Things to Avoid With Candida

Candida is a yeast normally found in small quantities in the intestinal tract, mouth, vagina and rectum. The most common form of Candida, which usually causes major problems when overgrown, is Candida albicans. Candidiasis is an overgrowth of this yeast leading to a widespread systemic yeast infection. This condition can affect both men and women.

Candidiasis Symptoms

• There are a wide range of mental and physical symptoms caused by Candidiasis. Some of these are fatigue, abdominal pain, cognitive difficulties, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, jock itch, ringworm, athlete's foot, irritable bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, PMS, depression, memory loss and insomnia.

Conditions Caused by Candidiasis

• Thrush is the most common form of Candidiasis, occurring in the mouth and affecting both women and men. Vaginal yeast infections happen to as many as 75 percent of women at one time or another.

  A chronic case of Candidiasis can occur in the intestinal tract, causing Leaky Gut Syndrome. The yeast becomes wildly overgrown, producing rhizomes that dig into the intestinal tissue and membrane. This causes intense pain and other severe symptoms as it releases toxins into the bloodstream.

Candida Development

• Candida thrives in an acidic pH environment and also creates an acidic environment in which to grow. By interfering with the enzyme production of digestive proteins, it causes indigestion, gas, bloating, acidity and sensitivity to certain foods. It can also cause malnutrition, since it interferes with the proper absorption of nutrients by fermenting foods in the stomach instead of allowing them to digest.

Avoiding Candida

• A diet change is best in the fight against Candida. People with Candidiasis will crave sugar, which is the main fuel for Candida growth. Avoid using sugar and artificial sweeteners. Use natural, plant-based sweeteners instead such as stevia and vegetable glycerin products. Do not consume refined white flour products like pasta, cakes, pastries or instant and cold cereals. Eliminate legumes and nuts like beans and peas with added sugar, as in canned legumes. Avoid tempeh, bean sprouts, coconut, walnuts, peanuts and pistachios as well, along with dairy products such as buttermilk, cheese, sour cream, yogurt and substitutes such as sweetened soymilk.

  When beginning a Candida-elimination diet, avoid fruit at first because of the fructose. Never eat dried fruit, which is much higher in natural sugars. Instead eat low-sugar fruits such as apples, melons, strawberries and grapefruit. Avoid canned fruits and vegetables, which often contain added sugars. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, black tea, cereal-based beverages and all soft drinks -- including diet.

  Do not consume beef, chicken and pork that contains added hormones and antibiotics. Eat free-range organic meats instead. Eliminate bacon, sausages, pepperoni and other salami products, since they contain nitrites, nitrates and added sugars. Also avoid starchy foods, such as potatoes and their skins, mushrooms, cucumber skins, canned tomatoes and soups.