Candida Diet Overview and Complete Food List

Candida Diet Overview

The Candida diet is a type of diet that aims to reduce the overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that lives in our body. When Candida overgrows, it can lead to various health problems, including digestive issues, fatigue, and recurrent infections.

The Candida diet avoids foods containing sugar, refined carbohydrates, and yeast. These foods can promote the growth of Candida in the body. Instead, the diet focuses on consuming foods low in sugar and carbohydrates, such as non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and high-quality protein.

The Candida diet also involves taking supplements and probiotics to support the digestive system and promote the growth of healthy bacteria. The goal of the diet is to create an environment in the body that is unfavorable for the growth of Candida, while also promoting overall health and wellness.

The Candida diet is typically recommended for people with a Candida overgrowth history. Still, it can also benefit those who want to improve their overall health and well-being. It's important to note that the Candida diet can be challenging to follow

Complete Candida Food Guide

Here's a comprehensive list of foods you can eat while on a Candida diet. Remember to avoid foods that feed Candida, such as sugar and mold-containing foods:

VEGETABLES

  • Asparagus
  • Avocado
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Celery
  • Chickpeas, Humus (watch added sugars and carbs)
  • Coliard Greens
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Garlic (raw)
  • Kale
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce, any kind
  • Okra
  • Olives, Black
  • Onions, Yellow only (no sweet ones)
  • Peppers, all kinds and colors
  • Radish
  • Seaweed
  • Spaghetti Squash
  • Spinach
  • Summer Squash
  • Swiss Chard
  • Turnip
  • Zucchini

FRUITS

  • Lemons
  • Lemon Juice
  • Limes
  • Lime Juice

MEATS

  • Beef
  • Buffalo
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Ham, Bacon, and Beef Sticks are all okay as long as just meat, no sugars added.
  • Lamb
  • Pork Turkey
  • Venison

NUTS AND SEEDS

  • Almonds (Almond Butter) are the best
  • Nuts and seeds that do not contain high mold content

NON-GLUTINOUOS GRAINS AND RICE

  • Amaranth
  • Brown Rice
  • Buckwheat
  • Millet
  • Oatmeal (slow cooked, no sugar added)
  • Quinoa
  • Wild Black Rice
  • Wild Rice

DRIED BEANS

  • Black
  • Kidney
  • Red

HERBS AND SPICES

  • Basil
  • Black Pepper
  • Cayenne
  • Cilantro
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Curry
  • Dill
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Rosemary
  • Tarragon
  • Thyme
  • Turmeric

OILS

  • Almond Oil
  • Coconut Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Flax Oil
  • Ghee
  • Olive Oil, extra-virgin
  • Organic butter
  • Macadamia Oil
  • Pumpkin Seed Oil
  • Safflower
  • Sesame Oil
  • Sunflower
  • Virgin Coconut Oil

SEASONING

  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Sea Salt

HERBAL TEAS

  • Chamomile Tea
  • Cinnamon Tea
  • Clove Tea
  • Ginger Tea
  • Licorice Tea
  • Lemongrass Tea Green Tea
  • Pau D’arco Tea (available at Wayne & Mary’s)
  • Peppermint Tea

BEVERAGES

  • Rice milk and Rice cheese (located at HyVee is okay)
  • Water

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Stevia, in small amounts
  • Xylitol in small amounts for gum (located at Wayne & Mary’s and other health markets)

Remember to always choose fresh and organic ingredients and cook your food in healthy oils. And, if you're unsure about a food item, it's best to avoid it. Stick to these guidelines, and you'll be on your way to a healthier, Candida-free you!

William H. McDaniel, MD

Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School.

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