By Dr. Jen O’Sullivan

Candida are fungi that we often call “yeast”. This is because they exists in the yeast state during a part of their life cycle. We all have candida as they are a part of our healthy microbiome. When the microbiome is balanced, candida live in the small intestines. They act as a blood barrier protector and they consume the food that we do not digest properly. When there is an abundance of undigested food in the small intestines, it becomes an extra source of food. This will cause an overgrowth of candida, which is unhealthy. This may present in the form of yeast infections, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and even uncontrolled foot fungus and jock itch. 

There are many things that contribute to candida overgrowth such as the use of antibiotics, antacids, steroids, hormone replacement therapy, contraceptive pills, alcohol consumption, excessive consumption of sweets and processed foods, mercury in dental fillings, smoking, tap water consumption, chronic stress, and lack of sleep. There are two things that you may not know about that contribute to candida overgrowth.

It may seem simple enough when you eat a meal, that you enjoy a glass of water or beverage of choice while you eat. You may chew your food a little less than you should. Little do you know that these simple acts may be the cause of candida overgrowth in your body that can lead to a plethora of various symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, gastrointestinal upset, sinus issues, fits of rage, rashes and other skin issues, inflammation, depression, headaches, as well as many other issues.

When you consume more than four ounces of any beverage while eating, your stomach acids become placated more and some of your food will pass undigested into your small intestines where the good candida live. It will sit there and ferment causing gas and bloating and also will allow the good candida to thrive and populate more aggressively. When you do not properly chew your food, again some of your food will pass into your small intestines undigested. The candida will then have an abundance of food with which they can thrive more vigorously.

It is important to keep candida overgrowth from happening, so make sure you chew your food fully before swallowing, and also keep the beverage consumption to four ounces or less during your mealtime. Also make sure to go back over the list of items mentioned above that contribute to candida overgrowth.

If you are experiencing candida overgrowth there are some things you will want to consider changing in your life for at least one month.

30 DAY CANDIDA PROTOCOL

• Change your diet and eat foods that are healthful and not processed.
• Focus on low glycemic index foods like broccoli, cabbage, celery, and dark leafy greens.
• Add good fats to your diet such as coconut oil, avocado, and healthy nuts.
• Add raw garlic to your diet.
• Remove all sugar consumption for one month. This includes fruit.
• Limit dairy to 10% or less of your total intake.
• Chew your food fully, especially animal protein.
• Use an HCL supplement 5-10 minutes into a meal high in animal protein.
• Use digestive enzymes regularly.