Phase 1 & 2 Candida Diet

Candida albicans is a yeast that occurs naturally in the digestive tract and other mucus membranes. The yeast can become toxic when an overgrowth occurs, caused by poor diet, antibiotics or digestive disturbances. When an overabundance of Candida is present in the body, other diseases can be triggered, such as Lupus, MS and depression along with gastric problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. A special diet can help remove Candida from the gut. There are two phases to the diet.

Understanding the Diet

Specific dietary changes starve the Candida. They feed on sugar and carbohydrates, such as bread and grains. The first phase of the diet is the most strict, when all sweets and carbs are removed. As healing occurs, the Phase 2 diet can be started, which is less restrictive.

Sources of Sugar

Sugar is not just the white stuff you put on cereal. Sugar is also found in many foods, such as soda, canned foods, packaged foods, breakfast cereal and, of course, candy and bakery goods. Other names for sugar, which can be found by looking on the packaging of foods are: Beet Sugar, Dextrose, Maltose, Lactose, Maltodextrin, Fructose and High Fructose Corn Syrup. Avoiding all of these starves the Candida.

Foods to Avoid in a Phase 1 Diet

Many food are eliminated in the Phase 1 diet, according to www.althealth.co.uk. Foods to avoid include sugar, alchohol, wheat, fermented products like soy sauce, dairy and processed foods. Avoid grains as much as possible. Reduce fruit intake, as it contains fructose, a form of sugar.

Food to Add in a Phase 1 Diet

Add protein foods from animal sources, such as beef, chicken, lamb and turkey. You may include low carbohydrate vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, kale, zucchini, garlic and peppers, according to http://canteatit.net. You may also include low sugar fruits such as berries and pears.

Phase 2 Diet

The Phase 2 Diet is less restrictive, according to the website www.holistichelp.net. After the symptoms of the Candida infection lessen, begin to add carbohydrate foods to the diet. Add a piece of fruit and see if symptoms return. If not, you can continue to gradually add carbs to the diet. Start with small portions and build slowly. Add a half cup of rice on one day, then wait two days to see if the body handles it well. Over time, you can continue to return to a normal diet.

Warning

If symptoms return, go back to the strict Phase 1 diet until the gut settles back down.