Will a Change in Diet Help Candida Overgrowth in the Body?
Candida is a yeast-like fungus that is found throughout the body. Under normal circumstances, bacteria and fungi balance is carefully maintained.
What Happens if Candida Gets Out of Balance?
The balance can be knocked off and can cause candida to grow too much. Impact of the overgrowth can be felt with infections manifesting in a variety of areas including:
- Mouth
- Vagina
- Gut
Intestinal candidiasis can cause side effects of gas, bloating, irregular bowel habits, food sensitivities and more.
Ask Your Doctor if Candida is Your Issue or if it’s Something More
Before speculating, be sure you are working with your medical team to ensure candida is the problem. Proposed nutritional treatment for candida involves minimizing sugars or carbohydrates, which allow it to grow and thrive.
A candida protocol may vary depending on the source but most recommend avoiding aged cheeses, starchy vegetables, certain fruits and processed grain products. Avoiding yeast containing products like beer, wine and baked goods is also important.
What Should You Eat?
Try incorporating most nuts and seeds, lean meats, most non starchy vegetables and 100% whole grains. When treating candida, dietary changes may take 4 weeks to provide benefit.
However, some require longer protocols. Working closely with your medical team will ensure you are getting adequate nutrients and provide you guidance on following a protocol that suits your needs.
As with most nutrition plans, there is no one size fits all. A lot of patients have more issues than just candida, which could require further nutrition tailoring. More research supporting the effectiveness of nutritional treatments for candida is needed. There is not a standardized nutrition plan for this bacteria and fungi growth.
How Can You Prevent Candida Overgrowth?
Finding ways to support your immune system is always beneficial.
Try These Tips Below:
- Get adequate sleep.
- Manage stress and practice stress reliving techniques.
- Consume quality whole food and wash produce food thoroughly before consuming.
- Practice good hand washing techniques.
- Choose cleaner versions of beauty and cleaning products.
See more about what our Nutritional Services team at CHI Health does. Need an appointment? Schedule with your provider!
Ellen Thomsen, MS, RD, LMNT, CDE is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner. She is the diabetes education program coordinator at CHI Health and sees patients at the Millard Clinic. She works with patients to identify root causes to health conditions and make changes to improve overall health. Ellen’s passion is to help others develop lifestyle habits that allow them to feel their best.
