Got Candida? 5 Lifestyle & Diet Changes to Make Now!

Candida is a type of yeast that is normal and present in all healthy bodies. Candida only becomes problematic when its growth gets out of control. This can happen for a variety of reasons. In my case it was overuse/overexposure to antibiotics and a high sugar/high carb diet. Here are some lifestyle changes that I recommend to anyone who has just been diagnosed, or is experiencing the symptoms of Candida yeast overgrowth. 1) Dietary changes:

• I cut out processed sugars, all fruits, grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables.
• Go Green! Green veggies are one of the best things for combating candida, especially leafy greens. That means all sorts of lettuces, kale, collards, swiss chard, arugula, watercress, spinach and dandelion leaves. The more bitter the better! Try this fantastic seasonal veggie and umeboshi soup!
• Non-leafy green veggies are also great for fighting candida. This includes zucchini, green beans, broccoli and cucumbers.
• For other Candida-friendly recipes, try these Omega-packed kale salad, Shakshuka (baked eggs), and cauliflower "rice"!

2) Try the Candida Diet: Depending on how long you’ve been sick, how long you’ve been on the diet, and how far along you are in your healing, you’ll likely find that a different level or extreme of the candida diet works for you. I’ve been on a version of the candida diet for 6 years now, and I find that I can tolerate quinoa and low glycemic fruits like berries on a fairly regular basis. Once in a while I also can get away with eating starchy veggies and sweeter fruits. 3) Be Patient: It’s important to be patient with yourself when you are going through the process because it can be stressful and alienating. Remember that no one version of the diet is going to work for everyone, and that it will take time to tailor it to your specific condition. 4) Sleep is also super important. At the peak of my struggle with candida, the amount of sleep I got had a huge and visible impact on my symptoms. Not getting enough sleep is a huge stress on your body, and that’s even more the case when your body is already taxed from fighting candida. 5) Community: Combating chronic candida overgrowth is not an easy process, but know that you are not alone, and there are at least thousands of other people dealing with similar symptoms and stress. More than anything, I encourage you to create a strong support system and find other people who are on the same path. Finding a community of people who are healing themselves naturally was such a blessing for me. I learn so much from my communities and draw hope, comfort and inspiration from them as well. Note: PLEASE consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.