There is ongoing talk among the candida community that all forms of sugar must be avoided in order to inhibit the growth of this pathogenic fungus.  The claim is that all forms of sugar, even natural sources such as maple syrup, must be avoided.

To be clear, we agree that most sugar should be avoided.  Sugary hybridized fruit, starchy carbohydrates, and white sugar should all be avoided if you suffer from candida overgrowth.

However, to claim that all sources of sugar will feed candida is a bit mis-leading.  There are several different natural sweeteners available that will not only not feed candida, but can help inhibit its growth.

But what about maple syrup? Is it OK to eat if you suffer from candida overgrowth?

Luckily, we’ve got the answers to all your questions regarding maple syrup and candida.  Hopefully by the end of this post you will understand why this natural sweetener is considered a safe food if you suffer from candida.

What is Maple Syrup?

It may seem a bit obvious, but we figured it would be helpful to clarify where maple syrup comes from and how it it’s made.  In fact, maple syrup was a staple in the diet of all Native Americans who had access to maple trees.

For those unaware, maple syrup is produced by tapping a maple tree right before the start of spring.  Once tapped, the blood, or “life force,” of the maple tree will begin to flow from the tapped hole and into a bucket. 

Once the bucket is filled, the maple syrup is transferred to a large pot where it is boiled down into a golden syrup.  The boiling process helps to preserve the syrup so that it can be stored for long periods of time.  However, the raw sap can also be consumed and makes for a refreshing drink!

Maple syrup is full of minerals that can help produce better overall health in the body.  Unlike white sugar, maple syrup provides the body with nourishment and seems to not spike blood sugar levels (1).

To be clear, maple syrup should contain only one ingredient; maple syrup.

Is Maple Syrup Candida Friendly?

Despite what you may have heard about maple syrup, this natural sweetener will not feed candida when eaten in small amounts.  As a mentioned before, there are several different natural sweeteners that will not feed candida in the body; maple syrup being one of them.

For example, research has shown that maple syrup helps to enhance the effectiveness of anti-biotics against “superbugs” that have become antibiotic resistant (2).  Furthermore, it has been shown reduce biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria due to its high amounts of phenolic compounds (3).  For those unaware, candida frequently uses biofilms in order to protect itself from being irradiated from the body.

To say that this amazing golden substance will feed candida is ill-advised.  In fact, based on the research, it could be argued that maple syrup can help actually inhibit the growth of candida.

Now, to be clear, it’s not recommend that you begin to guzzle down liters of maple syrup in order to help combat candida.  Too much of anything can have a negative effect on the body.  However, in reasonable amounts, maple syrup seems to be a great alternative for those with candida overgrowth.

Maple Syrup Has been Consumed for Centuries

Those who promote a candida style of eating often claim that all sugar must be dropped from the diet.  We agree somewhat with this statement, but not entirely.

When we revisit history, we can see that maple syrup played an extremely important role in the diet of Native Americans.  In fact, it was not uncommon for many of these tribes to survive solely on maple syrup for several weeks during the “sugaring season.”

Yet, despite their heavy intake of maple syrup, these Natives did not suffer from gut problems such as candida.  In truth, many of these Native Americans displayed robust health and remained strong well into old age.

Again, maple syrup is full of essential minerals that can help boost overall health in the body and feeds the body’s cells.  It’s a great source of highly bioavailable calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and B6.

It’s highly advisable to consume maple syrup on its own.  Refrain from putting it on breakfast foods (pancakes, waffles, etc.) which can feed candida.  For those into trying new things, maple syrup goes extremely well with many meat dishes.

In fact, many Native Americans would often incorporate maple syrup into their pemmican recipes!

Incorporating Maple Syrup on a Candida Diet

In our experience, maple syrup is one of the few sweeteners that can be incorporated safely on a candida diet.  However, to be clear, it should serve as a supplemental item and should not form the base of your diet.

Whenever dealing with candida overgrowth in the body, high quality animal foods should form the base of the diet.  Also, high quality animal fats are extremely soothing for the intestines and can help naturally reduce inflammation in the gut.

For a complete candida eating strategy that is 100% free, go to our Diet Protocol Page for more information.

The importance of high quality animal fats and foods can not be emphasized enough if you’re dealing with a candida overgrowth.  These foods provide everything the body needs for repair and optimal function.

Protein and Fats are Essential, Carbohydrates are Not

It’s important to understand that proteins and fats are essential for human survival; carbohydrates (sugars) are not.  The body can live perfectly fine in the absence of carbohydrates.  However, the body will begin to deteriorate at a rapid pace when proteins and fats are missing in the diet.

This fact should give clue to what the body prefers as its main fuel source.  Also, it should help you understand that foods such as maple syrup are secondary when it comes to properly fueling the body.

That being said, although Native Americans may have been frequent consumers of maple syrup, their diet was always based on animal foods, animal fats, and animal organs.

The Verdict – Should you Eat Maple Syrup?

In our opinion, maple syrup is a great natural sweetener option for those suffering with candida overgrowth.  There is research showing that maple syrup has several different antimicrobial properties making it an amazing functional food.

You may have to experiment and see how you respond to maple syrup.  There is a small chance that maple syrup may not be right for you.

As with any food, it’s important that you always purchase form a reputable source.  Also, it’s mandatory that you consume only maple syrup that contains no synthetic ingredients and is 100% pure.

If possible, always choose maple syrups that come in glass in order to reduce your toxic exposure to plastics.