Candida Diet - Dos and Don'ts

Candida is a naturally occurring yeast. When it is controlled and well balanced within the body, there are no significant health risks. When Candida becomes overproduced the yeast can grow and cause an infection of sorts. These infections can occur in the throat, mouth, genitals, and skin folds. Not every human has Candida in their body, but many do.

Candida infections are caused by eating junk food, an out of balance intestinal tract, and recently being sick. These things can lead to an increased production of Candida and will make your life very uncomfortable until it is controlled. Unfortunately one of the only ways to control Candida is by taking an antibiotic. These are not a great option because they decrease the bacteria from your intestines even further.

The Candida diet plan is a safe alternative to minimizing your risk of Candida growth, as well as getting rid of recent Candida infections throughout the body. For women a Candida problem is likely the most embarrassing and irritating conditions of all. There is a multi-step plan to help eliminate the symptoms that go along with having an infection from Candida.

• You must start off by detoxing your system. Junk food, high fat and salt intake, as well as large amounts of sugar can contribute to a Candida growth. This is unpleasant and itchy, and causes havoc inside the intestines. There are a number of ways to detox, and one of the most popular methods is by a colon cleanse. A colon cleanser is the easiest method for detoxing, and it also works the fastest. An added benefit is that some cleansers have probiotics to help replenish lost digestive tract bacteria.
• Herbs and natural substances that have anti-Candida properties are best. Depending on the severity of your condition you may need to use these everyday for a few weeks. Most people recommend taking them for a few days then stopping for a few days. The growth will slow down gradually and eventually return to normal.
• Use natural antibiotics that will kill the bad bacteria instead of ALL of the body's bacteria. Good examples include any foods that contain high levels of probiotics. Kombucha is a well known drink that can help promote a healthy system as well as kill any unwanted nasty microorganisms in the body. A good colon cleanser that contains nutrients is another way to continue your Candida diet.
• The final step to the Candida diet is to increase your regular consumption of healthy foods. Avoid foods known to carry bacteria, Candid related or not, and try to minimize dairy intake. Dairy is well known to cause mucus production which may also lead to increased Candida growth in the genitals, throat, and even intestines. A healthy diet will reflect a happy and healthy body. Regular detoxing, perhaps once every 4 months, is ideal for those that want to maintain a healthy digestive system with a Candida increase.

Don'ts for the Candida Diet:

• If you have an infection under a skin fold or in the genital area, do not exercise. This will increase warmth and sweat, thus encouraging the Candida to grow. Instead work on keeping the area dry.
• Don't use chemicals if you can help it. In some cases not taking a prescription can be life threatening but this is extremely rare. You can usually treat a Candida infection yourself by following the Candida Diet.
• Avoid lactose and certain fruits.
• While Kombucha is fermented it does contain huge levels probiotics which are helpful when fighting infections. Other fermented drinks (beer, alcohol) should be avoided.
• Gluten and high sugar content foods should not be eaten during your time of infection.

Do's for the Candida Diet:

• Eat plenty of protein. You don't need to eat meat to get protein. Consider beans, rice, almonds, and nuts for protein that also contains bacteria fighting properties.
• Consume as many vegetables as possible, especially spinach.
• Algae supplements are great.
• Fruit extracts in pills or liquid form are ok. Fruits that aren't high in sugar are also considered safe.
• Colon cleansers for a simple flush are immensely helpful at the beginning of the Candida Diet.
• Herbal supplements to increase your bodily defenses.