Candida is a genus of yeast like fungi that are commonly part of the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina. It is a necessary bacterium as part of the normal flora for human health. The problems arise when Candida becomes out of balance. There are numerous different strains of flora present within the digestive system. The two main intestinal bacterium are Candida Albicans and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
Candida albicans is a natural inhabitant, yeast that lives in colon. Candida albicans is most often isolated from the skin and vagina. Candida, also known as Thrush, is often associated with the well-known female vaginal infection. It presents as a white, cottage cheese vaginal discharge and is often associated with vaginal itching. Its cause is an overgrowth of the organism Candida Albicans.
Candida infections can also occur in the gastrointestinal tract as well. When this occurs it is called "Systemic Candidiasis," and affects both men and women! This may be present without any symptoms or may be the cause of numerous problems. While gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping are predominate, other problems may occur as well including, headaches, sinusitis, palpitations, and environmental allergies and food allergies
There are several reasons why candida can become such a problem. One is over use of antibiotics. This kills the friendly flora and allows the rapid growth of candida as does Steroid abuse. Another major factor is our environment and the changes in the food industry. Exposure to a toxic environment weakens our immune system.
It is the same with the food industry. We used to eat wholesome meat, fruit, vegetables and grains that were not tampered with. Now, the major players are finding ways to make food last longer with preservatives, dyes and chemical sprays. Processed food should be a no no for anyone who wants to stay healthy let alone someone who has candida or other related health problems.
Candida Diet
The classic Candida diet permits dense protein foods, such as chicken and fish, and as many vegetables as you can eat. Some people can use whole grains, while others cannot. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, as should foods made from flour breads, pastas, tortillas, cakes, cookies, etc. Eliminate all sugar, and all sugar-containing foods. Read food labels carefully, as thousands of packaged foods contain sucrose, dextrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses, barley malt, rice syrup, etc. If sweetening is required, use stevia. Avoid foods that contain vinegar (mustard, mayonnaise, etc.); fermented foods (cheese, sauerkraut, soy sauce, etc.); and processed meats, especially hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and so on. Drink only filtered or bottled water (tap water contains chlorine, which kills probiotics.). While the Candida diet is rigid, it is necessary. As you begin to get yeast under control, you may be able to increase the levels of grains you eat, and to add some fruits.
Candida albicans is a natural inhabitant, yeast that lives in colon. Candida albicans is most often isolated from the skin and vagina. Candida, also known as Thrush, is often associated with the well-known female vaginal infection. It presents as a white, cottage cheese vaginal discharge and is often associated with vaginal itching. Its cause is an overgrowth of the organism Candida Albicans.
Candida infections can also occur in the gastrointestinal tract as well. When this occurs it is called "Systemic Candidiasis," and affects both men and women! This may be present without any symptoms or may be the cause of numerous problems. While gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping are predominate, other problems may occur as well including, headaches, sinusitis, palpitations, and environmental allergies and food allergies
There are several reasons why candida can become such a problem. One is over use of antibiotics. This kills the friendly flora and allows the rapid growth of candida as does Steroid abuse. Another major factor is our environment and the changes in the food industry. Exposure to a toxic environment weakens our immune system.
It is the same with the food industry. We used to eat wholesome meat, fruit, vegetables and grains that were not tampered with. Now, the major players are finding ways to make food last longer with preservatives, dyes and chemical sprays. Processed food should be a no no for anyone who wants to stay healthy let alone someone who has candida or other related health problems.
Candida Diet
The classic Candida diet permits dense protein foods, such as chicken and fish, and as many vegetables as you can eat. Some people can use whole grains, while others cannot. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, as should foods made from flour breads, pastas, tortillas, cakes, cookies, etc. Eliminate all sugar, and all sugar-containing foods. Read food labels carefully, as thousands of packaged foods contain sucrose, dextrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses, barley malt, rice syrup, etc. If sweetening is required, use stevia. Avoid foods that contain vinegar (mustard, mayonnaise, etc.); fermented foods (cheese, sauerkraut, soy sauce, etc.); and processed meats, especially hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and so on. Drink only filtered or bottled water (tap water contains chlorine, which kills probiotics.). While the Candida diet is rigid, it is necessary. As you begin to get yeast under control, you may be able to increase the levels of grains you eat, and to add some fruits.