Further Recommendations for Dietary Treament of Candida

General Nutritional Supplements for Candida

A high potency multivitamin and mineral complex provides nutritional support and reduces the possibility of deficiencies when following a limited diet such as the Candida diet.

Biotin inhibits Candida from converting from the non-invasive yeast form to the invasive fungal form.

Dosage: 1-10 mg daily with food.

Zinc also helps to maintain Candida in the non-invasive form, promotes mucosal repair and enhances immunity.

Chromium improves carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar regulation and may help to reduce carbohydrate cravings.

Other nutrients may be beneficial depending on the unique clinical signs and symptoms of the individual and treatment will need to be tailored to suit each person.

Reestablishing Optimal Intestinal Ecology

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bactobacillus bifidum are normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract and provide defense against proliferation of Candida. They are also involved in production of vitamins and enzymes, immune system function, cholesterol metabolism and reduction of carcinogen production.

An effective dose for supplementation with acidophilus and bifidus organisms is 1-10 billion cells daily.

Spore based organisms (L.sporogenes and B.laterosporus) are thought by many to be more effective for the treatment of Candida. They promote the growth of other beneficial organisms while destroying yeasts and feeding on wastes and pathogenic bacteria.

The reinoculation of the gastrointestinal tract can be supported by increasing the intake of green leafy vegetables, which due to their chlorophyll content, are purifying, inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms and promote the growth of beneficial microflora.

Parsley, spinach, cabbage, bok choy and romaine lettuce are all high in chlorophyll.

Wheat and barley grass may be even more effective as these superfoods contain enzymes that help to resolve indigestible and toxic substances in food.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon three times daily before meals.

Supporting the Immune System for Candida Treatment

Candidiasis is more likely to occur in an individual with depressed immunity and once Candida overgrowth occurs it produces further damage to immunity. Thus supporting the immune system will greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and prevent a recurrence of Candida, especially when the condition is chronic or there are other factors complicating the condition.

A deficiency of any nutrient may impair immunity but it is especially important to ensure adequate intake of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenes, flavonoids, zinc and selenium.

Adequate protein is also essential and it may be helpful to supplements dietary intake with whey protein. This provides protein in a form that is easily digested and whey protein also promotes repair of the intestinal mucosa and enhances detoxification by increasing production of glutathione.

Whey protein also contains colostrum which provides immunoglobulins and lactoferrin which assist with destruction of pathogenic organisms including Candida.

Promoting Detoxification for Candida Treatment

There is very often a need to cleanse and support the liver in individuals with Candida infection. This approach will enhance the clearance of yeast toxins and improve immunity. Liver damage has been linked with both immune depression and Candida overgrowth.

In order to enhance liver detoxification during a Candida diet program, the following foods and herbs can be emphasized as additions to the Candida control diet:

Brassica vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower), beetroot, carrot, artichoke, lemon, ginger, garlic, onion, dandelion, cinnamon, licorice, lecithin and green tea.

These foods and herbs act in various ways to promote liver detoxification and optimal liver function.

Many nutrient deficiencies can inhibit detoxification pathways and antioxidants can promote detoxification and protect the liver. This further emphasizes the potential benefits of a high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement during Candida treatment.

Promoting Elimination for Candida Treatment

As well as supporting liver function it is also essential to promote elimination. A high fiber intake increases the rate of transit of the intestinal contents, helping to remove dead yeast cells and yeast toxins. Fiber also absorbs bile which acts as a carrier for toxins, allowing them to be excreted rather than reabsorbed as occurs when fiber is insufficient.

Fiber can be obtained in the diet from vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds and if extra support is necessary, such as for constipation, a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk can be added.

It is important to maintain a high water intake with fiber supplements.

How Effective is the Candida Diet?

Treatment is generally very effective if the dietary protocol is followed consistently in conjunction with antifungal medication or herbs. Mild cases may require two to three weeks of treatment and moderate to severe cases may require several months or longer, especially if there are complicating factors such as other chronic illnesses.

The outcome of a Candida diet program will be greatly enhanced if predisposing factors such as reduced immunity and impaired detoxification are addressed and a maintenance program designed to follow up the Candida diet treatment.

 Copyright © Mizpah Matus 2003

See Also:

Candida Diet

Eliminating Candida - Banishing Candida symptoms naturally - 100%