This food list can help you make the right choices when attempting to lose weight or feel better using the Candida diet. Learn more about meats and other available foods.
The Candida diet is based on the belief that yeast infecting the body is responsible for a variety of health problems. Yeasts of the Candida genus are a major cause of fungal infections worldwide, and they are part of the natural fauna found on the skin of most people. The diet relies heavily on the Candida diet food list to help ensure that you avoid foods that may promote Candida growth within the body. These foods are typically low in sugar and rich in nutrients. The diet purports to help you feel better by reducing the levels of Candida found in your body. It does this by starving the yeast of sugars that allow the infection to grow more quickly and more easily sustain itself. But the benefits of the diet, including increased energy and sense of well-being, may come from healthy eating alternatives more than any reduction in yeast levels.
1) Vegetables
Vegetables are typically low in sugar and feature heavily on the Candida diet food list. Nonstarchy vegetables deliver most of the nutrition needed by those following this plan. The list of available vegetables includes green vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach along with nutrition-packed kale, avocado, eggplant, raw garlic, rutabaga, tomatoes, and zucchini. Cucumbers, celery, olives, and onions are also highly suggested for dieters following this plan. Fresh vegetables have many excellent properties, and the diet suggests grilling, steaming, or preparing the vegetables raw for maximum results.
2) Meat and Fish
The Candida diet is not a vegetarian diet, though the option exists for those who do not eat meat for other reasons. Lean meat and eggs are staples of the traditional version of the diet. As with vegetables, fresh meat is considered the best option. Lean meat options available to dieters on this program include beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey. Fish is also highly recommended. Wild salmon, anchovies, herring, and sardines can help round out the food list for meat-eating Candida dieters. No specific preparation guidelines are needed for this category, though the emphasis on fresh foods cannot be overstated.
3) Nuts and Grains
Many different nuts and grains are included on the food list for the diet. These nuts, seeds, and grains all have nutritious oils and other properties that make them a great choice for dieters. Available options include almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and walnuts as well as flax seed, sunflower seeds, buckwheat, quinoa, oat bran, and millet. Coconut meat is also a great choice for those looking for a filling choice from this category. These foods are specifically recommended for the program due to low mold content. Many of the grains are naturally high in fiber, which regulates digestion. Proponents of the Candida diet believe that high-fiber choices can help the body purge itself of Candida toxins.
4) Oils, Seasoning, and Spices
Many different seasonings and spices are acceptable under the diet plan. Specific oils can help promote overall health while still denying yeast the sugars needed for enhanced growth. The diet plan suggests the use of cold-pressed oils whenever possible to preserve their nutritional value. Options available for dieters include coconut, flax, olive, red palm, and sesame oil. Black pepper and sea salt are heavily promoted as optional seasonings on the food list, along with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Coconut amino acids are a great choice for those looking for a stronger seasoning. A variety of spices is suggested due to their purported antioxidant and antifungal properties. These include:
- Dill
- Basil
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Thyme
5) Safe Drinks and Sweeteners
The diet includes many drink options that do not typically contain yeast or sugars and may possess powerful antifungal properties. The majority of available drinks are herbal teas or coffees, which are naturally low in sugar. Chicory root coffee is suggested for drinkers who prefer a stronger beverage, and herbal teas are a great option for others on the diet. Specific teas selected for the program include those that contain cinnamon, peppermint, ginger, and licorice. The key to successful safe beverage choices includes a lack of natural sugars, but stevia and xylitol sweeteners are also available.
6) Live Yogurt
Live yogurt cultures are known to aid digestion, and the Candida diet purports that they help crowd out Candida in your system by replacing it with healthier bacteria. Probiotic yogurts are a great way to start your day when eating on this diet, as is kefir. The consumption of yogurts containing live cultures is said to be even more beneficial after you have undergone antibiotic treatments. This is due to the theory that the cultures will help replace bacteria necessary for your system to function properly that may have been damaged or eliminated during the treatment process. Live yogurt cultures may also be mixed with many of the flavorful grain or vegetable options available on the program to create a delicious parfait.
Foods to Avoid
The Candida yeast diest food list as provided by the Mayo Clinic is populated with a variety of foods to avoid, many of which are unhealthy for a number of reasons beyond their supposed promotion of fungal growth in the body. These include sugars and alcohols of all types, which can dramatically increase the rate of growth in yeasts, as well as wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Corn, rice, and spelt may contain mold that promotes fungal growth. Similar to the ban on sugars, no fruit is available to dieters. Avoid starchy vegetables, including potatoes, in the early stages of the diet. Pork products, as well as most processed or canned meat options, are expressly forbidden as are most dairy products. Beans and mushrooms are also disallowed per the Candida diet food list. Traditional coffees and black or green tea are also usually discouraged.
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