If you speak to most folks about what they eat on a daily basis, you will find that their diets are hugely comprised of refined sugars, starches, and high preservative foods. True nutritional wellness is based on a diet of balance, so definitely treat yourself but, don't go overboard. The over consumption of certain foods can create a very acidic and yeast like environment in the body which usually results in Candida. Candida is a state of inner imbalance, not a disease. The yeast itself is common, normally laying dormant in the gastrointestinal tract. The imbalance occurs as a result of over usage of antibiotics, birth control pills, refined sugars and carbohydrates, and a lack of rest. The body loses its intestinal balance and candida yeasts multiply too rapidly, feeding on excess carbs in the digestive tract. If overlooked the yeast morphs into fungus. In this form it can infect any part of the body, the most common are the feet, nails, skin, sinuses, genitals, etc. You will usually experience itchy skin in all of these areas, uncommon sore throats, and sometimes abnormal headaches. Through my own experience and conversations with other folks, I put together a little list of do's and don'ts that will assist in making the process of healing a lot easier.
*There is a product on the market called Candi-Gone, it consist of a tincture formula as well as capsules, its about a 2 week supply, you will definitely need enough for 4 weeks. Take this in conjunction with a 50 billion count of acidophilus. These should all be available at The Vitamin Shoppe or your local health food store.
Foods to Eliminate:
-Sweeteners of any kind
-Breads and baked goods
-Nutritional yeast
-Fried Foods
-Dairy
-All night shades (potatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, tomatoes, sweet peppers, etc.)
-All nuts(some sources say that almonds, hemp and sesame seeds are cool in moderation but, see how you feel)
-Fruits and juices (green apples are an exception)
-All fermented foods (dried fruits, olives, all vinegars)
-Coffee, black tea, carbonated drinks
*Avoid antibiotics during this time (produce excess yeast in the system)
Healing Foods to Enjoy:
-Raw and Steamed Vegetables (especially red onions, garlic, ginger, cabbage, and broccoli)
-Vegetable juices (try to have at least one green juice or shot of wheatgrass per day)
-Sea vegetables (dulse, arame, hijiki, kelp, kombu, nori, etc.)
-Fresh water fish if you eat seafood (no shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, etc.)
-Olive, coconut, avocado oils
-brown rice (has a cleansing affect) quinoa, and millet. (If you have a taste for pasta make sure that it doesn't contain semolina or any flours for that matter.) There are several on the market that are made w/ brown rice, quinoa, corn, lentils, and artichokes. They are available at most health food stores.
-Miso and Tofu
-Herbal teas (especially any white tea infusion and Pau d'arco) Have as much tea and miso soup as you like.
-If you feel yourself needing more protein, lentils and aduki beans are very grounding and easy on the system.
*Really the best way to eat during this time is macrobiotic. It is a meal consisting of steamed greens, brown rice, beans, sea vegetables, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, tofu or fresh water fish, with tahini dressing and gomasio (which is sesame seeds and sea salt) Very balancing in yin and yang energy, pretty much everything that your body will need in a meal.
*I know that this is all easier said than done because there is sugar and starch in just about everything that we eat. I know that 4 weeks sounds like a long time but, its not forever, we have to learn to honor our bodies by giving it the time that it needs to heal. Its all about making space and changing awareness so the next time won't be as bad. So please delight in the experience and as always be patient with the process....Bless and Be well
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