There has been a lot of talk about Candida Albicans in the traditional health world due to the large number of patients complaining from the same symptoms of pain, fatigue, and weight gain. Let’s begin with what exactly Candida is. This is a fungal organism which lives inside the body and affects people by attacking their immune systems. The Albicans form when the body’s immunity begins to lower its defensives. While the moisture and heat of the human body help produce more yeast, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for these little fungi to grow.
Studies have shown due to the overuse of prescribed antibiotics, many people have begun developing allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. Another name for Candida is Yeast. For women, Yeast can cause infections in the urinary tract and many times medications will be given to help eliminate the abundance of yeast being produced. The ironic part is antibiotics can cause yeast infections and taking acidophilus in conjunction with medicines is recommended to counteract the negative affects of antibiotics.
What about men, can men be affected by Candida also even though they don’t show signs of a yeast infection?
Of course! If a man overuses antibiotics, the same reaction in the body can occur. The pain, fatigue, weight gain, and foggy brain are only some symptoms of a person who is infected with an overabundance of yeast.
A few ways to try and keep the yeast population under control and begin your road back to health is by following a Candida diet. There are many books written about a yeast free diet if more information is desired.
The first and very important fact to learn is what foods can cause yeast and worsen your condition. Below are some ways to help you begin the diet.
1) Any form of sugar and all foods and snacks which contain sugar should be avoided. Just because it does not say the word sugar, there are other words like fructose, molasses, saccharine, or sucralose which all mean the same thing. Avoid it all!
This can be tough as the body will crave the sugar but the only way to begin the process of breaking the yeast breeding is to stick with it. If you can keep to this for 5 days, the body will begin to not need the sugar. This will not be for the rest of your life, but for a few months. An alternative sweetener is Stevia, a natural plant sugar which comes in individualized packets, liquid form, or a container.
2) Any foods produced from white starch like breads, cakes, cookies, pasta, potatoes, rice, and refined flours should be avoided. Depending on each person’s body and how they feel, sometimes whole wheat flour or brown rice can be eaten but in the beginning of the diet, try to keep most carbohydrates away till the yeast is under control.
3) If you have never taken fish oils like omega-3 or omega-6, now is the time to begin. These come in capsule or liquid forms and should be taken two times a day, in the morning and at night. Some people take the essential oils on an empty stomach while others on a full stomach; do what works for you.
There are also many vitamins and supplements like Flora and Olive Leaf that practitioners give. Before taking anything, check with a physician or do more research.
4) During the first month of the Candida diet, do not take any forms of antibiotics or
cortisone prescription type medications.
If you think you maybe suffering from Candida, there are two options. The first is to eliminate the foods mentioned above from your diet for a few weeks to see if you begin to feel better. By just doing this, if you feel your strength begins to come back, then continue. The second option is to try the first option and also consult a doctor who is knowledgeable about the Candida illness. Finding a doctor or homeopathic practitioner who really understands the complication of this condition is a major factor when trying to rid the body of yeast.