When it comes to a candida overgrowth in the body, there are various foods that can either contribute to its growth, or inhibit its growth.  Unfortunately, the majority of the population consumes foods that contribute and allow the growth of candida in the body.  In fact, most digestive disorders are a direct result of a candida overgrowth in the body.  Researchers have found that those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) almost always suffer from a candida overgrowth in the gut (1).

Luckily, there are several different foods that can be consumed which can help prevent the growth of candida in the body.  Many of these foods have strong anti-fungal properties which can help rid the gut and body of candida.  Before we get into these foods, let’s first talk about what candida is.

What is Candida?

Candida is pathogenic fungus that is able to overgrow in the body due to an abundance of sugar present in the diet.  All yeast, mold, and fungi use sugar as their primary fuel source.  With that said, small amounts of candida is necessary to have in the body in order for optimal health.  In fact, candida poses non harm to the body when it remains in its non-pathogenic yeast form.  Every healthy body will have small amounts of candida yeast present in the gut.  With that said, attempting to completely get rid of candida is not possible or advisable.

However, if given the opportunity, candida can morph into a pathogenic fungus that can cause all sorts of problems in the body.  Interestingly, candida is so rampant in today’s society due to poor diet that many individuals suffer from an overgrowth without even knowing!

What are the Symptoms of Candida?

Symptoms of candida overgrowth in the body can vary from individual to individual.  However, there are a few common signs that seem to occur in those with an overgrowth.  Below is a small list of symptoms that are common when there is a candida overgrowth in the body.

• White Coating on Tongue
• Bloating After Eating
• Acid Reflux
• Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation
• Fatigue
• Brain Fog
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Red Rash

This is just a small list of symptoms that are associated with a candida overgrowth in the body.  It’s important to understand that everyone will be affected differently when dealing with a candida overgrowth in the body.  However, these symptoms are typical in most cases.

Also, for more information on candida be sure to visit our homepage.  If you think you may be suffering from a candida overgrowth in the body, be sure to head over to our protocol page for correct eating strategies to follow if you have candida overgrowth.

The Top 5 Foods for Candida

1. Aged Garlic Extract

Aged garlic extract is an amazing product with several different health promoting properties.  Garlic has been used for centuries due to its natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  Garlic was often used to treat different types of parasitic infections in the body.

However, unlike raw garlic, aged garlic extract does not leave the dreaded garlic breath or smell afterwards.  This is because the aging process naturally lowers the garlic odor.  However, the aging process also increases some of the medicinal properties present in garlic.  As a result, aged garlic extract is much stronger and can be more effective than raw garlic.

One study found that a garlic extract was able to inhibit the growth of 9 different strains of pathogenic bacteria and was also able to inhibit the growth of candida (2).  It’s for this reason that many use an aged garlic extract in order to help reduce and inhibit the growth of candida in the body. For those interested in purchasing aged garlic, Kyolic makes an extremely potent and effective aged garlic extract.

Also, for those willing, aged garlic extract can be made easily at home.  There are several different recipes online that can be used to make an effective aged garlic extract.  We personally like the ones that use just raw apple cider vinegar and herbs.

2. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw organic apple cider vinegar is an amazing substance that can help solve many digestive problems.  It has been used for centuries in order to treat various aliments in the body and increase digestive power.  Hippocrates was well known for using raw apple cider vinegar on the majority of his patients in order to foster faster recovery.

Apple cider vinegar has serious anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.  Those suffering from a candida overgrowth may find relief by supplementing with raw apple cider vinegar daily. To take, simply place 2 tablespoons in spring or filtered water and drink.  You can do this 2-3 times a day and can even do it after meals in order to assist in digestion. 

Interestingly, many find that the majority of their food cravings disappear after supplementing with ACV for a few days.  It can be the perfect drink for naturally combating intense sugar cravings which is often a result of candida overgrowth.

3. Animal Protein

High quality animal protein is extremely important for anyone dealing with candida.  This is because animal foods are extremely easy on the gut and can help repair the gut lining.  Those with candida overgrowth typically suffer from a destroyed mucosal lining and often show symptoms of leaky gut or other digestive disorders such as IBS.

High quality organic animal protein contains every single nutrient needed for optimal health in the body.  It contains all the building blocks necessary to assist in repair and can help speed up recovery time in the body.  It also contains no sugar and will not feed candida in the body.

Animal protein also forces the body to produce more stomach acid.  This is because a strong stomach acid is needed in order to properly breakdown animal protein.  Having strong stomach acid levels is extremely important for health and preventing fungal and bacterial overgrowth’s in the gut.  Stomach acid naturally neutralizes fungus and bacteria and keeps the digestive system clean and sterile. 

4. Chinese Bitters

Chinese bitters have been used for centuries in order to facilitate better digestion and increase the natural production of stomach acid in the body. In fact, these bitter herbs play an important role in Chinese Medicine and are used primarily in those with digestive disorders.  This is because bitter foods naturally stimulate the vagus nerve on the back of the tongue which signals to the brain and gut to produce more stomach acid.

The Chinese frequently consumed a bitter beverage after meals in order to increase digestive power and increase the breakdown of food.  As well as increasing stomach acid levels, bitter foods natural contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  With that said, there are various extracts of Chinese bitters that can simply be placed on the tongue in order to achieve its beneficial effect.  You can also brew your own bitter herb tea with herbs such as Gentian Root and Bupleurum Root.

In fact, up until recently, it wasn’t uncommon to serve bitter beverages after meals in order to facilitate digestion.  Unfortunately, now-a-days instead of bitter beverages after meal, we are served a sugary dessert! 

5. Sea Salt

Salt got a bad rap over the last several decades but it was wrongly deserved.  High quality sea salts such as Celtic or Pink Himalayan are full of essential minerals and can help improve optimal health in the body.  These types of salts have been used for centuries and played an important role in the development of different cultures around the world.

Sodium is an essential mineral needed daily for optimal health.  Traditionally, these were either obtained from the blood of animals, or through sea salts.  Sea salt contains chloride which is needed for the formation of stomach acid.  Consequently, sea salt can help improve digestion by effectively raising stomach acid levels in the body.  This results in fewer chances of developing fungal overgrowth’s in the gut such as candida.

For best results, simply sprinkle sea salt on all of your meals.  Many find that their digestion improves dramatically after adding a high quality sea salt into their diet.

Follow Our Candida Protocol

For those suffering from candida, our diet protocol can be extremely useful.  This protocol goes into full detail on what you should and shouldn’t be eating and explains step by step what you need to do if you suffer from a candida overgrowth.

You can also try out our Crush Candida Recipe Cook Book.  There are over 20 different recipes in this easy to read recipe eBook which can help you in all your meal planning.  Also, for more information on candida, be sure to visit our FAQ section.