Candida 101: What is Candida, How To Get Rid of It + DIY HCL Test -

Candida 101: What is Candida?

Candida is a natural occurring yeast that lives on our skin and in our body. However, due to certain diet and lifestyle practices this yeast can get out of hand and lead to an overgrowth. Moreover, it is the overgrowth of candida that creates numerous health issues, including infection. In fact, the following practices contribute to the overgrowth of candida: antibiotic usage, birth control usage, overuse of NSAIDS, eating foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, high alcohol intake, lowered immune system, high stress lifestyle and diabetes. Below, I outline some of the signs and symptoms of candida, foods to eliminate on a candida cleanse, as well as the foods to add into the diet to balance the overgrowth of yeast.

Signs & Symptoms of Candida

Below are just some of the signs and symptoms of Candida. You can find additional signs and symptoms at Healthline.com and Dr. Amy Myers

Bad Breathe
Digestive Issues
Brain Fog
White Coating on Tongue
Joint Pain
Loss of Sex Drive
Hormone Imbalance
Allergy Issues
Weak Immune System
Exhaustion/Fatigue
Food Cravings (especially sugar, beer and breads)
Food Intolerances
Skin/Nail Fungal Infections

Foods to Eliminate for a Candida Cleanse

First of all, when embarking on a candida cleanse, it’s important to eliminate the foods that contribute to the overgrowth of yeast. To be specific, just taking supplements or doing a cleanse to rid the body of the candida is typically not enough to balance the overgrowth. It takes a comprehensive dietary protocol (as well as strategic supplementation) to ensure that the yeast is starved.

Yeast Containing Foods (Breads)
Refined Carbohydrates (Breads, Pastas, Cakes, Cookies)
Alcohol Containing Foods, Beverages & Supplements, especially Beer
High Sugar Foods (Desserts, Processed Foods)
Wheat Containing Foods
Dairy Products

Foods to Add for a Candida Cleanse

Garlic
Apple Cider Vinegar
Bitters
Ginger
Cinnamon
Coconut Oil
Citrus (lemons, limes and grapefruit)
Fresh Herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil)
Bone Broth/Mineral Broth
Curcumin
Pomegranate
Aloe Vera
Lacto-Fermented Foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, beet kvass and coconut yogurt)

DIY Stomach Acid Test

Did you know if your stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) is not high enough, you won’t be able to properly digest your food? In fact, if you’re having acid reflux symptoms, gas/bloating or your food is coming out whole on the other side (i.e. elimination), then most likely your stomach acid is too low. Moreover, low or decreased stomach acid actually occurs naturally due to the aging process, as well as other factors such as overuse of NSAIDS, antibiotics, not chewing our food, nutrient deficiencies and stress. In fact, according to the late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez, if you’re stomach acid is too low, you are more susceptible to candida, bacteria and low immunity in general.

Below I outline an easy DIY test to check your stomach acid at home:

Stomach Acid Test:
First, pour 6 oz. of filtered water in a cup. Then, add in 1/4 tsp. aluminum-free baking soda and stir. Next, consume liquid on an empty stomach before eating. Finally, wait 5 minutes. If you burp within the 5 minutes, you have enough stomach acid. If you don’t burp, you may need to work on supporting your HCL–stomach acid.

Health Tip: You can promote and support healthy stomach acid (HCL) by having lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, using apple cider vinegar daily or having fresh ginger tea. For more severe cases, talk to your Functional Medicine Dr. about taking HCL supplements.

Takeaway

Life is meant to be lived and celebrated, but it’s important to note that celebratory foods that are high in refined sugar like desserts, breads and alcohol should be consumed in moderation and not everyday. Getting back to a whole foods lifestyle (fruits, veggies, wild fish, grass-fed meats, lacto-fermented foods) ensures a healthy microbiota and balanced yeast in the body.

In divine health,

Kristin

Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-symptoms-treatment
https://draxe.com/candida-symptoms/

Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez – Why Steve Jobs Really Died

10 Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth & How to Eliminate It

Candida 101: What is Candida, How To Get Rid of It + DIY HCL Test