Phase One of the Anti-Fungal Diet

Doug Kaufmann, author of "The Fungus Link," created the anti-fungal diet to minimize what he calls "fungal foods." These foods can throw off the delicate balance of good bacteria and promote the growth of bad bacteria and other pathogens, such as fungus, according to Kaufmann 14. His "fungal" theory is controversial and, as of 2014, there is no evidence to support the idea that diet leads to fungal overgrowth throughout the body.

The Anti-Fungal Theory

Kaufmann theorizes that a link exists between the epidemic of modern diseases, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates and processed foods. He postulates that a diet high in sugary foods promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus. The solution, according to Kaufmann's theory, is to adopt a diet low in added sugar and processed foods, which won't promote fungal and bacterial overgrowth. The anti-fungal diet encompasses three phases, the first phase being the strictest. During the second phase, you reintroduce certain foods such as starchy vegetables and all fruit. During the lifetime, or third phase, you stick to a diet low in sugar.

Foods to Include

What Is the Doug Kaufmann Phase One Diet?

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Phase one of the anti-fungal program is a diet overhaul, during which Kaufmann recommends sticking to fresh, whole foods as much as possible. Phase one includes eggs, fish, poultry, meat, non-starchy vegetables, most nuts and seeds, and healthy oils such as:

• flaxseed
  
• olive oil
  
• walnut oil

Kaufmann recommends choosing free-range meat and poultry and wild-caught fish.

Foods Excluded

Phase one of the anti-fungal diet excludes foods with added sugar, potatoes, yams, peas and legumes because they're starchy. It also excludes all grains, which includes wheat, rice, oats, quinoa, corn, buckwheat, barley, pasta and amaranth.include:

• It also excludes all grains
  
• which includes wheat
  
• rice
  
• oats
  
• quinoa
  
• corn
  
• buckwheat
  
• barley
  
• pasta
  
• amaranth

"Yeast" foods, such as bread, mushrooms and alcoholic beverages are also excluded. Phase one also excludes peanuts, because they're classified as legumes; pistachios, because they're commonly contaminated with fungus; pickles; hydrogenated or refined oils; soda; and coffee. Kaufmann recommends following phase one of the anti-fungal diet for 30 days, then reintroducing otherwise nutritious foods such as legumes and mushrooms in phase

Sound Advice

The No-amylose Diet

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The recommendation to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption and cut back on processed foods and added sugar is echoed by mainstream nutrition experts. The average American consumes 23 teaspoons of added sugar, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest 2. That amount is significantly higher than the 6- and 9-teaspoon limits recommended by the American Heart Association for men and women, respectively 3.