We all have yeast a.k.a. Candida. It becomes a destructive problem or health issue when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body that penetrates the intestinal wall and spreads throughout the blood stream.
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A Yeast free, nutrient rich diet is key to fighting yeast overgrowth
We have decided to cover this topic this week on our blog because a lot of our friends are having serious health issues with recurring Yeast overgrowth and infections. As a means to a healthier and sustainable living, we promote staying healthy and that includes staying yeast (overgrowth) free!
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Candida in the body. (Microbelibrary.org)
Candida Albicans is a form of yeast that is the cause of many undesirable symptoms ranging from weight gain, to fatigue, joint pain and gas. As it overgrows and spreads, it produces toxic by-products that cause damage to your body tissues and organs, wreaking havoc on the immune system. Causes of yeast overgrowth in the body may stem from anything from a few courses of antibiotics, or a prolonged diet rich in sugar and carbohydrates.
So if you suspect that you have an overgrowth, the first place to look is your lifestyle, your eating habits, and in some cases your wardrobe to find what could have caused this imbalance. A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates? Drugs and alcohol? Or all of the above? Eliminating all of these risk factors is a crucial step in restoring balance in the body.
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Absolutely NO ALCOHOL should be consumed during you fight against a yeast overgrowth. It may be re-introduced back weeks after your yeast has cleared. In little amounts.
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As a past sufferer of an overgrowth of yeast, and after all the prescribed antibiotics I refused to use (antibiotics does not stop the overgrowth, it just clears the symptoms, but the overgrowth remains). I took the following steps to restore yeast balance in my body:
STAGE 1: The Cleanse:
You can decide to get a colonic cleanse to rid your body of the toxins in your colon and intestines. A color do the following, like I did:
- Eat only raw salads and steamed vegetables
- Buy organic if you can
- Drink a detox drink twice each day: 1 large cup of water/ 1 flat tablespoon of soluble fiber/ 1 flat tablespoon of Bentonite Clay
- Drink a liver flush every evening, at least two hours after your last detox drink:1 cup water/ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil/ 1 clove of garlic/ Small chunk of fresh ginger
- Do the cleanse for 7-14 days
- If you suffer from a vaginal yeast infection, avoid tight clothing, (wear breathable clothing and clean cotton panties indefinitely)
- ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL.
STAGE 2: Changing my eating habits
I avoided sugars (Try Xylitol or Stevia instead), honey, agave, sweeteners, all processed meats (they contain antibiotics), cheeses, dairy products, alcohol: wine, beer, liquors, even Kombucha (which I love), all breads and desserts (I LOVE desserts FYI), foods heavy in starch and carbohydrates. I consumed foods high in fibers, raw vegetables (kale, broccoli, spinach, watercress, cauliflower) , unsweetened soy milk, plain, low fat yogurt, gluten-free snacks and foods, fruits really low in sugar like berries (in moderation, if at all), zucchini, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Celery, Collard greens, Cucumber, Garlic (raw), Green beans, Leeks, Lettuce (all types), Olives, Onions, Radish, Rutabaga, Sauerkraut (raw), and Seaweed. I eat foods high in fiber and proteins such as organic eggs and Quinoa.
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Foods to eat on the Candida Diet: Eat live, fresh and raw as much as possible, with lots of water.STAGE 3: Reintroducing foods into my body
The key to reintroducing foods that were avoided during the cleansing process is in regulation and moderation. If you are to eat any items on the Foods to Avoid List, do so one at a time and in very little quantities. Taking immune boosters such as vitamin C and probiotics that increases levels of good bacteria in the body help to maintain the balance in the body. (Images from www.live123.com)
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