorbed yeast then triggers a reaction in the immune system, resulting in a hypersensitivity to candida. To cleanse the body of candida, a strict diet must be followed.
Candida Diet
A candida cleanse aims at cleansing the intestinal tract. Diet plays the most crucial role in a candida cleanse, which is often referred to as the candida diet. To rid the body of the unwanted yeast, the diet must be altered to cut off the favorable conditions in which these micro-organisms multiply. Embarking on a candida cleanse once or twice a year helps keep candida levels low.
During this diet, the goal is to starve the body of the elements needed to grow the pathogenic yeast causing the trouble.
This diet should be fairly disciplined for at least three months. When your symptoms begin to improve, you can begin adding foods back in. Candida will return once you revert to previous unhealthy forms of eating.
Cut Out Sugar
For at least seven days eliminate refined sugar, including fruit as sugar promotes yeast growth. After a week you may add fruit back into your diet slowly, noticing any changes in symptoms.
Foods to Eliminate
Avoid aged cheeses, alcohol, muffins, cakes, chocolate, dried fruits, fresh fruits, mushrooms, vinegar, gluten, sugar, honey, syrup, yeast or mold, breads, baked goods, dried fruits, melons and peanuts. Restrict carbohydrate intake. All starchy foods should be eliminated.
Also eliminate fermented foods such as beer, pickles and tomato paste as they promote yeast-growth activities.
What to Eat
Eat vegetables (especially raw garlic), eggs, non-glutenous grains (like rice bran, millet, brown rice, and oat bran), live yogurt cultures (both dairy and non-dairy,) green algae (spirulina and chlorella), whey, acidophilus, nuts, seeds and oils.
Low-carbohydrate, high-protein foods like lean meat, turkey and chicken are allowed.
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