Candida Albicans - a diploid fungus that is always present in the genital and intestinal tracts. Candida levels are kept in check by the immune system and beneficial probiotic bacteria in the body. It only poses a problem if it is present in disproportionate quantities then it can cause an infection. When the candida fungal levels reach high levels, it can turn into a variety of infections including vaginal, penile, thrush, skin or systemic.

A weakened immune system can result in candidia as they are an opportunistic fungus and will take hold when your body is not strong enough to rid itself of it.

Many sufferers of Candidiasis remain undiagnosed by their doctors and unaware of their condition. Unfortunately, many doctors don’t recognize the systemic problems that Candidiasis causes. They only treat the symptoms such as vaginal infection or oral thrush. 

Depending on where the yeast infection outbreak is located, the symptoms can vary. It can be characterized by an array of symptoms such as:

Colitis, headaches, diarrhea, bad breath, mood swings, memory loss, temporary “fuzzy thinking”, prostatitis, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, PMS, burning tongue, extreme fatigue etc., etc. Rectal itching is another symptom. People who have intestinal candidiasis can alternate between being constipated and having diarrhea.

Symptoms will often present worse in damp or mouldy places or after consumption of foods containing sugar and or yeast.

 

Some Useful Supplements and herbs  

Aloe vera juice has been shown to boost the white blood cells ability to kill yeast cells.

Olive leaf extract with oleuropein is a powerful healer of microbial infections.

Grapefruit seed extract – helps rid the body of potentially harmful organisms.

Wild oregano oil is a potent antiseptic useful in killing a range of fungi.

Probiotics  to include Acidophillus, lactobacillus, bifidobacteria and Bio bifidus Fight candidia, helps to enhance cell function and restore balance in favour of the friendly bacteria..

Essential Fatty Acids – Black currant seed oil and flaxseed oil are important in healing candidiasis.

Garlic inhibits infecting organisms and acts as a natural antibiotic and immunostimulant

Turmeric extract is also good for killing off parasites.

Apple Cider Vinger helps to balance the pH level of your body and can prevent harmful pathogens like candidia from growing out of control. A teaspoon in a drop of water taken before each meal can aid digestion and prevent undigested food particles from feeding candidia in the gut.

Coconut oil contains some anti candidia properties fatty acids like caprylic acid and lauric acid are potent and antifungal agents.

 

**Please check with your healthcare provider to ensure that there are no contraindications with any existing medication that you may be on before taking supplements.

 

 

Eat more

Follow a low GL (Glycaemic Load) Diet

During a Candida cleanse, vegetables should be the primary source of nutrition. Eat a rainbow of colour to ensure you are getting all the phytonutrients and nutrients that you require.

Gluten Free grains – brown rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, teff, millet and barley.

Good quality lean protein such as chicken, turkey, legumes, good quality seafood etc.

Use herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, cumin, black pepper, nutmeg, paprika, cayenne and turmeric

Certain herbs help in improving the digestion and can be safely consumed in the form of herbal infusions or teas. You could have chamomile tea, green tea, mint tea or ginger tea.

Eat no more than two portions of low GL fruit per day

Avoid

Do not eat breads containing yeast, biscuits, cakes, and fermented foods, such as soy sauce, vinegar, and pickled foods. Remove mould-containing foods from the diet. This includes aged-cheese, breads, and mushrooms.

Processed, packaged foods should not be eaten during an infection with Candida. These foods are often rich in sugar, yeast, and other substances that can encourage yeast proliferation. Avoid condiments like horseradish, mayonnaise, ketchup and relish due to the high sugar content in them.

Try to avoid anything that is sweet. Stay away from any type of sugar such as honey, fructose, maltose, molasses, syrup, chocolate and fruits. In fact, coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided when one is following a candida cleanse diet.

Gluten-containing foods include wheat, barley, and rye. This includes products made with these ingredients such as bread and pasta.

 

Note: High levels of mercury in the body can result in candidiasis as mercury salts inhibit the growth of necessary friendly bacteria.

 

When you are on candida cleanse diet, you may sense flu-like symptoms in the first few days. Since the foods in the candida diet are devoid of sugar, the disease-causing fungus or yeast struggle to survive. As a result, they secrete a toxin called mycotoxin. It is due to the secretion of mycotoxin that you get fever and feel weak. You may also experience some weight loss. Such symptoms usually disappear after 10-15 days. If they persist, stop following the candida diet and consult a doctor for necessary evaluation and assistance.