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Author: Carly Stafford

All normal, healthy bodies contain candida, which is a yeast that is harmless in small amounts. If the quantity of candida grows out of control, however, it can lead to yeast infections. When there is enough good bacteria in the body, candida is kept in check. In a candida crisis, these good bacteria are outnumbered by the bad bacteria. Illness, poor diet, or a course of antibiotics are often the cause of such an occurrence. In circumstances such as these, the normal candida can transform into a yeast infection which can make a person very uncomfortable and unhealthy. An effective way of controlling this problem, one that rules out the need for taking drugs, is for people to pay attention to what they eat.

Yeast infections are characterized by a number of symptoms. Diarrhea and constipation are some of the common digestive problems that yeast infections can cause. Skin irritation may also occur in forms such as eczema, psoriasis, and athlete’s foot. Itching in the genitals and vaginitis are the most commonly known conditions caused by yeast overgrowth. People with candida overgrowth also have unusual cravings for sweets. Fatigue, depression, and mood swings are further consequences.

Since sugar is required for candida to flourish, it is vital that sugars be completely eliminated from the diet. Sweeteners are the primary target to eliminate. They directly worsen the condition. It is also important to eliminate any foods that convert to sugar right after they are consumed. This must be done until the infection has been cured. White rice and most other grains are among the foods that are rapidly converted to sugar. One of the worst choices of food is flour, as well as other elements that contain gluten. This means bread, pastries, cereal, crackers, and pretzels cannot be consumed. It is also important to avoid drinking juice and eating excessive amount of fruit, both of which contain sugar, until the infection is cleared up.

Because processed foods add stress to the body, contain refined sugars and grains, and have no nutritional value, they should be avoided completely. Be sure to eat only meat that has been raised without the use of antibiotics, since antibiotics not only kill bad microorganisms, but the good ones as well.

There is still a large list of foods to be enjoyed. For instance, people affected by candida should have plenty of vegetables in their diet. Even though fruit is limited, lemons, grapefruit, and limes can be eaten in moderation, preferably on an empty stomach or between meals, so that they can be better absorbed without interfering with the digestion of other foods.

Healthy fermented foods also help to empower the beneficial flora that can then attack the candida issue. Miso, which is naturally fermented soy sauce, and yogurt can also help on this diet. Miso fights weariness and yogurt strengthens intestinal flora. Fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and tempeh also help.

For dairy lovers and meat eaters, raw or cultured dairy and grass-fed or pastured meat with no antibiotics can be consumed. Grains can be consumed as long as they are either amaranth, millet, quinoa, and buckwheat. More can be added later as symptoms subside. Brown rice can be eaten once a day to start with, and then two or three times as the body recovers.

The next place to look in the battle against candida is the spice cupboard. There is no shortage of choices among spices and supplements that are helpful against candidiasis. In fact using these spices in meal preparation can effectively thwart candidiasis while adding flavor to the dish. Asafoetida, cinnamon, ajwain seed, cloves, and coriander are a few to consider. Though commercial salad dressings are strictly forbidden, flavor can be added to salads with a dash of apple cider vinegar or garlic. If a tropical taste is desired, extra virgin coconut oil works well. Three tablespoons a day will help reverse the candida problem. Barberry, ginger, goldenseal, oregano oil, pau d’arco, and Oregon grape root, all make great home remedies to be applied, taken, or infused.

It is important for people who are dealing with yeast infections to treat them right away so the immune system does not become further compromised. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones will not only cure a current infection, but will help guard against repetitive infections as well.