Salad ingredients

Diet is a very important part of assisting your body in eliminating Candida albicans (or yeast). The following recommendations have been compiled from recent research in the field and are made as a guide to assist you in making helpful food choices for yourself. The more completely and closely the guidelines are observed, the more quickly you will see results and experience improvements in your health. How long you will need to limit you diet in this way will depend on the length of time this has been an underlying problem with you, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health status. Many people find after eating strictly within the guidelines for 2-4 weeks, symptoms begin to disappear and they can SLOWLY incorporate whole foods from the restricted list back into their diets. Recurrence of your symptoms and your overall sense of well-being seem to be useful general guidelines in assessing the rate at which foods may or may not be introduced.

Most people find making the required diet changes as quickly as possible the most rewarding path offering the most immediate results and relief from symptoms. Others, however, find making changes in their diets more gradually over a longer period of time works best for them. This approach works well as long as changes do indeed continue to be made aiming at reaching the strictest “optimum” diet choices within a set period of time. Some factors to consider in choosing this more gradual path include the following:

  • It’s easier to fall away from changing one’s diet and sticking to a program if a serious commitment has not been made
  • Diet restrictions continue for a longer period of time because the healing process is slower overall
  • Most importantly, improvements and changes in symptoms are slower in coming and often less noticeable and therefore provide less motivation to keep working at it

Whatever approach you choose, it’s important to remember when returning food to your diet, that a WHOLE foods diet is what you’re aiming for. Remember, some foods like highly refined and processed products or those containing chemical additives and preservatives (such as white sugar, white flour, soda pop, coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, etc.) you’re simply better off without! When reintroducing foods into your diet you should also take care not to emphasize those that feed the yeast or stress your immune system for a considerable period of time, even though you may be craving those foods and they may not produce noticeable symptoms right away. The Candida Diet is probably the most involved step on your road to recovery, and it will probably require a major shift in your shopping and eating habits but the long term benefits far outweigh the effort required to conform to the diet.

Carbohydrate Daily Total

Because carbohydrate metabolism is often impaired when Candida is a problem and because the body breaks the carbohydrates down into simple sugars which may feed the yeast, minimizing total carbohydrate content of one’s daily diet is an important dietary consideration

During the first 2-3 weeks of the diet one should aim for between 20-60 grams of carbohydrates per day with the optimum being closer to the 20 end of the scale initially. The leeway is given because some vegetarians who do not consume meat (which is low in carbohydrates) usually include some grains and/or beans which are higher in carbohydrates. Also age, activity level, and extent of grain sensitivities are made to suit individual needs

As symptoms disappear the carbohydrate total will gradually increase!

Low Carbohydrate Foods
Foods low in carbohydrates includes protein foods such as meat, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, and some nuts. Most vegetables, especially green and leafy ones, are also low in carbohydrates and can be used liberally in your diet. See the Foods To Cope With Candida list for more specific suggestions.

FOODS TO ELIMINATE IN CANDIDA ALBICANS TREATMENT
1. Yeast
All types of yeast and yeast-containing foods place additional burden on the body which is already coping with yeast overload. These include:

Bakers yeast, Brewers yeast, Engevita, Torula, “Good-tasting”, and any other types of yeast. Baked goods raised with yeast such as breads, rolls, crackers, bagels, coffee cakes, pastries.

Yeast Free Grain Choices
These include:

Sprouted Essene Bread (lifestream of Manna wheat or rye bread available in the freezer section of some health food stores –  if yours does not, ask if they might order it for you)
Corn Tortillas and Tacos
Rice cakes and rice crackers
Wasa rye crackers (available in most grocery stores)
Dimpfelmeiers 100% Plus Rye bread (these may also contain wheat)
Muffins, biscuits, pancakes, irish soda bread, chapatis made at home using the flour of whole grains  and baking soda and/or baking powder for leavening
Kensington Sourdough rye bread
Nutrilove Rice Bread (found in health food stores in the refrigerator section
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is made with a yeast culture which again stresses the system. Vinegar containing foods, sauces and condiments include: White vinegar, ketchup, pickles, red wine vinegar, worcestershire, pckled veggies             Apple cider vinegar    Accent (MSG)

