Candida is a type of fungus (also called yeast), and is only one of a huge number of micro-organisms that exist in a human body. Normally, in a healthy body, Candida does not cause any problem. However, when the bio-balance is upset by factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, stress, excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrate, chronic use of medications such as anti-biotics, cortisone, the pill, etc, then one finds an overgrowth of Candida in the body.

This can result in toxins being released into the bloodstream and can have many adverse effects on the functioning of the body. The immune system is unable to cope with the continuous release of toxins into the body, leading to dis-ease. Symptoms can include depression, mood swings, sinusitis, headaches, chronic fatigue, joint pain, stomach pain, indigestion, vaginal thrush and other fungal infections, skin rashes and eczema, etc.

Fortunately, Candida can be controlled by means of a balanced diet and by the elimination of certain foods in order to create an internal environment in which the yeast cannot survive. An initial detox diet will ensure, along with our Candidate formula will ensure that the levels of systemic Candida are significantly reduced. Thereafter, a maintenance program should be followed to keep Candida permanently at bay. Remember that Candida thrives on all sugars and refined carbohydrates and it is only by controlling your intake of these foods that you will beat systemic Candida. By following this diet, you will not only be able to control Candida levels in your body, but you will also be amazed at the amount of energy you have. Your skin will clear, your eyes will sparkle and you will even lose weight, despite the fact that you need never go hungry! Many people find that the Candida diet helps to clear joint and back pain, balance sugar levels and blood pressure, control cholesterol and relieve symptoms of depression ­ all without medication! This is because by reducing Candida overgrowth in the body, the immune system is able to function properly for the first time in years, allowing the body to heal itself!

Some Important Points

When following the Candida diet, you must make sure that your blood sugar levels are kept at an acceptable level by eating a substantial breakfast, lunch and supper. If you find that your energy level is low or you are experiencing dizziness while on the diet, it is probably due to low blood sugar. If this happens, simply add a mid-morning and mid afternoon snack. Please remember to drink lots of water in order to assist the elimination of toxins from your body. After a few days of detoxing, some of your symptoms may become worse and you could also experience headaches. This is quite normal and part of the detoxification process. It will improve after a few days and you will begin to feel healthier than you have felt for years! The Candida diet should be followed for 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance program as outlined.

You may not use sugar in any form ­ this includes sucrose (cane sugar), gluscose and fructose (fruit sugar). Lactose (milk sugar) to be kept to a minimum.

CANDIDA DIET

Foods Allowed

* Rye Vita (contains no yeast)
* Chicken, fish, meat (preferably-roasted/grilled or steamed)
* Rye Bread (no yeast or wheat)
* Rice cakes
* Sunflower/olive oil
* Rice, potato or rye flour 30ml lemon juice
* Corn or soya flour all veggies fresh or frozen ­ no tinned food
* Oats, maize (corn) meal, maltabella Avocado pears
* Dairy-milk 125ml per day Sweet / normal potatoes
* Plain Bulgarian yogurt-125ml (no sugar!) Brown rice (no white rice)
* Low fat cottage cheese (no sugar!)
* Onions / garlic (unless sensitive)
* Soya / Rice milk
* Walnuts, cashews, hazel,
* Ricotta cheese pecan, coconut & macadamia
* Popcorn (homemade), plain chips (no MSG
* One fruit per day (no melons)
* Make sure that fruit is not bruised
* Lipton herbal teas
* Herbs Mineral water
* Tomatoes
* Artificial sweeteners eg. Advantage
* Humus

Foods allowed weekly (only one item of each)

* Wholewheat pasta 1 rice cake with carob or yogurt topping
* Wheatbix (sugar free), tomato paste
(if no wheat allergy is prevalent)
* Soft goat cheeses e.g. Camembert, feta or goat

Foods allowed twice a week (only one item of each)

* Tinned tuna or Salmon in spring water Spices eg. curries, chillies (avoid if allergic)

Foods to Avoid

* Anything containing yeast, pickled, smoked or processed meat, fish (including cold meats, & vacuum packed foods)
* Breads, marmite provita, Bovril etc
* White wheat flour or pastry flour, Gluten flour, flake cereals, semolina,
* Cream of wheat, pasta ­ white
* All vinegars and vinegar products (chutney, mayonnaise, salad dressing etc)
* Cheese, fermented or processed
eg. Cheddars, feta from dairy or other
* Hard cheeses
* All forms of alcohol
* Fruits ­ melons or grapes or any fruit and vegetables that shown any signs of bruising or mold
* Honey and other natural sweeteners
* Mushrooms
* Sugar and anything containing sugar
* Peanuts, peanut butter and pistachio
* All teas and coffees, except herbal teas
* All fruit juices (drink still mineral water instead)

Typical Meals would include (omit foods your are allergic to. Eat as much as you want)

BREAKFASTS

* 1 Fruit
* Porridge - Oats, maltabella (regular) or
* Mealie (corn) meal. Rice cereal (infant food)
* Rye vita / yeast free bread / rice cakes Avo / cottage cheese / egg / tomato
* Haddock

LUNCH / DINNERS

* Salads eg. potatoes, greens, rice, beans
(include as many different ingredients as possible)
* Meat, fish, chicken (roasted / grilled / steamed)
* Lentils, pulses, legumes-soups, bakes, etc
* All vegetables-steamed and to include pumpkin, squash, butternut, potato-baked, boiled or chips
* brown rice
* salads/stir fries/soups-chicken & veggie
* soup may be frozen & reheated
* yeast free bread/rye vita/rice cakes
* Avo / tomato / cottage cheese / tuna / cold
* chicken

Maintenance Program

After the initial four weeks detox, you can slowly re-introduce foods from the "Foods to avoid list", but, please remember to use them in moderation. The foods to continue avoiding, or using with caution are: sugars, white flour, fruit juices, dried fruits, prepared breakfast flakes including muesli, alcohol, vinegar and foods containing yeast.

Good luck and be well!

Michele Carelse is a Registered Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Counselor with more than 12 years experience. She runs her own private practice, as well as an online counseling and information service http://www.ourFamilysHealth.com/naturalremedies/counseling.html

Candidate - Proven herbal treatment for Candida and Yeast Infections Candidate is a 100% natural, safe, effective and powerful herbal formula especially designed to treat Candida overgrowth, prevent topical Candida infections such as thrush and promote the growth of healthy probiotic flora in the digestive tract, thereby achieving lasting control of Candidiasis. Use Candidate to treat Candidiasis and systemic yeast infections; eliminate excessive Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract; prevent recurring thrush, Athlete's Foot, Dobey's Itch and other yeast infections; encourage digestive and intestinal health; regain lost energy caused by Candida overgrowth; relieve digestive disorders like indigestion, gas, heartburn and 'Leaky Gut' Syndrome; prevent depression, anxiety and mood swings related to Candida overgrowth; reduce sugar cravings related to Candidiasis; help to lose stubborn weight. Formulated by a clinical psychologist, Candidate is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards. Worldwide shipping, 100% money back guarantee. Learn More...