Our body’s microbiota contains various types of yeast, and candidiasis, the most common type, is usually found in the mouth, intestines, vagina, upper respiratory tract, and skin flora.
It is an opportunistic fungus that tends to increase depending on factors such as weakened immune system, reduction of beneficial bacteria (due to antibiotic use, stress, poor nutrition, etc.), heavy metal exposure, hormonal imbalances, and environmental conditions that support stress in the body. Candidiasis feeds on sugar and has a strong preference for it, so sugar and alcohol intake should be limited in the diet. Additionally, the intestinal flora should be supported.
In cases of candida overgrowth, certain foods should be eliminated from the diet for a period of time. These foods may vary depending on the individual’s health condition. Generally, the following foods should be avoided:
- Sugar (white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, beet sugar)
- Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin)
- Gluten-containing grains (varies depending on the individual, all grains and legumes)
- Caffeine-containing beverages (cola, tea, coffee)
- Alcohol
- Yeast and yeast-containing products
- Fermented products (sourdough bread, cheese, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, vegetables)
- Vinegar and vinegar-containing foods (mayonnaise, mustard)
- Milk and dairy products (cheese, butter, yogurt)
- Mushrooms and mushroom varieties
- Starchy foods (especially potatoes)
- Processed meat products (salami, sausage, sucuk, pastrami)
- Fruits (low-sugar fruits can be consumed 1-2 pieces per day)
- Dried fruits, fruit juices
- Spoiled foods
- Roasted nuts
- Peanuts, cashews
Allowed foods in the diet:
- Stevia
- Fresh seasonal vegetables
- Organic red meat/chicken/turkey and seasonal fish
- Organic eggs
- Healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, plain oil…)
- Raw nuts with shells (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
- Seeds (flaxseed, chia)
- Herbal teas
Coconut oil, garlic, cloves have antifungal effects.
Practical solutions that can be prepared at home for Candida treatment:
- Oil pulling with coconut oil (5-15 minutes) and oral hygiene upon waking up in the morning
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil on an empty stomach in the morning
- 1 level teaspoon of freshly ground cloves at noon
- One clove of garlic on a full stomach at night (if tolerated)
Recommendations:
- Water consumption is crucial to reduce toxic load and acid load in the kidneys and intestines.
- You can prefer herbal teas to cleanse and soothe the digestive system. Herbal teas such as mint, ginger, echinacea, lemon balm, and fennel can be used.
- Garlic and onions (if not raw or cooked) should be added to your diet.
- Simple sugars should be completely eliminated from the diet (table sugar, honey, cake, bread, chocolate, biscuits, pastries).
- Fermented foods should be consumed in moderation in the diet.
- Liver, digestion, and detoxification processes should be supported by eliminating tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar, gluten, dairy products, and carbonated beverages.
- Candida thrives in damp and moldy environments. Cotton clothing should be preferred over nylon clothing.
“With the right food combinations, chew your food well and enjoy it!”
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