Green olives                   Balsamic vinegar           Steak sauce                  Relishes

Mayonnaise                  BBQ sauce                      Horseradish                  Salad dressing

Shrimp sauce                mincemeat                        soy sauce                     chili sauce

Mustard

3. Sugar

Sugar feeds the yeast and encourages its growth and is best eliminated entirely. Eliminate sugar in all forms and sugar containing foods including:

White sugar                  Maple sugar                 Raw sugar                    Brown sugar

Molasses                       Demerrara                     Honey                           Date sugar

Amisake                        Maple syrup                 Turbinado                     Rice Yinnie Syrup

Corn syrup

Read labels carefully. There are other forms of hidden sugars to watch for such as:

Sucrose                        Glycogen                      Galactose                     Fructose

Glucose                        Monosaccharides        Maltose                       Mannitol

Ploysaccharides          Lactose                         Sorbitol

Malt Products – including malted drinks, cereals, and candies. (Malt is a sprouted grain that is kiln dried and used as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages)

4. Fruits

The natural sugars in fruit support yeast growth and also tend to be yeast bearing foods. Eliminate the following:

Frozen, canned and dried fruits
All canned and frozen fruit juice
Oranges and orange juice
Melons (especially cantaloupe)
See the restricted list for fresh fruit and juices

5. Mushrooms

All edible fungi including mushrooms, morels, truffles, etc also increase yeast burden.

6. Peanuts, Peanut Butter and Pistachios

These nuts usually have high mold contamination which again overloads the body yeast burden.

7. Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages feed the yeast and stress other systems such as the liver and brain. These include:

Red wine                      Brandy                         Vodka                          Gin

White wine                   Rum                             Beer                             Scotch

All liqueurs                   Whiskey

Any fermented liquor (like cider and root beer)

8. Coffee and Tea (Black)

These beverages create an additional burden for the body’s already over-taxed stress-coping mechanisms. These include:  regular coffee, instant coffee, decaffeinated coffee and all types of black tea (including fruit flavored ones). Herbal teas are generally recommended except in extreme cases. Both dried herbs and herbal teas do contain a small amount of mold as a result of the drying process, however, unless you are sensitive to them, we recommend their use in moderation.

DRINK            -water (preferably distilled, spring or purified)

                        -Vegetable Broth (preferably homemade)

-Freshly Juiced Fruits and Vegetables keeping within the daily carbohydrate count and not orange juice

                                -Miso broth (in moderation)

9. Moldy and processed Cheeses

Roquefort and other “molded” cheeses add to the yeast overload. Processed cheese such as cheese slices, Velveeta, cheese whiz, cream cheese, cheese snacks, Kraft dinner, etc… are NOT supportive to your health at any time and should be avoided. See the Restricted List for other Dairy products.

10. Processed, Dried, Smoked and Pickled Meats

These include products such as:

Smoked salmon                        Hot dogs                   Salami

Pickled herring                         Pastrami                     Corned Beef

Sausages                                  Bologna                      Kolbassa

Pickled Tongue                       Bacon                          Sandwich meats

Because of the processing of these products and the chemicals such as nitrites and nitrates used in many of them, they are not recommended for use at any time

11. Packaged, Processed and Refined Foods Generally

Canned, bottled, packaged, boxed, and other processed foods usually contain yeast, refined sugar, refined “enriched” flour, preservatives, chemicals, colouring, etc.. and are not recommended as part of a healthy diet.

