How to Do a Candida Cleansing
Candida is a fungus that is always present in small amounts in the human genital, intestinal and urinary tracts, mouth and throat. Under normal circumstances, it is kept in check by the body's immune system. Factors which may aggravate candida and contribute to its overgrowth are long-term use of certain medications including antacids, antibiotics and oral contraceptives; food allergies; smoking; hormone fluctuations such as those occurring with monthly cycles or pregnancy; diets high in sugar or diabetes.
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Instructions
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The Basics
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Evaluate your symptoms. Most commonly, patients affected by candida will exhibit constipation, abdominal pain, headaches, numbness, fatigue, skin rashes, persistent fungal infections (jock itch, vaginal yeast infections, bladder infections, nail fungus or athlete's foot) and mood changes.
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See your doctor if you suspect you may have an overgrowth of candida based on your symptoms. It is not recommended that a candida cleansing be performed until you have an examination and laboratory tests confirming this condition from your physician.
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Receive your diagnosis, then begin the candida cleansing. The primary element in the cleanse is following the diet. The length of time you are on the diet depends on the severity of your candida infection and/or how long your symptoms have been present. For most patients, three to four weeks is advised.
The Diet
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Avoid all foods that encourage the candida yeast to flourish, beginning with sugar. This includes natural sugars occurring in fruits (fresh, frozen, dried or juice), as well as refined sugars. Read labels carefully--any ingredients ending with "ose", "ol" or "sacharrides" are also sugars. Honey, molasses, syrups and artificial sweeteners should also be avoided. The sweetener known as stevia is allowed.
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Stay away from foods containing yeast or gluten such as breads, crackers, pastries and pastas.
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Steer clear of fermented foods, like vinegar or any food containing vinegar. This is found in a lot of condiments such as ketchup, so read labels carefully. Also avoid beer, mushrooms, cheese and other dairy products.
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Feel free to indulge in eggs, all vegetables, legumes, most varieties of nuts, whole grains and poultry.
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Consider herbal supplementation while on the diet. Experts recommend using acidophilus, spirulina, coenzyme Q10, garlic and psyllium while doing a candida cleansing. Most importantly--drink plenty of water.
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Follow up with probiotics. These can be found at most health food stores and are labeled as such. They come in capsule or pill form and can also be found in certain yogurts. Probiotics help keep the intestinal flora balanced and are quite beneficial to the human digestive system.
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Tips & Warnings
Try doing a candida cleansing once or twice a year to keep this yeast level in check and enjoy better overall health.
During the course of the candida cleansing, toxins may be released as the yeast begins to deteriorate. This condition is known as a Herxheimer reaction and can cause temporary, flu-like symptoms.
