By practicing a Candida diet, yeast infections can be naturally cured without the use of dangerous antibiotics that destroy the body’s natural flora. In fact, without practicing a Candida diet, those who undergo a yeast infection treatment, will be at risk for developing recurrent infections over time. However, with a few very easy lifestyle and dietary changes, Candida yeast overgrowth can be eliminated and chronic yeast infections avoided.
Definition
Candida, officially known as Candida Albicans, refers to yeast that exists in every human’s body. A yeast infection occurs when Candida’s presence in the body becomes imbalanced and multiplies to dangerous levels.
Causes
Diets that rely heavily on processed foods, sugar, salt and caffeine are the primary culprits in fueling Candida yeast overgrowth.
Also, although antibiotic medications are commonly prescribed to treat yeast infections and a host of other infections, some bacteria are necessary to the human digestive tract. Antibiotic medications kill these necessary bacteria, thus creating an imbalanced environment, which allows yeast to freely multiply.
Steroids, birth control pills, pregnancy, cigarette smoking, a weakened or compromised immune system, and diabetes are also known to heighten the risk of Candida overgrowth.
Symptoms
Candida yeast infections most often occur in the intestines, the digestive tract, the stomach, the skin and in various mucous membranes.
A few yeast infection symptoms are:
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Sinus congestion
- Poor memory
- Poor concentration
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Colitis
- Hormone imbalances
- Craving sweets
In women, yeast infections are often present in the vagina and present some of the following unique symptoms:
- Vaginal itching or burning
- Painful urination
- Painful intercourse
- Smelly discharge
- Inflamed and/or red, irritated vulva
Diet
Making healthy dietary choices is the first line of defense against a yeast infection. Not only does it strengthen the immune system and rebalance the digestive tract, but a Candida diet effectively eliminates foods that are known to cause yeast to multiply, such as:
- Sugar
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial coloring
- Preservatives
- Carbohydrates
- Beer
- Bread
- Tomato paste
- Cheese
- Mushrooms
Of all of the ingredients listed above, sugar is considered to be a favorite food source for Candida Albicans. Sugar is known to not only feed Candida yeast, but it is also known to seriously weaken the body’s immune system overall. Unfortunately, it is also one of the ingredients that a person with a yeast infection will most crave while on a Candida diet. Of course, this will change over time as the body adjusts to sugar abstinence, but it may be a difficult choice at first. To assist with overcoming the craving and to help with initiating a Candida cleanse, large amounts of water should be consumed. Also, it is important that all food labels are carefully read as many products that don’t seem to be sweetened do, in fact, contain sugar or a dangerous sugar substitute.
As with any diet that is targeting optimal health, the Candida diet also requires that all junk foods and fast foods be fiercely avoided.
Traditional yeast infection treatments are quite aggressive and typically require antibiotic medications. However, because a certain amount of yeast is necessary in the human body, it is not advisable to try to completely eliminate Candida. Rather, a diet that helps bring Candida yeast down to a healthy, balanced level is desired. Foods that help in this effort are:
A Candida diet can be individualized according to a person’s liking and taking into consideration any food allergies or intolerances. Also, although it is tempting to only remain on a Candida diet while symptoms are present, to prevent the risk of future infections, it is advisable that a Candida diet be adopted permanently. This is particularly so for people who have a history of recurring infections.
Suggestions, which may help in creating discipline when initiating a Candida diet are:
- Select only a few food ingredients to focus on consuming in the beginning. This keeps the diet simple until it becomes more comfortable.
- Eat four or five small meals per day to keep hunger cravings at a minimum and to keep blood sugar levels balanced.
- Keep snack portions of nuts and fresh vegetables on hand for in between meal snacking. Carrying these with you when away from home is also advisable so as to reduce the temptation of buying unhealthy foods when hunger arises.
Along with a Candida diet, certain precautions should be taken to prevent a vaginal yeast infection, such as:
- Avoid wearing wet clothes for longer than necessary
- Avoid tight fitting pants
- Only wear underwear or pantyhose with cotton crotches
It is also important that proper levels of sleep are maintained in order to properly balance the body and support overall good health. Between six and eight hours of sound, restorative sleep should be enjoyed nightly.
Preventing Candida yeast overgrowth is the best way to avoid an initial infection. This is easy enough to do with education, diet, rest and disciplined effort. However, for those who are currently experiencing an infection or who worry about an infection returning, adhering to a Candida diet is among the best natural cures and home remedies available. A Candida diet helps in naturally maintaining a balanced environment that allows yeast to exist without allowing it to multiply out of control. A decision to drastically change one’s diet may seem difficult to accomplish in the beginning, but with practice and a willingness to radically improve one’s health, it can and should be done.
