The Anti Candida Diet
The anti-candida diet is a dietary plan that is meant to help reduce the population of Candida, a type of yeast, in the body. Candida is a normal part of the microflora (microorganisms that live in the body) but can sometimes overgrow and cause problems, such as thrush or a yeast infection. The diet is based on the idea that eliminating certain types of foods that feed Candida and adding others that are thought to inhibit its growth can help restore the balance of microflora in the body and improve symptoms.
Here is what the diet typically looks like
The diet typically involves avoiding foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, as these are thought to feed Candida. This includes foods like white bread, pastries, and other baked goods; sugary drinks and snacks; and processed foods that contain added sugars.
The diet also typically involves avoiding fermented foods and drinks, as these can contain high levels of yeast. This includes items like alcohol, vinegar, and fermented dairy products.
The diet may also include avoiding certain types of fruits, as some are high in natural sugars that could potentially feed Candida. This may include fruit juices, dried fruit, and certain fresh fruits, such as bananas and grapes.
The diet typically includes adding foods that are thought to inhibit the growth of Candida or support the body’s natural defenses against it. These may include non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower; protein sources like chicken, fish, and eggs; and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil.
How the diet avoids the root cause
This diet can often be very restrictive which can lead to other concerns including nutrient deficiencies and lacking macronutrients. I will often do stool testing with my patients if I feel that there are overgrowths that need to be addressed. The key components to treating the digestive system appropriately include
- Remove – removal of overgrowths *usually using antimicrobials and anti fungals targetted to main concerns
- Replace – ensuring proper stomach acid levels are present in order to digest food completely and avoid intolerances
- Reinoculate- Bring back good bacteria (ie probiotics) to ensure a balanced microbiome
- Repair- repair the gut lining so that overgrowths don’t occur in the future.
- Rebalance- manage things like long term diet, stress etc to prevent overgrowths in the future.
