One of the ongoing complaints among those suffering with chronic candida overgrowth is brain fog.  Typically, this brain fog occurs first thing upon waking in the morning, or after meals.

Most suffering with candida overgrowth are unaware that this pathogenic fungus can contribute to brain fog and are under the misconception that this fungus only effects the digestive system.

So, why does candida cause brain fog in the first place? And what can you do to help correct this problem?

Luckily, we have the answers to all your questions below.  However, before we get into solutions for combating candida brain fog, let’s first talk about what candida brain fog actually is.

What is Candida Brain Fog?

It’s really quite simple; those suffering from candida overgrowth will almost always have high amounts of toxic byproducts circulating throughout their body.  Research has already proven that this pathogenic fungus is capable of releasing several different toxic substances; all of which can have a negative impact on the body (1).

In particular, during the fermentation process that occurs in the gut in those with candida overgrowth, this pathogenic fungus releases small amounts of alcohol into the body.  This small amount of alcohol can contribute to symptoms such as brain fog and can create feelings of nausea and confusion in the individual.

Furthermore, candida releases a toxic byproduct called gliotoxin. Researchers have found that gliotoxin is very damaging to the liver and can actually destroy liver cells in the human body (2).  For those unaware, the liver is responsible for filtering all the blood that comes from the stomach before it’s released to all other parts of the body.

If the liver is not functioning properly due to damage, blood will not be properly filtered and toxic substances will make their way past the liver and into the rest of the body.  It’s extremely common for those dealing with chronic brain fog to suffer from poor liver function.

There is also the possibility that the individual has developed a food allergy.  Food allergies are very common in those with candida overgrowth (more on this below) and symptoms such as confusion, brain fog, and fatigue often result.

How Diet Impacts Candida Brain Fog

It’s important to understand that what you put into your mouth is going to have an effect on your body.  There couldn’t be more truth in the term, “you are what you eat.”  Unfortunately, if you suffer from candida overgrowth, you need to be especially careful as to what you’re putting into your body.

In particular, processed foods and sugar are one of the worst things you can eat if you suffer from candida brain fog.  This is because the main fuel source of candida is sugar.  To put it simply, sugar is what allows candida to thrive and multiply.  Even “healthy carbohydrates” will eventually breakdown into sugar in the body and can potentially feed this pathogenic fungus.

With that said, abstaining from all forms of sugar and processed foods is essential if you’re suffering with chronic candida brain fog.  Without the presence of sugar and starchy carbohydrates, the growth of candida will be significantly reduced.  As a result, there will naturally be a reduction of toxic byproducts being released which can contribute to chronic brain fog.

Also, all processed and packaged foods must be avoided.  Research has shown that most processed foods contain dietary emulsifiers which can contribute to intestinal inflammation and give rise to degenerative metabolic conditions such as diabetes (3).

Furthermore, those suffering with candida overgrowth will most likely be dealing with high amounts of intestinal inflammation due to candida burrowing itself into the intestinal lining.  In our experience, keeping intestinal inflammation down is critical for combating chronic candida brain fog.

The Best Diet For Candida Brain Fog

Following a correct gut healing and candida friendly diet is essential if you wish to get well from candida and its negative symptoms.  Unfortunately, most are unaware of what a healthy anti-candida diet should look like.  Many are being mis-informed about diet and are unknowingly following a diet that can be making their condition worse.

In particular, plant based diets are often recommended for those trying to recover from chronic sickness in the body.  However, in our experience, these types of diets can have an extremely damaging effect on the gut microbiome and can actually feed candida!

This is because plant based diets are full of anti-nutrients that can contribute to intestinal inflammation.  For those unaware, all plants contain anti-nutrients which help to protect the species from predators and overconsumption.  There are only a few animals, such as herbivores, that can safely eat large amounts of plant matter without digestive consequences.

Unlike cows, the human body does not contain a rumen.  We have zero ability to digest cellulose (plant fiber) and it simply goes right through us.  In fact, many of these abrasive plant fibers can contribute to intestinal inflammation.  Anti-nutrients such as phytates, lectins, oxalates, and salicylates have all been shown to cause an inflammatory response in both the intestines and various organs (4)(5)(6)(7).

Now, this isn’t to say plants are bad, but your diet should not centered around these foods.  Instead, you need to be consuming foods such as the ones outlined on our Diet Protocol Page.

This means consuming high quality organic animal foods can help rebuild and repair the body.  It’s important to understand that animals do not contain anti-nutrients or sugar.  As a result, they’re excellent for both gut health and combating candida overgrowth.

Plant Foods and Brain Fog – Is there a Connection?

In our experience, although candida overgrowth can cause symptoms such as brain fog, it’s not always the sole cause.  In fact, many are unknowingly suffering from food allergies that can contribute to symptoms such as foggy brain.

As mentioned before, all plants foods contain high amounts of anti-nutrients.  If consumed in excess, these plant foods can actually cause negative symptoms in the body.

It’s for this reason that all Native cultures around the world always used special preparation methods before consuming plant foods.  Soaking, fermenting, roasting and boiling are all techniques that were used in order to remove anti-nutrients and make the plant food more digestive friendly.

It should also be mentioned that throughout history, animal foods always served as the base of the diet, while plant foods acted as supplemental items.  There are several reasons for this, but the primary reason is because most wild plants are extremely toxic and the ones that do happen to be edible are only seasonal.

In our opinion, anyone dealing with candida brain fog needs to focus their attention on high quality animal foods.  Plant foods should be incorporated into the diet slowly, in small amounts, and always carefully prepared.

Wrapping it up – What Should you do?

By this point you should have a better understanding of what candida brain fog is and how to combat it naturally.  Again, if you haven’t done so already, we highly recommend you check out our free Diet Protocol Page for in depth explanation of the best foods to be consuming if you suffer from candida overgrowth.

In out experience, the only way to address candida and its negative symptoms is through diet.  There is no shortcut when it comes to getting rid of this pathogenic fungus.  That being said, there are some natural remedies which can help speed up the recovery process, but nothing beats following and implementing a high quality diet.

Also, for those interested, our Crush Candida Cookbook can be a great resource for those looking to cook both delicious and anti-candida meals!  We highly recommend our cookbook to anyone looking to add some serious flavor to their candida diet!