Candida is essentially a yeast overgrowth. It is an opportunistic fungus that can overtake your body. This is common after a course of antibiotics. The flora in the gut become out of balance, which can lead to fatigue, yeast infections, headaches, and digestive issues. While you will likely need to consult your physician to deal with a candida overgrowth and take an antifungal, there are some dietary changes you can make as well that will help. Here is a brief overview of what you need to know.
Cut Out Sugars
Yeast feeds on sugars. This is why when making bread, a bit of sugar is added to the yeast and water mixture. You want to eat as little added sugar as possible, as well as avoid whole foods that are naturally high in sugar. So in addition to things like cookies, cakes, and candies, avoid fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and grapes, as well as dried fruits, which have concentrated sugars. So cut out raisins, dates, and other dried fruits. Avoid drinking any fruit juices, too, which also have concentrated sugars. In general, fruit should be avoided, but citrus fruits in moderation are okay.
Avoid Gluten
Most people think of celiac disease when they think of gluten-free diets, but those with a candida issue should also avoid gluten. Glutinous grains aren't easy to digest, and the protein can trigger food sensitivities. If you are already struggling with an unbalanced digestive system, food with gluten will only make it worse. Choose gluten-free grains like buckwheat, millet, and quinoa instead.
Avoid Pork And Processed Meats
Well-cooked chicken and turkey are the best proteins to eat. Red meat can be eaten in moderation. But pork can retain parasites unless it is virtually overcooked, and processed meats, like lunch meat and hot dogs, are full of chemical and nitrates, sulfites, and sugars. You can also eat wild caught salmon, herring, and sardines.
Avoid Most Dairy Products
Dairy foods are high in a sugar called lactose. Just like gluten, it can trigger reactions and make digestion harder. Butter is okay, as is unsweetened yogurt, which has natural probiotics in it, a good thing to help your digestive system become balanced.
Avoid Condiments And Most Beverages
Condiments like ketchup are high in sugar. Natural sweeteners, like honey and agave, still act like sugar in the body, which will feed the yeast. Nuts and seeds tend to be high in molds, another fungus to avoid. Alcohol is also high in sugar. Stick to tea and water for your beverages.
Look into candida treatment for more help.
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