FOODS TO RESTRICT IN CANDIDA ALBICANS TREATMENT

1.      Dairy Products

How much you will restrict dairy products will be determined by your body’s ability to digest fat (which is often impaired by the Candida), and your level of sensitivity to cow’s milk and cow’s milk products such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, etc. Usually eliminated are the following:

Cow’s milk in all forms (e.g. whole, skim, 2%, 1%, dry powdered etc.)
Most cheeses (the exception are those cheeses lower in milk lactose which may not provoke sensitivities in some people. These include Monteray jack, mozarella, sharp Cheddar (white), Colby, Swiss, and Provolone.
Skim yogurt is included for some people because of the helpful bacteria it contains.
Possible substitutes for Dairy

Goat’s milk and goat’s milk products (cheese, yogurt, etc.)
Soymilk (read the label as some commercial brands contain other ingredients e.g. Edensoy, Ah Soy, Soy Moo, etc.)
Nut milks (1/4 cup nuts + 1 cup water whizzed in the blender – try almonds, sesame, coconut, etc.)
Pecorino is a sheep’s cheese available in some Italian markets
REMINDER:  If foods on the restricted list are not food sensitivities for you they should still only be used infrequently and in small amounts.

2.      Fruits

Fruits are generally high in fructose, a natural sugar, and are subsequently high in carbohydrates. Fresh fruit and their juices (freshly squeezed juice where possible) that are not food sensitivities for you may be consumed occasionally in small amounts, as long as the recommended daily carbohydrate total is not exceeded. The sugar content will also feed the yeast and therefore should be minimized, if not eliminated, for the initial two week period.

3.      Grains

Grains are also very high in carbohydrates, which when broken down by the body may feed the yeast. Therefore only those that you are not sensitive to should be consumed and, again, only occasionally in small amounts keeping within the daily carbohydrate total. Possible grains include:

Millet                      Rye                              Amaranth (actually a seed)

Barley                    Wheat                          Long and short grain brown rice

Oats                       Buckwheat                   Triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye)

Quinoa                   Durum flour (a wheat containing less gluten)

4. Fats and Oils

Because fat metabolism is often impaired when Candida is a problem, fats and oils should be carefully tested and consumed in minimal amounts (e.g. 2 tablespoons per day.

Vegetable oils that have been cold-pressed without heat (usually available in health food stores) are your best choices. Some research indicates that sesame and corn oil (cold-pressed) are the most useful in the treatment of Candida albicans. Other oils to test include: safflower, sunflower, linseed, olive, almond etc… Some researchers also recommend adding a 400IU capsule of Vitamin E to a bottle of cold-pressed oil as soon as it is opened to reduce oxidation. All oils should be stored in a refrigerator once opened.

If you are not sensitive to butter, a useful idea is to mix the unsalted butter with a good vegetable oil (like sesame, corn, safflower, etc.) in a ratio of 1:1 (e.g. mix ½ a cup butter with ½ a cup oil). You can do this by hand, with a rotary mixer, or a blender. This mixture will be spreadable soft right from the refrigerator and should be stored in the fridge. You may also add garlic or herbs (like dill, tarragon, chives, etc.) for a more interesting spread.

Supplements

Mention should be made that many vitamin and mineral supplements today (especially multiple vitamin/minerals, B-Complex vitamins and selenium products) usually contain yeast or sugar unless specifically labeled yeast-free and sugar-free. These would be better avoided until the Candida is eliminated as they add to the yeast burden and/or feed the yeast.

Supplements and remedies to support the immune system, aid in fat metabolism, and act as anti-fungal agents to fight the Candida may also be recommended in conjunction with dietary recommendations

A final reminder that this is a temporary condition that CAN be brought under control with persistence and patient care!!!

Water

Finally, it is important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Ordinary tap water should be avoided and bottled spring water or distilled water used instead. Green tea can also provide many health benefits and may be used freely.

