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A Candida Yeast Solution

If you are one of the millions of sufferers of Candida overgrowth (also known as yeast), and you're looking for a natural way to combat the problem without having to resort to harmful drugs or medications, here is a solution that is simple and easy to follow, even for those with chronic yeast problems.

  1. What is Candida?

    • Candida albicans is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in the intestinal tract and mucous membranes of the body. It aids in digesting simple carbohydrates, sugars and alcohol in the body.

      However, it is a proliferate bacterium, and can multiply rapidly in the right environment. When this happens, the unfortunate host will experience anything from mild digestive discomfort to irritation of the mucous membranes. Some believe Candida is only a female problem, but anyone can suffer from Candida overgrowth, more commonly known as a yeast infection. Extreme Candida overgrowth has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including:

      * Sinus infections and sinusitis
      * Ear infections
      * Thrush
      * PMS and menstrual problems
      * Leaky gut syndrome
      * Weight gain or weight loss
      * Chronic fatigue syndrome

    The Yeast-Free Diet

    • As debilitating as many of these conditions may be, Candida can be controlled and symptoms eliminated. To understand the cure, it is important to understand how Candida thrives.

      As noted above, Candida albicans aids in the breakdown of simple carbohydrates. This is because it consumes carbohydrates. In other words, Candida lives on sugar! So, the obvious first step in getting Candida under control is to eliminate sugar from the diet as much as possible. Be careful of "hidden" sugars, and don't forget that carbohydrates are complex sugars.

      Following is the basic Candida-free diet.

      Foods to avoid:

      * Soda and fruit juices
      * Candy, cookies, cakes, and other sugary treats
      * Processed flours (items with white flour, such as white bread, pasta, bagels,
      muffins, etc.)
      * Other processed grains, including white rice
      * Sweetened cereals
      * "Fat-free" products such as yogurts, salad dressing and cheeses (these often have
      sugar added to compensate for loss of taste)

      Also, some processed meats and luncheon meats often have sugar added in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. Avoid all products with this additive.

      The diet should be based on the following:

      * Natural animal proteins (lean meat, fish, eggs)
      * Whole grains such as brown rice (however, avoid yeast-type breads)
      * Legumes (dried beans and lentils)
      * Fresh fruits and vegetables (avoid canned fruits that have sugar added)

      Even fruits and vegetables that are high in natural sugars should be avoided, at least temporarily, until the Candida growth is under control.

      In addition to diet, there are some natural supplements that are beneficial for yeast infections. Probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria are natural cultures found in yogurt, and can help control Candida growth. Also, vitamin C, cinnamon, barley grass, and burdock root all help to boost the immune system so that the body can fight off excess Candida naturally.

    Be Patient

    • However long you have been suffering with Candida overgrowth, be patient. The above changes take a little discipline and it may take some time to bring your system back into balance. Once the symptoms subside, continue with the yeast-free diet as much as possible to prevent recurrent infections.

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