Candida Control Diet

Candida albicans is a type of yeast normally found in the mouth, throat, intestines and vagina. Probiotic bacteria, live microorganisms found naturally in the digestive tract, are responsible for controlling the yeast population in the body. However, when the bacteria fails to to control the yeast, often due to use of antibiotics or poor diet, candidiasis, or yeast overgrowth, occurs. The candida diet plan treats candidiasis by naturally reducing the yeast population in the body.

Diet

On the candida diet, foods that convert to sugar upon digestion must be avoided, because yeast feed on sugar. Additionally, foods containing fungi must be avoided in the diet as they can hinder the bodies fight against yeast. Individuals on the candida diet must eliminate these foods for three months or until symptoms disappear. Once symptoms disappear, eliminated foods can slowly be reintroduced into the diet.

Eliminated Foods

On the candida diet, the following foods must be avoided: breaded meats, egg substitutes, butter and margarine substitutes, coffee, tea, soda, yeast (breads, pastries, alcohol), glutenous foods (wheat, oats, rye, barley) mushrooms, pickles, salad dressings, green olives, soy sauce, aged cheeses, chocolate, dried fruits, corn, peanuts, fermented foods, vinegars, any foods containing vinegar or sugar, tuna, swordfish, shark and shellfish. Additionally, all fruits and fruits juices must be avoided except for green apples, berries, avocados, grapefruits, lemons and limes.

Acceptable Foods

While on the candida diet, eat the following foods and ingredients: yogurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese, butter, green algae, fresh vegetables, fresh vegetable juice, apple cider vinegar, black olives, rice, oils and raw nuts (except peanuts). Potatoes and legumes also are not allowed for the first two weeks but can be eaten thereafter in moderation. Additionally, stevia and xylitol are suitable sugar replacements on the diet. Stevia is a powder-like substance that can be mixed into drinks or sprinkled over food. Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol and is frequently found in sugar-free gum, candies and other sugar-free foods.