Health advisory - CANDIDA

So fast and so complicated is our world today that unnoticeable occurrences happen. In the world of science and all its generality comes a disease initially ignored but has sprouted into our awareness. Such is the case of the sweet sounding but pressing ‘’Candida’’.

Candidiasis virus

What is it? It is a type of yeast that causes infection (Candidiasis). It is more common to women as initial cause of it is vaginal infection. Also, Candida may cause mouth infections in people with reduced immune function, or in patients taking certain antibiotics. Candida can be found in virtually all normal people but causes problems in only a fraction. In recent years, however, several serious categories of candidiasis have become more common, due to overuse of antibiotics, the rise of AIDS, the increase in organ transplantations, and the use of invasive devices (catheters, artificial joints and valves)—all  of which increase a patient’s susceptibility to infection.  The problem occurs when something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and this allows the yeast organism to proliferate and take over all the healthy microorganisms. 

It normally resides in the intestinal tract, mouth, throat and genitals, however it can burrow holes in the intestinal tract, enter the blood stream and then make it's way into any organ of the body. To make matters worse it emits over 70 different toxins into the body. Some people may even become allergic to the yeast itself. 

Moreover, it is triggered by the following factors: high-sugar diets and diabetes, food allergies and intolerances, smoking and pregnancy. Experts say that it is the excess yeast, Candida Albican, in our intestines that further destroys the immune system, which causes an allergic reaction. Its complexity in diagnosis was even battled controversial in the science field as early as its discovery in 1983. 

Candida is dreaded in many ways for its various symptoms such as abdominal gas and bloating, headaches, migraines, excessive fatigue, cravings for alcohol, to name few.

Morbidly, the damage Candida causes leaves us with is nothing but death if left unaware and ignorant of the way to treat it. We can combat it with the change of our lifestyle, lesser sugar intakes and a good diet. Just like stroke, Candida also heavily affects the brain and all the system that surrounds it. The intake of sugar is a pivotal factor. The control and/or elimination of sugar can lessen yeast infection, since sugar is nirvana for those yeasts. 

I’ve been able to search few tips and Candida diet regimen which will be of aide to everyone. Remember that these won’t be successful if we are just sitting and reading it. Your psychological humdrum must push you more to get on with it.

The first word in almost any type of diet is AVOID.  Avoid sugar.  Experts say that sugar promotes the growth of yeast. You must carefully watch your food intake. Consider factors such as health, activity level, and the extent of food sensitivities. 

But is it possible? Yes, but you have to choose the lesser evil. Take lesser organic sugar. The same still has its nutritional value intact compared to refined white sugar. Excessive intake of sugar and the disease probability it brings taken into consideration, be it organic or not, it would be better to avoid it.

If you think that alcohol is not on our Candida diet, read on. Alcoholic beverages are believed to encourage the growth of yeast. Sad to say that all forms of alcohol are meant to be eliminated such as red wine, , beer, whiskey, gin, white wine, scotch, vodka, rum, brandy and all liqueurs. 

Cheeses are also a part of the ordeal. Roquefort and other aged, moldy or blue cheeses are not allowed on a typical Candida diet. Also included are processed cheese such as cheese slices, Velveeta, Cheese Whiz, cream cheese, cheese snacks, and Kraft dinner.

To make things worse, the inclusion of processed, dried, smoked, and pickled meats. These foods include smoked salmon, pickled herring, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, pastrami, bologna, sandwich meats, salami, corned beef, pickled tongue, and kolbassa.

Avoid also packaged, processed, and refined foods. Canned, bottled, packaged, boxed, and other processed foods containing yeast, refined sugar, refined flour, chemicals, preservatives, or food coloring.

Usually, low-carbohydrate foods such as meat, chicken, turkey, shellfish, non-starchy vegetables, and certain nuts are provided. The total carbohydrate in the diet can gradually increase if symptoms of Candida lowers down. Initial provision is 60 grams of carbohydrates per day. 

With all these presented, does a Candida patient still, at least, have the luxury of eating? Arguably, almost everything was scraped off or prohibited. What else can a Candida patient eat? Luckily there are and there are some leeways on a Candida diet.

There are, of course, foods that can be eaten such as lean meat and fish, eggs, high in protein vegetables, and some fruits and nuts. Experts further say that the basic and most successful Candida diet should consist of nothing but low carbohydrate vegetables, eggs, and lean meat. A small amount of whole fruit, nuts and seeds may be acceptable as long as they don’t aggravate the symptoms.

Your Candida diet must include meats such as buffalo - is lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken or turkey, chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, ostrich, pheasant, venison and fish. These exclude processed meats like lunch meat, spam, bacon, sausage etc.

Adding to the diet in the inclusion of Low Carb Vegetables namely, cabbage, kale, lettuce, cucumbers, zucchinis, cauliflower, green beans, spinach or any green leafy vegetable that is low in carbohydrates. Onions, garlic, green peppers and avocados are great for stabilizing blood sugar.

As stated above, there are ‘cheat days’. Rigorously following your Candida diet at start is quite a daunting task. Just like any diet, it requires determination and focus. I would lie if I say that the Candida diet doesn’t come with hurdles. It is quite life challenging with the fear of disease added and its mounting pressure. To have a diet as strict as the Candida diet requires full attention and discipline. Aside from the actual eating, controlling the shouting crave for that prohibited food requires an amount of effort that is willed. A Candida diet must come with a goal. It should be easier to achieve. Most people set their diet goals as if they are impossible.

Having the right mindset and enough will not just to follow the diet but moreso, fight the disease is your ultimate goal in this endeavour. Battling out the obstacles hindering the achievement of that goal is a real challenge.