If you suffer from candida overgrowth, chances are you’ve researched endlessly on various ways to naturally inhibit the growth of this pathogenic fungus.  Unfortunately, there is a lot of conflicting information surrounding candida overgrowth and how to rid this pathogenic fungus from the body naturally.

Luckily, we’ve put together a no “fluff” post of natural strategies that can be used in order to help inhibit the growth of candida in the body.

In fact, by the end, you will have a better understanding of how to naturally combat this pathogenic fungus!  Also, many of the strategies listed below are good all around practices for improving optimal health and well-being in the body!

The Top 7 Tips and Tricks For Candida

1. Eat an Animal Based Diet

The biggest recommendation we can give to those suffering from candida overgrowth is to consume a diet based around high quality animal foods.  Unlike plants, animal foods do not contain anti-nutrients which can contribute to intestinal inflammation and bind to minerals in the body (1). 

For those unaware, all plant foods naturally contain anti-nutrients (plant poisons) which are produced by the plant as a form of protection.  If consumed in excess, these plant anti-nutrients can have an extremely negative effect on overall heath and can lead to poor digestive health.

Those dealing with candida overgrowth will already be dealing with high amounts of intestinal inflammation.  This is mainly due to the fact that candida releases several different toxic byproducts into the body and burrows itself into the intestinal tract.

That being said, high quality organic grass-fed animal foods provide the body with everything it needs for regeneration and repair.  It contains all the necessary nutrients needed for survival which are in a highly bioavailable form due to lack of anti-nutrients.  Animal foods are also naturally anti-candida due to their lack of sugar which can feed this pathogenic fungus.

For best results, consume high quality fatty animal foods.  Fat has a soothing quality towards the intestines and can be great for naturally combating inflammation.  In fact, research has shown that beef tallow (rendered cattle fat), as well as coconut oil, can be used to naturally inhibit the growth of candida in the body (2).

For more information on candida and diet, please go to our Candida Diet Protocol Page for full details!

2. Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is a powerful anti-fungal that has been used safely for centuries.  This oil was famous in ancient Egypt and ancient Egyptian writings depict this oil being used for a whole host of aliments.  It’s created by pressing black cumin seed until oil is released from the seeds.

Once pressed, the seeds are discarded and the oil is stored in jars for later use.  This oil has powerful anti-fungal properties and can be used to help combat candida in the body naturally.  In fact, research has shown that black seed oil demonstrates an inhibitory effect against candida in mice (3).

For those new to black seed oil, a little goes a long way.  Starting out as small as ½ teaspoon a day is a good practice for those new to this oil.  It’s not recommend that you exceed the recommended dosage on the bottle due to its overall power and potency.  As always, make sure you choose an organic cold pressed black seed oil if you plan on incorporating it into your diet.

3. Supplement With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil, as mentioned above, is a powerful natural anti-fungal.  It’s been used for centuries by the Polynesian people and has served as an important staple food in these peoples diets.  Coconut oil is also an excellent source of saturated fat which can help fuel the body.

Unlike animal fats which take time to digest, coconut oil is digested almost immediately by the liver.  This is due to its high amounts of medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s).  As a result, coconut oil can provide the body with a quick burst of seemingly endless amounts of energy.

That being said, research has confirmed that coconut can help to inhibit the growth of candida naturally (4).  It’s for this reason that incorporating small amounts of this super oil into the diet of those suffering with candida overgrowth can be so beneficial.

However, it’s very important that moderation is practiced with coconut oil.  It’s very nutrient dense and not practical or natural to take large amounts of it at one time.  Starting off with as little as 1 teaspoon a day is a good starting point.  From there you can work your way up to a dose you feel comfortable at.

4. Use Ghee Regularly

 Although we typically do not recommend dairy products for those dealing with candida overgrowth, or seeking optimal health, ghee is the exception.  Unlike most dairy products that contain high amounts of milk allergens such as casein (milk protein) and lactose (milk sugar), ghee has had around 99% of these common irritants removed.

As a result, grass-fed ghee is typically well tolerated by most, even those who tend to be sensitive towards dairy.  Ghee is very unique in that it contains a powerful fatty-acid called Butyrate.  It has been confirmed through research that the fatty acid butyrate can have an inhibitory effect against pathogenic fungi such as candida (5).

Furthermore, ghee is an excellent source of important fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, and K.  It’s well known that vitamin D plays a very important role in boosting and maintaining immune system health (6).  In fact, it’s even been shown that mice treated with vitamin D have less candida in the body than mice who are not (7).

Due to its high smoke point, ghee can be used safely in all cooking and will not degrade at high heat.  However, it can also be enjoyed right out of the jar!  For best results, always use an organic and grass-fed ghee.

5. Eat Liver Once a Week

High quality animal liver coming from grass-fed pastured animals is an amazing source of nourishment.  In fact, it can be argued that liver is one the most nutrient dense and bioavailable foods on the plant.  It’s loaded full of the important fat soluble vitamins A, D, and K.  Again, these vitamins play a very important role in healthy immune system function.

However, liver is the highest food source of copper in the world.  This is important because copper is a potent anti-fungal.  In fact, research has confirmed that copper can have an inhibitory effect against various types of pathogenic fungi (8).  Luckily, unlike synthetic isolates, liver also contains zinc to help counteract the copper.  Too much copper in the body can lead to negative side effects.  As a result, eating liver everyday is not recommended.

High quality animal liver is also a great source of essential trace minerals that can help to boost overall health in the body.  Obtaining enough trace minerals in the diet is critical for those looking to combat candida and for those seeking optimal health. 

For those uneasy about consuming animal liver, there are various grass-fed desiccated liver powders that come in capsule form.  This can be an easy option of obtaining the benefits of liver without actually eating it.  That being said, some nutrients may be lost during the drying process which is why eating it fresh is recommended.

6. Eat a Daily Raw Carrot

This tip comes directly from Dr. Ray Peat, an avid researcher and scientist of the human body.  Simply eating one raw carrot a day can have an almost sterilizing effect in the gut.  This is due to the powerful phytochemicals in carrots.

Ever notice how carrots seem to last forever?  This is due to the powerful natural antibiotic qualities of raw carrot which help to keep bacteria and pests at bay.  Furthermore, research has confirmed the anti-fungal effects of raw carrot (9).

For best results, shred an organic carrot to increase surface area and mix with coconut oil and sea salt.  Consume this once a day.  The coconut oil, sea salt, and carrot work synergistically together to help cleanse the digestive tract.

7. Add Sea Salt to Your Food

One of the simplest things those can do with candida overgrowth is include a high quality sea salt into their diet.  Seal salt contains natural anti-fungal properties which can help to sterilize the gut of possible pathogens.  It’s also great for increasing stomach acid levels in the body.

Sea salt contains the important mineral chloride which is needed for healthy stomach acid formation.  Those with candida overgrowth oftentimes suffer from inadequate levels of stomach acid.  This is because candida can release small amounts of ammonia which can neutralize stomach acid.

As a result, increasing stomach acid is essential for those with candida overgrowth.  Not only will this help improve overall digestion, but it will also help to sterilize the gut of possible pathogens that prefer an alkaline environment.

For best results, use a high quality sea salt such as Celtic in all of your meals.  As an added bonus, Celtic sea salt is high in magnesium which is often deficient in diet of most.