Diet & Supplements To Help Alleviate Candida Symptoms

What Is Candida Albicans?

Candida is a genus of yeast the occurs naturally on the skin and in body cavities including oral cavity, digestive tract, and genitourinary tracts. The most common Candida yeast is Candida Albicans. Even though it is normal for Candida to exist on the skin and in the body in small amounts, certain factors like stress, infection, or antibiotic use may cause a disruption to your intestinal flora which leads to a yeast overgrowth.

Common symptoms of Candida overgrowth can include fatigue, frequent yeast infections, joint pain, skin and nail conditions, and white patches on the tongue, inside the mouth, or throat.

Overgrowth of Candida can also lead to other conditions like systemic infections and fungal infections of the mouth, throat, and nails. Research has shown a possible link between Candida overgrowth and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

What Are Contributing Factors That Lead To Candida Overgrowth?

Some contributing factors that can lead to Candida yeast overgrowth include a diet that is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugar sweetened drinks. Carbohydrates are the preferred energy source for yeast and eating a diet rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates creates a perfect environment for Candida overgrowth.

How A Cleanse Diet Can Help Get Rid Of Candida Overgrowth

Healthcare professional recommend following a Candida diet which is often referred as the Candida cleanse diet. Research has shown that eliminating certain foods that can feed Candida like milk, sugar containing foods, and processed and fatty meats, may beneficial.

The Candida diet involves removing specific foods that contribute to increased inflammation in the gut that can lead to Candida overgrowth. The diet promotes the intake of lean protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. Eliminating certain foods can reduce inflammation and restore balance in the gut microbiome.

Foods To Eat On The Candida Diet

The Candida diet encourages the intake of low sugar, gluten free, and anti-inflammatory foods.

• Dairy Products: Butter, Plain Yogurt, Kefir
• Fermented Foods: Kimchi
• Fish: Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines
• Healthy Oils: Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil,  Sesame Oil
• Lean Protein: Eggs, Turkey, Chicken
• Low Mold Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, Flaxseed, Hazelnuts, Hemp Seeds, Sunflower Seeds
• Low Sugar Fruits: Avocados, Berries, Lemon, Lime, Tomatoes
• Non-Starchy Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cucumber, Eggplant, Garlic, Leafy Greens, Onions
• No-Sugar Sweeteners: Erythritol, Stevia, Xylitol
• Whole Grains: Buckwheat, Brown Rice, Millet, Oats, Quinoa

Foods To Avoid On The Candida Diet

The Candida diet recommends avoiding the following foods.

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Condiments: Barbecue Sauce, Horseradish, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Soy Sauce, Vinegar
• High Mold Cheeses: Yellow Cheese, Cheese Spreads, Bleu, Gorgonzola
• High Mold Nuts: Cashews, Peanuts, Pistachios
• High Sugar Fruit & Juices: Apples, Bananas, Cherries, Dried Fruits, Grapes, Oranges, Pears, Watermelon
• Milk & Flavored Yogurt
• Processed meats: Bacon, Ham, Jerky, Salami, Sausage
• Processed Oils: Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil
• Red & Dark Meat: Beef, Poultry, Lamb, Pork
• Starchy Foods: Pasta, Potatoes, Wheat Flour, White Rice
• Sugar & Sugar Substitutes: Agave, Aspartame, Cane Sugar, Corn Syrup, Honey, Maple Syrup, Molasses, Table Sugar
• Sugar Sweetened Foods & Drinks: Candy, Desserts, Jam, Soda, Sweetened Tea

Supplements To Consider For Candida Overgrowth

Along with changing your diet, there are supplements that can help your body fight Candida growth. Research has suggested that some supplement have benefits for those struggling with Candida.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that promote a balance between the good and bad bacteria that live in the gut. Probiotics are found in several foods like yogurt and fermented foods, but there are also a ton of probiotic supplements.

Probiotic supplements have shown to be an effective alternative to prescription antifungals that are commonly used to address Candida infection. Studies have shown that probiotics, specifically Lactobacilli strains, may help suppress Candida growth.

Check out all of our probiotic supplements here

Caprylic Acid

Caprylic Acid is a medium chain fatty acid that is naturally found in coconut oil and mammalian breast milk. Caprylic Acid possesses antifungal properties and help break down Candida by penetrating its cell membranes. In one study, coconut oil has been shown that it is helpful for Candida infections.

Check out our Caprylic Acid supplements here

Oregano Oil

Oregano Oil may be used to address Candida infection; the antifungal effects of oregano oil are attributed to three phenolic derivatives-- carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol. Terpenoid phenols like those found in oregano oil has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of several strains of Candida.

Check out our Oregano Oil supplements here

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract has been shown to possess antifungal activity which can be used to help target Candida overgrowth. Grapefruit seed extract attacks fungal cells by inducing apoptosis, causing cells to die off.

Check out our Grapefruit Seed Extract supplements here

Conclusion

Studies have shown that restricting certain foods like high carbohydrate and processed foods can help to alleviate symptoms associated with yeast overgrowth. Certain supplements like probiotics, caprylic acid, oregano oil, and grapefruit seed extract may be used to target Candida overgrowth. If you are experiencing Candida overgrowth, speak with your healthcare professional to see what solution is right for you.