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Candida albicans is normally a harmless yeast, naturally present in the intestinal tract in balance with
all other bacterial flora. Problems arise during periods of prolonged stress or lowered immunity,
particularly caused by chronic antibiotic use, when Candida can proliferate to the point of infestation,
changing from its benign yeast form to an invasive fungal form.
Candidiasis is the name given to the condition resulting from the over-proliferation of Candida
albicans. The symptoms of Candidiasis include the following: -
• digestive problems such as gas, bloating, indigestion, alternating diarrhoea & constipation,
heartburn and weight fluctuations (usually gain)
• genitourinary disorders such as thrush, vaginal itching and discomfort, kidney & bladder
infections, menstrual irregularities and PMT
• fungal skin disorders, acne, hives, localised itching in ears and anus
• cravings for sugar, yeast, alcohol and white bread
• headaches and fatigue
Treatment of Candidiasis involves dietary changes that will need to be maintained for 3-6 months.
Supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus is an essential part of treatment, and your Naturopath
may advise other herbs or vitamin supplements as required on an individual basis.
Overall, the diet must be free of all yeast/mould containing products and sugar in all forms, with limited
intake of dairy produce and red meat. If any stomach pain is present, limit or remove all wheat produce
for at least 1 month.
Food To Avoid
YEAST & MOULDS: Below are listed some common foods containing yeast and mould. For further
information, ask your Naturopath for a Yeast-Free Diet Sheet, and remember to thoroughly check all
food labels for yeast/mould content.
• all foods containing yeast extract – Vegemite, Promite, Marmite, stock cubes, packet soups
• all raised doughs – breads, buns, rolls, crackers biscuits, foccacia, muffins and crumpets
• all fermented drinks – beer, wine, champagne, spirits, ginger-beers, cider, stout
• all cheese, sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, 3-4 day old milk
• all dried fruits – apricots, dates, prunes, figs.
• canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, tomato paste
• vinegars, soya sauce
• fermented, aged or smoked foods including pickled and smoked meats and fish, frankfurter’s,
salami, sausages etc
• mushrooms and peanuts
• "leftovers" – foods leftover and reheated usually grow mould, particularly meat products.
SUGAR Check food labels carefully for hidden sugar content. Sugar may be listed as sucrose,
glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, dextrose and galactose.
• sugars of all kinds – white, brown and raw sugar, honey and maple syrup
• chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sweets
• fruit juice
DAIRY: Dairy products are high in natural sugars and should be avoided.
Alternative Food Choices
Eat freshly prepared, natural wholefoods whenever possible. Supermarkets and health foods shops
also carry a wide range of yeast and sugar free products. Remember to always read food labels
carefully.
• all fresh fruits (with no visible mould) [except rockmelon] Limit fruit to 2 pieces daily.
• all fresh vegetables (with no visible mould) [except mushrooms]
• brown rice, millet, buckwheat, oats
• unyeasted breads and biscuits such as crispbread; rice cakes; millet, buckwheat, rye and
sourdough breads.
• free range eggs
• fresh meat, chicken and fish (buy fresh daily or freeze promptly – freezing retards growth of
mould).
Limit red meat to 2 serves weekly.
• homemade soups
• fresh herbs for flavouring
• fresh tomatoes
• lentils, chick peas, sprouts
• rice milk, soya milk, Goats milk
• good quality, natural yoghurt such as Mundella, Fonti Farm or Casella
• rice, corn or vegetable pastas
• tamari (yeast free soya sauces)
**Drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of filtered water per day**
Helpful Ideas
One main reason that food begins to spoil is that is becomes contaminated with mould. Other foods
such as cheese actually contain mould as part of their flavouring.
To avoid mould in food: -
• peel all root vegetables and fresh fruit before eating
• fresh or frozen fruits are preferred (rather than dried)
• avoid stews and casseroles that have been refrigerated for over 48 hours
• use only very fresh (or frozen) meat
• discard any food that is obviously spoiled by mould (ie. mould is visible)
especially over-ripe melons and fruits
Candida Die-Off Symptoms
As you body is detoxifying, it is possible to experience the following symptoms
• headache, fatigue
• irritability, mood swings
• increase in body odour
• bloating
• diarrhoea
• increase in sugar cravings
These are all positive signs that show excess bacteria is being discharged from the system. The
symptoms will pass in a few days. The benefits of the Candida control diet will include greater energy,
mental clarity and relief of previous symptoms.
For a personalized health program, along with an effective Candida Cleanse, please contact Jane
Smolnik, ND at (828) 777-JANE (5263)