Taming the Beast Within
In the last article we took a look at “The Beast Within”, which would be an overpopulation of Candida Albicans, and learned some of the reasons why this overpopulation can occur as well as some of the symptoms you may experience if you are harboring too much yeast in your system. If you missed that article, you can check it out HERE
So the question of the day becomes, “How the heck do you get rid of this stuff and get on with a healthy, fungus free life?” Thankfully, the answer is simple though it may take some dedication on your part….you see, it’s all about your diet.
Yeast love to feed on sugar and when sugars are readily available the yeast will thrive and continue to complicate your health matters. By removing the sources of sugars from your diet and adding the right nutrition to support the good bacteria in your system, you can bring your gut flora back into balance.
What to Remove -
Sugar ...but by sugar I don’t just mean the white stuff you may add to your coffee or find in sweet baked goods. During the digestive process starches (grains, starchy vegetables) are also turned into a form of sugar that the body uses for energy. Removing actual sugars as well as grains and starches that will convert to sugar is necessary to get control over a yeast issue. Rather than making a list of what you can’t have - let’s see the list of what will help you conquer your problem.
What to Enjoy -
All types of non-starchy vegetables from A to Z. Enjoy them raw, steamed, baked or grilled. Here is a little list to get you started -
Arugula, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, dandelion greens*, eggplant, garlic*, kale, onions*, radishes, romaine, spaghetti squash, spinach, sprouts, tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini
**These foods have antifungal properties and/or contain prebiotic fiber which feeds good bacteria.
Fermented Foods - These will help repopulate your gut with beneficial bacteria. Cultured Yogurt and Kefir (no added sugar or artificial sweeteners), sauerkraut (unpasteurized) or other fermented vegetables such as kimchi.
Fresh meats and eggs, organic when possible, and wild caught fish. Avoid processed meats as they often contain fillers, sugar and artificial preservatives.
Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut meat, chia, hemp or flax seed meal. Avoid peanuts and cashews as the can be high in mold.
Healthy fats such as cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, avocado oil
By adding these foods to your diet and removing the foods that yeast thrive on you will be able to get a handle on the population of bad bacteria in your gut biome and see a reduction in their toxic effects on your health and wellness!