Vegetarian Candida Diet

Candida diet offers many options for vegetarians. Here is a list of foodstuffs which could be consumed when on a vegetarian Candida diet.

Candida is a type of fungus. Its overgrowth results in infection in our body. Candida is present in the human body in the skin, regions of the mouth and the genitals. Sometimes, it grows uncontrollably and results in Candidiasis.The major factors causing this are- excessive use of antibiotics and excessive intake of sugar.

Antibiotics help to eliminate the harmful bacteria in our body. Along with this, sometimes, they also kill the useful bacteria that help in keeping Candida growth under control. As Candida is said to grow on sugar, it is the major cause of Candidiasis.

There are anti-fungal drugs available as medication to Candida, but they can cause side-effects. They kill the fungus in the body, but do not prevent it from growing again. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the Candida diet. A diet that is followed to bring Candida growth under control, is known as Candida diet.

Which foodstuffs should be avoided to reduce Candida overgrowth in your body?

Sugar is the major reason for Candida overgrowth as yeast thrives on it. Hence, avoid sugar completely. Fruits like apples, cherries, grapes, mangoes, pears, pineapple, figs, bananas, dates, dried fruits as well as sugar beet and sugarcanes have a high amount of sugar. One should completely stay away from fruit juices, sugar syrups, honey and other sweeteners.

Refrain from consuming any type of fermented foodstuffs as they contain a large amount of yeast.

Foods rich in carbohydrates, like wholegrains, cereals, rice, bread, pastas should also be avoided. Carbohydrates are said to feed yeast i.e. influence fermentation.

Abstain from drinking beer, brandy, gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, etc. as they contain sugar and are also fermented.

Coffee (regular or instant) and tea should be avoided.

Bakery products containing yeast, like bread, cakes, muffins, pastas, cookies, etc. must also be avoided.

Starchy foods like corn and potato, sweet potato, yams should be avoided, as they get converted into sugar in our body.

Reduce the intake of butter, processed cheese, peanut butter and other dairy products.

Consumption of junk and processed foods, like chips, sodas, etc. must be completely avoided.They contain refined sugars, yeast and carbohydrates. Also, refrain from eating macaroni and cheese.

Avoid bacon, ham, sausage and lunch meats.

Pickles, ketchup, sauces are a total no-no.

What should be the ideal Vegetarian Candida Diet?

Fresh vegetables is the best option in a Candida diet as they contain high amount of fiber. Cabbage, turnips, broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, onions, carrots, cucumbers, radish, parsley, cauliflower, etc. should be consumed.

Nuts like cashew, almonds, pecans and pumpkin seeds are also very good to reduce the growth of Candida.

Yogurt helps in reducing Candida overgrowth. It has very little amount of sugar. Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria that help in controlling the overgrowth of Candida. One must avoid an excessive intake of yogurt as milk products stimulate heavy mucus formation and that can result in more Candida growth.

Proteins are an essential part of Candida diet. Proteins regulate the amount of sugar in the blood and thus indirectly prevent Candida overgrowth. It is difficult to get the same amount of proteins from vegetarian foods as that obtained from non-vegetarian foods. Kidney beans (sprouted), peas, black beans, tofu and soybean have a good amount of proteins.

Bread made of whole grain flour, is advisable. Besides, chapatis, pancakes or biscuits made using baking soda are a good option.

Sesame, linseed, oat and olive oils can be used for cooking.

Drinking water, herbal teas, fresh vegetable juices and froth is also suggested.

Low-fat cottage cheese can also be eaten as it does not contain sugar.

Berries like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries have less amounts of sugar. But these can be consumed only after the yeast overgrowth is under control.

In all, your Candida diet should be low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in proteins. So, follow these tips to bring Candida overgrowth in your body under control. Even though it seems challenging to adhere to this diet, it will be easier, once you begin to see the results. The main objective is to focus on the foodstuffs which you can eat instead of the ones which should be avoided and you will really start enjoying your diet.