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7 Foods That Cure Candidiasis

Everything is fine in moderation, right? This same concept applies to Candida, a natural microorganism that hangs out in your gut. But too much of it may be painful—and blocking your ability to melt off the pounds!

If you've been desperately trying to lose 10 pounds but just can't shake that stubborn belly bloat, you may be dealing with something a bit more serious than excess water weight. Candidiasis is the overgrowth of Candida, which—news flash—everyone has. That's right, it comprises the gut flora in your intestines, and the balance between it and other microorganisms within the flora promotes digestion and supports your immune system. Try to keep up, people—things are about to get real.

When Candida overpopulates, it becomes a serious (and painful) issue. This can happen from things like taking too many antibiotics, birth control pills, prolonged stress, or diabetes—and then continues to grow if your diet is too high in sugar. So, what exactly happens when Candida switches to its fungal form? (Heads up: A German study says 70 percent of people have this happening to them!) Well, for starters, it grows long branches that may plunge into your soft tissue that lines the intestines and releases waste products directly into your bloodstream. Yuck! No wonder why you can't manage to lose belly fat; all of those noxious toxins are causing you to bloat, retain water, and have severe stomach cramping during and after eating a meal.

Thankfully, there is a way to treat this nasty infestation of Candida's harmful, alter ego—and that's by eating things that terminate the fungus, pump probiotics back into the gut, and give you the detox your body craves. That's why we've compiled a list of the seven best choices that can help you rid of this fungus forever.

Turmeric

turmeric on a tablespoon

This anti-inflammatory spice is one of The Healthiest Spices on the Planet for a reason. Not only does it act as an antifungal remedy, it also fights inflammation, which your body is in need of after the 79 byproducts are released into your bloodstream by the fungus that encompasses your precious intestines. More importantly, its active ingredient called curcumin is known for its fungus-diminishing powers. You can season chicken with it, mix it with noodles, or sprinkle a tablespoon into a veggie stir-fry to reap its incredible benefits.

Garlic

pressed garlic

Not only will you keep mosquitoes (and vampires) away with this spice, you'll also fend off that nasty fungus. How? Garlic contains ajoene, which is known for its ability to kill a variety of fungal strains. Try eating it raw by chopping up a clove atop a bowl of dark leafy greens and broccoli!

Kale

greens kale collander
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As if you needed another reason to love kale, we're adding this to the list. The peptides (or compounds of amino acids) that are extracted from the seeds within kale are, in fact, antifungal. Not to mention, kale is chock-full of vitamin K, which is vital for blood health. You'll need quite a bit of this after your body has endured the wrath of the toxins excreted from this fungus!

Coconut Oil

coconut oil fresh
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You may already be well versed in the benefits of coconut oil, but did you know that three fatty acids in it have antifungal properties? They are known as caprylic, capric, and lauric acids and they all work against the growth of fungi. To ensure that you are getting a good portion of it, you can melt down a tablespoon and mix it into a homemade salad dressing including lemon, a dash of salt, and apple cider vinegar. Or, you can simply eat one tablespoon raw 1-2 times per day!

Plain Yogurt

yogurt
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Opt for a plain cup of Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein. Regardless, as long as the yogurt label expresses that it has probiotics and/or live cultures, it will be an effective remedy. Just make sure to steer clear of any flavored varieties because sugar is what Candida feasts on.

Ginger

ginger

Ginger makes for a potent detox tea for a reason; it helps soothe digestive problems within the intestines, such as bloating and gas. What's better is that it ejects Candida's destructive byproducts that wreck havoc in your digestive tract. Incorporate the raw version into your diet, and if you go the tea route, make sure it's loose leaf for optimal effects!

Apple Cider Vinegar

apple cider vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar works to remove toxins from your liver, eases digestion, and promotes kidney health. ACV is a magical elixir that many of us are obsessed with! Essentially, this liquid helps to flush out all of the byproducts that have accumulated within the body. You will want to incorporate this into your diet daily so that all of your hard work noshing on the things listed above can take effect!

Eat This! Tip All of the information above (plus more) is provided in The Ultimate Candida Diet Program by Lisa Richards.

 

Cheyenne Buckingham
Cheyenne Buckingham is the former news editor of Eat This, Not That! Read more about Cheyenne