Candida albicans is a fungus that naturally lives in our digestive and genitourinary tract, generally the warm/damp areas of the body. Certain conditions can cause Candida to overgrow leading to fungal infections usually of the mouth, oesophagus, intestines, genitals, skin and/or nails. A healthy population of varied and beneficial bacteria can keep numbers of detrimental bacteria/fungi low (or prevent them from over growing).
Restoring balance to the microbial population in your body can involve a variety of interventions, but one of the most useful approaches is through diet. The anti-candida diet focuses heavily on reducing foods and drinks high in sugar and refined carbohydrates - a primary fuel source for Candida albicans. The diet is not a LIFELONG way of eating, rather a temporary therapy to restore balance and should be modified to suit each individual. An anti-candida diet is most effective when applied in conjunction with targeted nutritional and herbal supplements to protect the mucus membrane that lines the gut, restore balance in the gut microbiome and eradicate pathogenic overgrowths.
Top 3 foods to eat more of:
(while following the anti-candida diet)
Non- starchy vegetables
We want to be filling up at least half of our plate
with vegetables that grow above the ground such
as dark leafy greens, salad, spinach, rocket, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, celery, green beans, zucchini, artichoke, brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. Starchy vegetables like carrot, pumpkin and potatoes are to be avoided or minimised as these carbohydrates turn into sugar in the body.
Lean Protein
Aim for at least a palm size and thickness of protein at every meal. Think good quality seafood, chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb, tofu, tempeh, eggs, lentils and beans. During the process of minimising sugar and starchy carbohydrates it is important to increase your protein intake to ensure you are feeling full and satisfied. Protein is also vital for healthy immune function which will help to prevent fungal infections in the future.
Healthy fats
Ensuring you are eating at least 2 tbsp of healthy fats at eat meal will help to maintain your calorie intake. Think coconut oil, coconut, flax oil, olive oil, ghee, olives, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and avocado. Many of these fats are also antifungal or anti-inflammatory in nature which provides some added benefits.
Suspect that you might have a candida overgrowth?
Book in to see Georgia for a Naturopath appointment + further microbiome testing to get to the bottom of things.
Supportive therapies
Colonic hydrotherapy - A practice where water is used to help empty waste from the colon. In the process, it can also hydrate the bowel and strengthen the natural contraction or movement of the gut. A wonderful adjunct that provides some instant relief to an anti-candida diet treatment protocol. Book in to see Kirsty for a colonic.
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