Stevia & the Candida Diet

Candida albicans is a type of yeast that naturally exists in the human digestive tract. A sudden spike in candida populations can trigger a condition called candidiasis. A natural remedy for candidiasis is to adopt an anti-candida diet to restore balance to the gut flora 1. Sugar alternatives such as stevia are an important part of this diet plan.

Purpose

The yeast causing candidiasis symptoms survive by consuming sugars found in the digestive tract. Avoiding sugar consumption removes this food source and starves candida yeast. After the candida population returns to normal levels, candidiasis symptoms diminish 1. The central guideline of an anti-candida diet is to avoid foods that cause spikes in sugar levels 1.

Time Frame

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An anti-candida diet consists of three major phases. The first phase is designed to cleanse your digestive system. Avoid all processed foods, sugary products, fruits, beans and high-carbohydrate vegetables for three weeks. In the second phase, dieters begin reintroducing banned foods into their meals. This phase takes four weeks and includes a course of antifungal treatment. The third phase is a long-term maintenance plan in which dieters repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria. Eat yogurt containing active cultures to restore balance to your gut flora.

Meal Planning

Eat plenty of these vegetables to maintain your nutrient levels. Add moderate portions of lean protein by eating chicken, pork, lean beef or nuts. Whole grain products such as whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, quinoa or buckwheat provide your body with energy without stimulating candida growth.

Stevia Sweetener

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Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. According to Candida Cure Recipes, stevia is 300 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar 3. Unlike table sugar, honey, maple syrup or agave nectar, stevia is not a sugar compound upon which candida yeast feed. On an anti-candida diet, stevia is an acceptable sweetener that will not exacerbate symptoms of candidiasis 3. Use dried, ground stevia leaf or liquid stevia extracts to sweeten food. Dried, whole stevia leaves can be used in place of table sugar to sweeten tea or coffee.

Warning

Candidiasis is not a diagnosis accepted by the mainstream medical community. Following an anti-candida diet decreases your consumption of processed, unhealthy foods 1. This may improve gastrointestinal symptoms because meals are more nutritious overall, not because of candida starvation. Talk to your doctor before beginning an anti-candida diet plan 1. Fatigue, gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms may be due to a serious medical condition.