A raw food diet can be an ideal way of eating to overcome Candida. However it is necessary to realize that there are many different ways of constructing a raw food diet.

Even among some of the prominent leaders in the raw food movement there is great debate about the best type of raw food diet for the treatment of Candida.

So what is the best type of raw food diet for eliminating Candida?

The Basics

Ultimately this will vary for each person and you may need to do a little experimentation to find out what works for you. The main goal of following any dietary regime is to change your internal environment so that the yeast population can be diminished, while you are also providing yourself with adequate nourishment.

For the majority, an ultra-strict diet is not necessary and can even be detrimental.

However, there are certain dietary guidelines that can be helpful for anyone attempting to recover from Candida. Elimination of foods high in sugars is recommended including raw honey, agave and dried fruits (including goji berries).

Most people eating a raw food diet to cure Candida find that they don’t need to eliminate fruit entirely, however it may be best to emphasize low glycemic fruits such as berries, citrus and apples, at least in the initial stages of treatment.

The majority of Candida patients can benefit from an increase in their intake of raw foods, however it is not always a good idea to suddenly switch to a 100% raw food diet. This can trigger a dramatic cleansing reaction that overwhelms the capacity of your detoxification organs, ultimately resulting in excessive stress on your immunity.

A healthy immune system is one of your most valuable assets in the fight against Candida so you want to do everything you can to support its optimal function.

In addition to selecting appropriate foods, it is of equal importance to avoid overeating, late-night eating and complicated meals, because these factors can have a negative effect on digestive function, which may ultimately support the growth of Candida.

What Are The Best Raw Foods For Candida?

The following is a selection of foods that you can incorporate into an anti-Candida regime. Aim to include a variety of these in your diet every day.

Leafy Green Vegetables

These are perhaps one of the most important foods to eat in abundance if you are struggling with Candida. They are high in minerals and have an alkalizing effect that discourages the growth of yeast and bacteria. Leafy greens are most nutritious when consumed raw, especially when blended, such as in green smoothies. Examples include kale, chard, spinach, collard greens and romaine lettuce.

Sprouts

Sprouts are highly alkaline and have been touted as being some of the greatest healing foods available. If you grow your own they can also be a cost-effective way of getting more living foods into your diet. Some of the best sprouts in terms of flavor and nutrition include sunflower, clover and broccoli sprouts.

Onions and Garlic

These foods are yeast killers but many people are sensitive to them when they are consumed raw. If you do well with these foods add them liberally to your raw meals, otherwise it may be best to avoid them or only consume them when they are included in a meal that is cooked.

Fresh Herbs

Many fresh herbs – such as oregano and thyme – contain specific compounds that can limit the growth of yeast. You can add these to salads or sauces to enhance their flavor as well as taking advantage of this effect. Be sure not to overdo them because, not only will this overpower your dish, but it may also result in nausea and digestive discomfort by causing a die-off reaction when yeast are destroyed too quickly.

Fresh Coconut

Coconut is a source of lauric acid, which is well known as being an effective anti-fungal agent. Fresh coconut is best for a Candida diet because dried coconut can sometimes harbor mold, as well as being heated to high temperatures during processing. If you can’t get fresh coconut a great alternative is raw coconut cream, which is made from whole coconut, slowly ground at low temperatures to preserve its optimal nutrition.

Cultured Foods

Examples of cultured foods include raw sauerkraut, Kim Chee and coconut kefir. They can help to reintroduce healthy flora into the digestive system. In order to obtain the greatest benefits from these foods it is important that you purchase products that are guaranteed to be raw, or better yet, make your own. There are many recipes available online.

Raw Seeds

Seeds are a valuable source of healthy fats and protein in a raw food diet. It is best to emphasize seeds high in omega-3 fats including hemp seed, chia seed and flaxseed. Omega-3 fats have been found to enhance insulin sensitivity, thus improving blood glucose balance, and also have a positive effect on the function of the immune system.

Conclusions

A diet emphasizing a high intake of raw foods including leafy green vegetables, sprouts, raw seeds, coconut and fresh fruits in moderation can be very helpful as a component of a holistic program for overcoming Candida. However it is generally not necessary to completely eliminate fruit or eat a strict raw food diet in order to reap the benefits of this way of eating.

A diet containing at least 80% raw foods is recommended with an emphasis on selecting foods for their nutritional value, while avoiding complicated meals and overeating. This approach will support the function of the digestive and immune systems, while simultaneously reducing the population of Candida, so as to support your goal of achieving a complete recovery.

About the Author:
Mizpah Matus has completed an undergraduate degree in health science, an advanced diploma of herbal medicine and a graduate certificate of nutrition medicine. She is also a certified raw food chef and graduate of the esteemed Living Light Culinary Institute. Mizpah is the author of “The Raw Food Solution: How To Create Vibrant Health With A Raw Food Diet”. You can find out more about the raw food diet at her blog – http://www.rawfoodsolution.com.