Dr. Tom Glew, BSc, ND, Westside Naturopathic Clinic, Vancouver, BC

THERAPIES - Information on Candida

A variety of bacteria and yeast are found in the normal, healthy gut. They help in the elimination of toxins and wastes and even manufacture some nutrients, as well as keeping one another in check. But, with the use of drugs, such as: antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, and other factors, such as: diet, allergies, or poor digestion - the population of bacteria decreases or changes - thus giving the yeast an opportunity to proliferate.

Yeast produces toxins (i.e. acetaldehyde) which can affect any part of the body where it is most vulnerable. It can affect the digestive system, the reproductive system, the nervous system, the respiratory system, or other areas of the body. An over-growth of Candida can precipitate a myriad of possible symptoms: from gas and bloating to joint pains, headaches, diarrhea, low energy, poor vision, confusion, poor memory, and much more. There are several approaches to the treatment of this over-growth of Candida. The most effective we have found is a combination of:

Diet control — in order to starve the yeast of its two foods: yeasts and sugars
Antifungal herb — to kill off the yeast over-growth
Homeopathic support — to support the body where it is needed
Probiotics - acidophilus/bifidus — seeding into the gut friendly bacteria to replace the yeast

REFERENCE TEXTS:

The Candida Albicans Yeast Free Cookbook by Pat Conelly and Price Pottenger; The Nutrition Foundation. A very thorough and serious approach, more through than most people require. A purist's approach, but good recipes.

The Yeast Connection The Missing Diagnosis by William Cook Orion Truss. A quick, easy read. A complete look at the syndrome by the man who discovered and defined it.

Yeast Syndrome by Morton Walker John Troubridge. Well recommended by readers.

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DIET SUGGESTIONS

Eliminate the Following:	Substitutes:
SUGAR, HONEY, SYRUP	Synthetic sweeteners are not recommended
FRUIT JUICE	Filtered or Spring Water. Lemon water or herb teas (make strong and chill in summertime).
DRIED FRUIT
YEAST i.e. almost all BREADS including pita. Note: Essene and Manna breads are made only from sprouts and have a high sugar content – not advisable.	Rye Crisp (Wasa brand blue label). Rice Cakes, Matzoa, and some other flat breads (check label), Chapatti, Irish Soda bread.
FERMENTED FOODS – soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, mustard or miso	Lemon juice on salads, homemade mayonnaise as a condiment
ALCOHOL
CHEESE – particularly cheese with mould.	Cottage cheese in small amounts.

Low Intake of the Following is Optional:

DAIRY PRODUCTS - not much to drink, use on cooked cereal
FRUITS - one serving per day only, NO DRIED FRUIT
Note: Coffee and Tea should be eliminated when taking Homeopathic Remedies.

A Yeast Free Diet Could Contain:

WHOLE GRAINS - rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, triticale, corn

VEGETABLES - all vegetables: steamed, sautéed, and baked

MEAT, FISH, POULTRY, SEAFOOD, EGGS, BUTTER, OIL, YOGHURT (not in excess)

Example breakfast: Cooked whole grain cereal with yoghurt and a few chopped nuts.

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THERAPIES - Information on Candida

REFERENCE TEXTS:

DIET SUGGESTIONS

Eliminate the Following:

Substitutes:

Low Intake of the Following is Optional:

A Yeast Free Diet Could Contain: