10 signs of Candida - and why the Candida diet doesn't work
10 signs of Candida - and why the Candida diet doesn't work
Did you know candida is a commonly overlooked cause of digestive issues and if left untreated, affects both our physical and mental health?
Symptoms of Candida vary by person, but typically include any of the following:
• Chronic UTI's and thrush infections
• Bad breath
• Sugar cravings
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Joint Pain
• Sinus and chronic allergies
• Digestive issues - gas bloating
• Low mood
• White coating on tongue
WHAT IS CANDIDA
Candida is a fungal infection caused by a yeast. We all have different strains of candida in our gut, mouth and vagina.
Balanced levels are healthy and beneficial. They help us with nutrient absorption and digestion when in proper levels in the body.
However an overgrowth of Candida can cause infections and systemic issues over time such as leaky gut and autoimmune.
WHAT IS IT CAUSED BY?
Candida is commonly caused by previous antibiotic use and/or a diet of processed foods or high sugar consumption. Other contributing factors can be birth control (leaves us more susceptible) and chlorinated water (destroys beneficial bacteria allowing candida to move in).
WHY TYPICAL TREATMENT VIA DIET ALONE DOESN’T WORK
Typical Candida treatment is a low sugar, higher fat diet, cutting out all starches and sugars, including certain fruits and vegetables.
While a keto style diet will help us feel better in the short term, it’s not sustainable and can cause longer term effects such as hormone imbalance, low blood sugar, nutrient deficiencies and excessive stress on the kidneys and liver.
The other issue is it’s not addressing the underlying cause – and when you reintroduce the carbs, the candida symptoms will return!
So what do we do instead?
The longer-term goal is not to eradicate candida but to achieve balance. Think of your gut as an ecosystem like a garden – where we clean out the weeds and add plants that flourish and live in harmony.
We can do this with a multipronged approach with a realistic diet and natural herbal products
STEP 1 - ADJUST DIET - Use a diet that doesn't eliminate all carbs as this is not necessary. I provide clients with a Sensitive Gut Guide that allows some carbs but eliminates foods that feed the candida and trigger digestive symptoms (those higher in fructans, lectins, FODMAPS, sugar alcohols and histamines).
STEP 2 Break down the biofilm – this is the mucosal lining in intestines under which yeasts, bacteria and parasites thrive, using a herbal and enzyme supplement. It’s the secret to successful gut healing protocols that is often missed.
STEP 3 Remove the Candida overgrowth using an antifungal herbal, probiotic and nutrient protocol. This may include caprylic acid, black walnut, berberine, grapeseed extract, oregano, thyme as well as specific strains of probiotics in a certain order.
STEP 4 Restore and repopulate the gut with a balance of beneficial bacteria, digestive enzymes and anti-inflammatory supplements to soothe and rebuild the intestinal lining.
STEP 5 Add back in your carbs and enjoy feeling well again!
Curious to get tested for Candida or to learn more? Browse my Practitioner Services or get in touch to discuss your individual needs.
Not ready to get tested but keen to get your gut health sorted?
My Healthy Gut Reset program is a powerful, proven 8 week program for women who are ready to beat the bloat, boost energy and digestion, and be the better, healthiest versions of themselves.
Click here to find out more about the Healthy Gut Reset Program - 8 weeks to love your gut and change your life.
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