Three nutritionists describe the varal candida diet

On TikTok, women change their diet to solve candida overgrowth, all in a complex and different way, with three nutritionists Newsweek how to deal with candida through diet change.

Hundreds of videos of women clearing candida are circulating on TikTok, often involving eating only whole foods, cutting out sugar, gluten and alcohol, and incorporating so-called health foods like apple cider vinegar , bone broth and herbal tea.

“Candida overgrows when fungus occurs Candida albicanswhich is normally present in the body, it grows excessively,” nutritionist Layla Gordon, of Layla Gordon Nutrition, told. Newsweek. “This can lead to symptoms such as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, skin rashes and digestive problems.”

Candida overgrowth can be caused by certain medications—especially antibiotics—that damage the intestinal flora, a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, excessive alcohol consumption, and a weakened immune system. of physical or mental stress, nutritionist Kirstie Lawton, of You Nutrition, said. Newsweek.

Nutritionist Rakhi Lad, of Healthology Hub, also explained that “frequent use of antibiotics can eliminate the good bacteria, which allows candida to take over.”

“I’m not saying you shouldn’t take antibiotics, but it’s important to be aware of their impact on gut health,” Lad said. Newsweekwho added that oral contraceptives can also promote the growth of candida. “Research suggests that estrogen appears to enhance candida’s ability to adhere to cells and thrive.”

Candida is perhaps most famous for being the yeast that causes thrush, and Gordon said it can affect women more “because of hormonal changes, like fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, especially during pregnancy, Menopause, and the menstrual cycle, can create a favorable environment for the growth of candida.”

Lawton said that symptoms of candida overgrowth often include feeling bloated, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, cramps and itching.

For others, other symptoms may be present, such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, fungal infections elsewhere in the body, skin changes such as acne, inability to lose weight body, fatigue, migraine and joint pain.

The TikTok women who go on a special multi-week diet to combat candida overgrowth all do things a little differently, but they all focus on eating whole foods, eliminating processed foods, cutting back on alcohol and reduce sugar and carbohydrates. Nutritionists Newsweek spoke to the most agreeable to this advice.

“Eating a candida-fighting diet involves cutting out foods that feed yeast, such as refined sugars, simple carbohydrates, and alcohol, as these all provide the perfect environment for candida to thrive,” said Lad. . “Refined sugar from foods like cookies, cakes, candies and soft drinks breaks down quickly into sugar, which feeds candida and promotes its growth. Simple carbohydrates like white bread, white pasta and white rice have the same effect and are quickly converted to sugar.”

So, he said, it’s “important” to focus on whole, unprocessed foods, non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats to support a healthy gut environment and starve candida of sugar. .

Lawton said some people may want to consider supplementing with pre- and probiotics to promote the growth of good gut bacteria and “nudge” candida out, suggesting that Bifidobacteria and Saccharomyces boulardii it might do the trick.

“In extreme cases we can use antifungals such as caprylic acid and monolaurin from coconut, and other antifungals such as grapefruit extract, oil of oregano, black walnut and allicin from garlic,” Lawton said.

However, Lad cautioned that this type of diet “is not a solution for everyone,” adding “there may be other factors to consider” and “changes Any special diets should be tailored to your needs.”

Gordon agreed, saying: “Anti-candida diets can be very effective, but they should only be used in conjunction with the advice of a nutritionist, and should only be done for a limited period of time, as the diet they can lead to weight loss and weight loss.”

Also, there was a risk that the TikTok creators might have taken their candida diet too far, nutritionists said, especially those aimed at excluding all sugar, carbs, dairy , gluten and caffeine.

“While it is true that refined sugar, simple carbohydrates and processed foods can promote candida growth, such extreme restrictions around all carbohydrates, gluten and dairy can” are they not necessary or sustainable for everyone,” Lad said.

He said he prefers a “moderate, balanced approach” that can still work. For example, complex carbohydrates in whole grains and vegetables, and dairy products such as yogurt and kefir, can be beneficial for gut health.

“Furthermore, strict elimination diets can be challenging to maintain and can lead to nutritional imbalances or erratic eating patterns,” Lad said.

Gordon added that “we have to be realistic” and that “restriction for too long can cause food anxiety and weight loss” so there was a need to have stability.

He suggested focusing on healthy, anti-candida foods that one can enjoy, such as eggs, red meat, beans, onions, garlic, coconut, olive oil, fish, lemons, limes, almonds, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds, and ginger.

“Everybody’s body is different, even if they have the same health problems or symptoms,” Lad said. “There’s an art and a science to understanding what drives a person’s health. It’s often one thing, because we’re such complex people. Working with a qualified professional, like a nutritionist correct, it can help ensure that food is safe and effective.”

Do you have advice on the story of food that Newsweek should cover? Do you have a nutritional problem? Let us know at science@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story can be featured Newsweek.