Natural Yeast Fighters

There are a number of foods that have antifungal properties. Among the most potent are garlic, onion, radish, black radish and horseradish. Garlic and onion are particularly beneficial, especially if eaten raw. Horseradish and watercress contain oils that suppress the growth of Candida yeast. Add fresh watercress to your salad: not only does it taste delicious but it aids in the fight against Candida

Lifestyle and Exercise

Whether or not your health problems are related to yeast, you will need to exercise if you want to enjoy good health. Exercise will increase your energy level, mental alertness and feeling of well-being. Furthermore, studies have shown that people who exercise develop fewer illnesses and are less apt to have accidents.

Aerobic exercise, which requires the use of oxygen to produce energy, are especially effective. Recommended aerobic exercises include walking, running, aerobic dance, swimming, cross-country skiing, bicycling and rowing. If you want to look good, feel good and overcome health problems of any sort, you’ll need to exercise regularly.

FOODS TO COPE WITH CANDIDA

Choose a wide variety from the following list!

USE LIBERALLY

Vegetables                                                                 Green Leafy Vegetables

                                                                                    (Salads and Steamed)

Artichoke (green)                                                         Cabbage (red, green, savoy, etc.)

Asparagus                                                                     Chinese cabbage

Bamboo Shoots                                                            Chives

Broccoli                                                                          Endive

Brussel Sprouts                                                            Escarole

Cauliflower                                                                    Greens

Celery                                                                             -Beet

Cucumber                                                                      -Collard

Daikon (Chinese radish)                                              -Dandelion

Eggplant                                                                         -Kale

Fennel                                                                              -Mustard

Garlic                                                                                -Turnip

Kohlrabi                                                                           Lettuce (romaine, leaf, boston,

Leeks                                                                                not Iceburg, head lettuce)

Okra                                                                                  Parlsey

Onions                                                                             Rapini

Peppers (red, green, yellow, etc.)                                Spinach

Radish                                                                             Swiss Chard

Rutabaga (yellow)                                                        Watercress

Snow peas

Sprouts

            -alfalfa

            -Mung                                                              Fresh Herbs

            -Lentil/Chick pea mix

            -any grain or dried bean sprout                         Basil

String beans                                                                     Chives

Tomato                                                                              Dill

Turnip (white)                                                                  Oregano

Zucchini (summer squash)                                             Parsley

*Jerusalem Artichoke                                                     Rosemary

*Popcorn –  1 cup portion                                              Sage

*Winter squash                                                              Tarragon

                                                                                           etc…

* use these with some caution

Protein Foods

***Note: protein foods should not be dried, smoked, cured or pickled

Fish                                                                             Seafood

Salmon (Chinook)                                                        Abalone

Mackeral (Atlantic)                                                      Clams

Salmon (pink)                                                               Crab (Alaska King)

Tuna (Albacore, canned and light)                           Crab (Blue, canned)

Sablefish                                                                        Escargot

Herring (Atlantic)                                                         Mussels

Trout (Rainbow)                                                           Octopus

Bass (Striped                                                                 Oysters

Catfish                                                                            Scallops

Ocean perch                                                                  Shrimp

Halibut (Pacific)                                                            Squid

Flounder

Haddock                                                                      Meat (Organically fed and raised)

Turbot

Sardines                                                                        Chicken

Cod                                                                                Cornish hen

Sole                                                                                Duck

Red Snapper                                                                 Turkey

Swordfish                                                                     Rabbit

Grouper                                                                         Beef

Boston Bluefish                                                          Frogs legs

ETC…                                                                            Lamb

                                                                                      Goat

Nuts (in moderation)                                                 Venison

                                                                                       Pheasant

Almonds                                                                       Quail

Sunflower seeds                                                          ETC…

Pumpkin seeds

Sesame seeds                                                               Alternate Sources

Filberts

Brazil nuts                                                                     Soybeans

Walnuts                                                                        Tofu

Pine nuts                                                                       Tempeh

Pecans                                                                           Eggs (soft yolked)

Pistachios

Macadamia Nuts

**NOTE: nuts can be used as nut butters or ground and used as flour for muffins and pancakes etc…

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Candida Diet – Treatment and Prevention

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