There is a lot of fungus in our body, including Candida albicans. Under normal circumstances, this fungus will not have a great impact on our health.
However, when Candida begins to grow uncontrollably, it can cause infection, which may lead to a series of diseases.
High-sugar and high-carbohydrate diets are one of the reasons for Candida Yeast Overgrowth.
What Causes Candida Yeast Overgrowth
Candida is a common yeast that exists in various parts of your body (for example mouth, intestine, vagina).
When everything is normal, the healthy bacteria in your body can control the level of Candida. However, if this balance is disrupted, or your immune system is compromised, Candida can grow out of control.
There are many factors leading to an overgrowth of Candida. The most important ones include the following:
1. Eating a high-sugar and high-carbohydrate diet
Yeasts live on sugar and sugar helps yeasts to multiply and grow quickly. [*]
When you consume carbohydrates, they are converted into glucose. A large amount of glucose not only provides more nutrients for the yeast, which can make their numbers grow but can also destroy your immune system and cause a leaky gut.
2. Frequent use of antibiotics
Antibiotics treat good bacteria and bad bacteria equally. While killing harmful bacteria, antibiotics will also kill beneficial bacteria.
When there are not enough good bacteria in the body, to maintain a balance and inhibit bad bacteria, it can lead to an overgrowth of Candida.
3. Excessive estrogen levels
The surge of estrogen in your body will not only cause hormonal disorders but may also cause Candida infection.
For example, contraceptives and fertility pills contain unnatural forms of hormones, which can disrupt the normal estrogen (progesterone) balance, thereby increasing the risk of Candida overgrowth.
4. Diabetes
Regardless of whether you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, one of the typical symptoms is that your wounds may not heal properly. This can be caused by excessive growth of Candida in the skin tissue.
If your blood sugar is out of control and there is too much glucose in your body, it can provide an ideal environment for the growth of Candida.
In addition to the above factors, long-term stress, too much alcohol, and lack of sleep can also cause a weakened immune system and may lead to Candida infection.
Related:
10 Symptoms of Candida Infection
In a healthy state, Candida is a fungus that promotes nutrient absorption and digestion. However, if the balance of the flora is disrupted, it may cause yeast infections.
If you don’t have a yeast infection treated in time, Candida may get into your blood. In more severe cases, this can be fatal. [*]
Here are 10 typical symptoms of Candida infection:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: You always feel tired no matter how long you sleep.
- Mood disorders: Depression, irritability, anxiety.
- Vaginal yeast infection: Vaginal itching, abnormal discharge or odor.
- Thrush: White spots on the tongue or oral mucosa.
- Rhinitis: Congestion of the nasal mucosa, sneezing and runny nose.
- Intestinal discomfort: Bloating, constipation or diarrhea.
- Brain fog: Unable to concentrate.
- Skin and nail fungal infections: Often suffer from athlete’s foot or paronychia.
- Weight gain: Weight increases and it is difficult to lose.
- Leaky gut: A large number of Candida will release toxins that can destroy the intestinal wall, and penetrate into the blood.
How To Heal Candida Naturally
Treating Candida is not easy. It takes time to restore a healthy balance of Candida. The best way is to focus on your diet and nutritional supplements.
The foods we eat every day play an important role in maintaining the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in your intestines.
Yeast loves sugar. Therefore, any food containing processed sugars, including refined carbohydrate foods, can multiply Candida and other harmful bacteria.
These foods can also damage your immune system, thereby promoting the occurrence of infections.
1. What to eat
Now that you know what yeasts like to eat, restricting their food and starving them to death can effectively prevent candida infections.
Yes, eating a low-sugar and low-carb diet is a good way to cure Candida overgrowth.
In particular, the following foods and nutrients have been shown to encourage the growth of “good” bacteria and inhibit the growth of Candida:
- Garlic: Garlic contains an antifungal substance called allicin. Some animal experiments and in vitro studies have demonstrated that garlic can fight yeast.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains a large number of medium-chain triglycerides (caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid), which have been proven to fight Candida infections.
- Aloe: Aloe vera gel can inhibit the growth of oral Candida and prevent infection.
- Pomegranate: A study showed that the plant compounds in pomegranate have an inhibitory effect on Candida yeast.
- Black tea: Black tea is rich in polyphenols and acetic acid, both of which have been shown to kill Candida.
- Curcumin: Test-tube experimental studies have shown that curcumin can kill Candida, or at least reduce its growth.
- Xylitol: Xylitol helps fight Candida, so reducing its ability to adhere to the surface of cells and tissues, can prevent infection.
- Probiotics: Probiotics help restore the balance of the intestinal flora which can reduce the growth of Candida. This helps to prevent infection.
2. Foods to avoid
If you do have a Candida infection, you should try to have more restrictions on your diet.
In addition to eating fewer sweets and refined carbohydrates, you should also temporarily avoid eating fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented bean curd, etc.
Although fermented foods are an excellent source of probiotics, they are also great foods for Candida. As a result, fermented foods can encourage Candida yeast overgrowth.
Other foods that should be restricted or avoided include dairy products, wine, beer, dried fruits, juices, mushrooms, genetically modified foods, Pu’er tea, vinegar and soy sauce.
Summary:
Eating too much sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol can not only damage your immune system but also affect the health of your heart, liver and kidneys. In addition to those issues, eating too much sugar, refined carbs or alcohol can also lead to a Candida infection.
Some common symptoms that are related to an overgrowth of Candida are chronic fatigue, mood disorders and gastrointestinal discomfort. Candida can also cause weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
To treat the overgrowth of Candida yeast, you can start by making changes to your daily diets such as cutting off sweets and refined carbs.
In addition, ensuring balanced nutrition, regular exercise and reducing your stress can help you maintain a strong immune system.
If you experience any serious symptoms, please seek medical advice promptly.
