Candida Overgrowth

This information is not intended to replace appropriate medical advice.  Please read labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you take prescription drugs. 

Make changes slowly. Rebuilding takes time. Treat your body gently through the healing process.

Special Care for Digestion

• Cold food and drinks can cause smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract to contract and impair digestion.
  
  
• Chew food thoroughly and mix with saliva before swallowing. To slow eating, it can help to lay down your fork/spoon while you are chewing, then pick it up again when you've swallowed and are ready for the next bite.
  
  
• Watch your posture and practice slow abdominal breathing. 
  
  
• Avoid eating in the evening.  Instead sip a strained broth made from organic onion, garlic, celery, kale, and whole sea salt to stave off hunger. Bone broth is a great option as well. You can use this broth anytime.

• Have heavy protein no later than lunch for better assimilation of amino acids

An Balanced Diet

• Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water daily.  Chlorine destroys healthy bacteria.
  
  
• Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming.  Candida overgrowth is linked to acidosis.
  
  
• Make vegetables, raw seeds, nuts, beans and legumes your diet mainstays.

• Combine foods for optimum digestion. Starches and animal products digest in very different digestive secretions and should not be eaten at the same meal. Animal products are dense and acid forming. Enjoy in moderation but no later than lunchtime.

• Fermented foods are beneficial but start slowly. Begin with a tablespoon of unsweetened coconut kefir slowly increasing to 1/3 cup per day,  then introduce sauerkraut or kimchi.

• Cayenne, garlic, and turmeric have strong healing properties and aid with detoxification.

• Unrefined coconut and MCT oils have antifungal properties. 1 tsp 3-4 times daily.

• Consume 1-3 tablespoons of flax, hemp, or chia seeds daily.

• Take 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar in water, or as a condiment, with meals. Corrects pH.

• If you cannot live comfortably without grains - opt for quinoa, teff, or millet.

• Avoid dairy products, sugar, fruits, mushrooms, and foods with a high glycemic index.

Basic Supplements - elevate nutrition from adequate to optimum

• Bio-Strath tablets – take tablets before meals to promote better digestion and absorption. Corrects body PH, decreases stress, strengthens immune system, and improves elimination. 
  
  
• Vitamin C – 500-1,000 daily – aids in digestion and collagen production.
  
  
• Vitamin D – 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000 IU daily - anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  
• Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids – candida overgrowth can be caused by an EFA deficiency.
  
  
• Chlorophyll for magnesium - 2 times daily – blood cleanser, reduces die off symptoms. Take enough chlorophyll and vitamin C to ensure at least 2 bowel movements daily.

• Probiotics – daily, then intermittent use after your candida program is finished.

• Digest enzyme with hydrochloric acid HCI – improves digestion and elimination.

Special Care for Candida - along with diet changes

Weeks 1 &2:

• Glutamine – heals smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract, reduces food cravings, improves mood and concentration, balances blood sugar. Follow label dosages.
• Take 3 tbsp of aloe vera juice 3 times daily to promote healing of damaged tissue.
• Candida builds a protective biofilm once it sets up house. Until you break it down, clean-up efforts are hampered. Serrapeptase is an enzyme when taken on an empty stomach scours the body digesting nonliving material, including the biofilm. Take 2 times daily on an empty stomach and allow at least 1 hour before consuming anything else.

Weeks 3 & 4:

• Continue with Glutamine and reduce to 1 Serrapeptase at bedtime.
• Black walnut - oxygenates the blood - powerful antifungal properties.
• Continue aloe vera - 3 tbsp 3 times daily. 

Weeks 5 & 6:

• Continue with Black Walnut and 1 Serrapeptase at bedtime.
• Aloe vera 3 tbsp 3 times daily.
• Start Berberine – follow label dosages - antifungal, regulates blood sugar

When you have finished week 6, assess your progress. If symptoms persist, it may be time to consult a naturopath. If all symptoms have been relieved, continue with any leftover product until used up. Thereafter, continue with the diet and basic supplements alone. Adhere very strictly to the diet for at least another 2 weeks. If no symptoms have returned, experiment with a little fresh squeezed lemon juice in water. Each day, introduce one new fresh fruit on an empty stomach and don’t eat anything else for at least 30 minutes. If there are still no symptoms, introduce a little manuka honey or molasses as sweeteners.

Additional Suggestions

• Candida is associated with acidosis. You can check urine pH and alter your diet as needed to maintain a healthy level between 6.5-7.4.  Keeping your chemistry in a slightly alkaline state is one of the least talked about and most important keys to health. 

• Keep all pathways of elimination open. Dry body brush to keep skin pore’s clear and encourage good lymphatic drainage. Take enough chlorophyll and vitamin C to keep the bowels moving easily.

• Spend time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine and get regular moderate exercise. Breathe deeply, exhale thoroughly! Well oxygenated blood inhibits the growth of candida.

• We suggest you avoid refined carbs and limit other acid-forming foods like meat and dairy. In our experience, candida-sensitive individuals do best to remain on an extremely clean whole foods diet.

Overcoming a candida problem is challenging. Many people feel mentally foggy and out of balance for a while. Feel free to come in for support from the team at Jo Anne’s Place.

Make your wellbeing your No. 1 priority. Remember, you will soon feel better. 

You are meant to be healthy and happy 😊

*Revised September 2024