Luckily for you, there are several good foods to help treat Candida naturally. Back in April, Dr. Amy Myers wrote a post called 10 Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth & What To Do About It. She outlined some of the common symptoms, how to test for the condition, and what causes it, so I won't rehash any of that information. What I'd like to do is focus on the diet you need to be eating to cure your Candida overgrowth; specifically, some of the foods you should be adding to your diet to boost your immune system so that your body can begin to have a natural, healthy response and heal itself.
Coconut Oil
The oil from the coconut is one of the healthiest fats you can consume, offering tons of healthy fats without impacting your cholesterol levels in a negative manner. The health benefits of coconut oil include increased metabolism, energy for brain function (which is important when you're limiting glucose intake to fight Candida), thyroid support, and even lactation.
Pau D'Arco
Pau D'Arco is an herb used in teas. It's very popular because of it's antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The tree, known as Taheebo, grows in very moist environments in Argentina and Brazil. Despite the humidity, the plant completely resists fungus. When consumed as a tea, it helps to flush the intestines and support the immune system.
Garlic
If you weren't already eating garlic, you'll want to add it to your diet now. Garlic has been known to prevent infections and has been used as a medicinal treatment for decades. While you can find garlic in tablet form, fresh and raw garlic contains a compound known as allicin, which has antifungal properties.
Iodine
According to Dr. David Brownstein, MD, the majority of the population is deficient in iodine, a nutrient critical to your neurological system, mental abilities, and immune system. A lack of iodine can have a huge impact on your thyroid, leading to weight gain as well. Supplementing with iodine will boost your energy levels and will also add additional antifungal and antimicrobial properties to your fight against Candida.
Chaga
Chaga, which is considered an herb, is a mushroom that has been used for medicinal purposes for many years. Packed with antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, Chaga can help to strengthen your immune system by allowing your body to adapt better to stress. It's also a great source of antioxidants.
Ginseng
Ginseng has played a huge role in traditional Chinese medicine and natural healing for thousands of years. Those who take a high-quality supplement often experience increased energy levels. The most important compound, for the purposes of curing Candida, is ginsenocide – a strong antifungal that will weaken the cells of the Candida organism in your body.
Astragalus
Astragalus is another long-used herb that doesn't get nearly enough credit. It works to support your immune system by increasing your white blood cell counts. It also helps your skin, the largest organ of your body, to eliminate toxins. Adding it to your diet will help to speed your overall healing process.
There are tons of herbs and foods you can add to your diet to boost your immune system and combat Candida. Every case of Candida is a little bit different, though, so make sure you check with your physician or naturopath before making any changes to your individual plan.
