Candida albicans
Yeast & Fungus
Candida Albicans is a fungus-like bacterial organism that normally lives in the intestines. The healthy ratio is 80% Lactobacillius acidopholus and bifidobacterium longum, "good bacteria" and 20% candida albicans, E coli, etc. "harmful bacteria". The "good bacteria" keeps the "harmful" down to a healthy level. However, many things can encourage an overgrowth of candida albicans.
Candida multiplies rapidly and is thought to be a cause of "leaky gut syndrome", because it can permeate through the walls of the colon allowing bacteria and food particles normally contained in the bowel to enter the blood stream causing an immune response, also known as allergies.
Candida also wrecks havoc on the immune system. Because it is an invading organism, the immune system is constantly trying to eliminate the candida along with its toxins. When an overgrowth is suspected it is very important not to give it what it needs to multiply, which is sugar in any form, including fruits and starchy foods. Also any products containing yeast, along with mold containing foods like peanuts, mushrooms and any fermented products.
Candida overgrowth can mimic many symptoms;
| Fatigue | Joint pains & Stiffness | Cold Hands & Feet | Increased body hair |
| Numbness & tingling | Chronic heartburn | Gastritis | Colitis |
| Distention & bloating | Colitis | Distention & bloating | Gas |
| Depression | Chemical sensitivity | Persistent vaginitis | Prostatitis |
| Digestive symptoms | Hives | Psoriasis & other skin problems | Headaches |
| Lack of coordination | Premenstrual syndrome | Dysmenorrhea | "Feeling bad all over" |
| Impotence | Persistent jock itch | Athletes foot | Fungus on nails |
| Lethargy | Hyperirritability | Memory loss | Inability to concentrate |
| Hyperactivity | Recurrent respiratory tract infections | Recurrent ear infections | Neurological & behavoral symptoms |
Foods That May Be Eaten
Oils :
Safflowers, sunflower, walnut, olive or canola.
Grain Alternatives :
Amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa.
Meats: Fish and Seafood
Lamb, shrimp, cod, salmon [or other fish], lobster, scallops and wild game.
Vegetables :
Any and all, steamed or raw.
Beverages :
Distilled water and spring water.
Nuts :
Filbert, Brazil nut, English walnut, almond and pecan
Foods You Must Avoid
Processed and packaged foods.
[ If it didn't grow that way, don't eat it!]
Chocolate
Sweet potatoes
Limit white potatoes
Apples
Legumes, beans, peas and peanuts
Food coloring, additives, emulsifiers and preservatives
Yeast
Milk and cheeses
Sugar in any form including fruit.
Coffee, tea and alcohol
All grains including noodles, pasta and rice
Mushrooms, vinegars and any fermented foods
Melons
Avoid pickled, smoke or dried meats including bacon, sausages, salami and hot dogs
Yes! Just order carefully. Skip the cocktail. Have oil and lemon juice on your salad. Order meat chicken, or other animal protein that is prepared without sauces which might contain sugar, mushrooms, wheat as a thickener and other harmful ingredients. Broiled or plain items are obviously the safest choice. Steamed vegetables are perfect! Skip desert, crackers and breads.
Along with the above diet an anti-fungal product "Candida Clear" helps to kill the overgrowth of Candida, while the diet starves it. The use of "Acidophilus", our "good" intestinal bacteria, is a must to be successful with total eradication of Candida albicans!!