For candida- diet

Candidiasis is an infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus known as Candida albicans. This yeast-like fungus can cause subsequent infections in the digestive tract, urinary tract, skin, and vagina. The lack of healthy probiotic bacteria in the body coupled with a poor immune system is one of the major causes of Candidiasis infection.

People who suffer from HIV/ AIDS and the elderly have a greater tendency to develop the infection due to their compromised immunity.

Medical treatment for Candidiasis normally includes antifungal medications such as tablets, oral rinses, vaginal suppositories and corticosteroid creams. Studies also suggest that following a diet for candida infection may help prevent recurring yeast infections.

The Candida diet is based on the following stages:

Stage 1: Cleanse the entire body to flush out all toxins

Stage 2: Eat only the best foods for Candida to prevent recurring infections. Introduce natural probiotics and anti-fungal foods to fight the existing infection.

Stage 3: Re-introduce other foods into your diet once the fungal overgrowth is dealt with.

The length of the Candida diet will depend on the severity of the symptoms and your overall health. Some people may take a few weeks to respond to the diet whereas others may need a few months before the benefits become apparent. The general guidelines of a Candida diet include:

Foods that you should consume:

Your candida diet food list should include the following:

Lentils
Whole grain rice
Quinoa
Avocado
Coconut Oil
Chia seeds
Turmeric
Garlic
Oats
Green leafy vegetables
Lemons
Natural Greek yoghurt

The above power foods should be included in your diet when trying to fight a Candida infection. Besides this you could include low carbohydrate foods such as turkey, shellfish, chicken, meat and vegetables that are non-starchy. Following a diet of such power foods ensures that the Candida yeast cells are cleansed from the body and the chances of recurring infections reduces considerably.

Foods that you need to avoid:

Sugar – Sugar is known to aid yeast growth and is therefore high on the list of Candida foods to avoid. The total consumption of carbohydrates should also be restricted when you are on a treatment diet for candida infection. Refined flour and white rice are best kept out of the Candida diet food list

Yeast – Fermented foods that contain yeast such beer, bread, cheese, and pickles have to be avoided at all costs.

Soda – Soft drinks are packed with artificial flavors, preservations and sweeteners. All these increase the production of the fungus in the body. Similarly, artificially prepared fruit juice contains high levels of sugar that may increase the infection and should therefore be avoided.

Milk – Many experts believe that the lactose and hormones present in milk can aggravate a Candida infection.

Processed foods, snacks, low-calorie, and diet foods are rich in unhealthy fats that promote growth of the infection.

It is important to follow a diet plan as it works together with medication to heal the body of the infection.