Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is a yeast that is commonly found in the digestive tract of humans. In most people Candida lives in harmony in the digestive tract along with all the other micro-flora, without causing problems. However in people with weakened digestion or with weakened immunity the numbers of the Candida organism can take over and upset the balance of the digestive system. Symptoms throughout the entire body can then follow, as the body attempts to deal with excess levels of Candida, and the byproducts it produces.

Symptoms include:

• Tired or lethargic
• Poor memory
• Feel drained, depleted or exhausted
• Numbness, burning, tingling
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain or swelling
• Muscle aching or weakness
• Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching
• Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
• Prostatitis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of sexual desire
• Endometriosis or infertility
• Menstrual irregularity or cramping
• Anxiety attacks or crying
• Cold hands and feet, feel chilly
• Irritable or shaking when hungry

Contributing Factors

• Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids, anti-ulcer medications, or frequent or long-term use of antibiotics
• High-sugar diets
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Diabetes

Candida, like other yeasts, thrives in an environment with lots of sugar. It is important when attempting to control a Candida overgrowth that dietary sugars are drastically reduced - particularly in the initial stages of following the Candida protocol. Dietary sources of yeast should also be avoided.

Most people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 3-4 weeks, however others may take longer. We suggest you keep a food and symptom diary whilst following the Candida diet so that you can track your mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, digestive symptoms etc.

It is important to be as strict as possible with following the guidelines below. Even small amounts of foods in the list below can have a significant effect on symptoms in some people - so it's best to remove them completely from the diet. After the initial 3-4 week period, foods can be reintroduced in small amounts one by one to allow for assessment of reaction.

When embarking on this protocol you are starving the candida organisms of their food and they will die off. Many people talk about a "die off" reaction with headaches, irritability, insomnia, low energy etc, and this comes about largely because your body lacks the capacity to detoxify everything all at once. Do your body a favour and give it a head start, get rid of the things that cause your body to work harder and focus on a whole stack of veggies, some good sources of protein and good fats, and leave the rest until you're done.

Foods to Avoid

• Cheese
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Dried fruits
• Fresh fruits
• Fermented foods
• Mushrooms
• Vinegar
• Glutenous foods (wheat, rye, oats, barley)
• All sugars, honeys and syrups (that includes any ‘ose’, like lactose, sucrose etc)
• Foods that contain yeast or mold (breads, muffins, cakes, baked goods, cheese, dried fruits, melons, peanuts and pistachios)

Foods containing refined sugar could be labelled with the following ingredients: white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, maple sugar, molasses, date sugar, turbinado, raw sugar, demerrara, amasake, rice syrup, sorghum, sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharides, polysaccharides.

Fruit contain natural sugars that can support the growth of yeast. Avoid fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruit and juice. Those with less severe cases may be able to tolerate 1 or 2 pieces of fruit each day - eaten at the end of a meal.

Baked goods, pastries, and muffins usually contain a lot of sugar.

Gluten-containing foods include wheat, barley, and rye. This includes products made with these ingredients such as bread and pasta. Gluten can increase the permeability of the intestinal tract even for those without celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. It is beneficial to avoid gluten for the duration of the candida protocol and to replace with a small amount of grains such as rice and corn. Remember that large amounts of carbohydrates will increase blood sugar levels and "feed" the candida so keep carbohydrates to a minimum and consume them with meals only - not on their own or as a snack.

Any food made with vinegar (mayonnaise, commercial salad dressing, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, mustard, pickles, pickled vegetables, green olives, relishes, horseradish, mincemeat, and chili sauce.

Coffee, tea should be avoided. Give your liver a break from detoxing the caffeine, and let it focus on cleaning up the mess from detoxing the candida.

Packaged, Processed, and Refined Foods - focus on good quality organic vegetables and protein sources, rather than relying on pre-prepared meals and snacks.

Foods to Eat

• Vegetables (including plenty of raw garlic)
• Protein foods (beef, chicken, eggs, fish)
• Live yoghurt cultures (dairy or non-dairy)
• Probiotic specifically targeting yeast overgrowth (ask us at the clinic)
• Green algae (such as spirulina and chlorella)
• Nuts, seeds and oils, and non-glutenous grains (like millet, rice, rice bran and oat bran)

Blood Test for Candida Antibodies

At the clinic we can provide an on the spot blood test to determine if you have antibodies to Candida albicans and therefore a high probability of a Candida overgrowth. Phone ahead of time to ensure that we have equipment on hand for your scheduled appointment time.

How Can We Help?

During the initial stages of following the Candida diet you have an excellent opportunity to boost your immune system and strengthen and repair your digestion. With your body having a "break" from fighting the Candida, you can start to take preventative measures to reduce the impact of future Candida "attacks". This can be achieved by various methods - taking vitamins and supplements, taking herbal medicines, acupuncture treatments can all assist to repair your digestion and strengthen your immune system. If you'd think you might have a problem with Candida, or would like us to assist you to undertake a Candida diet - contact us now or make an appointment to see one of our practitioners.