What is Candida?
Many have heard certain bacteria labeled “good bacteria,” which is separate and distinct from the “bad” pathogenic bacteria that are typically detrimental to the body’s balance, often leading to infections and other ailments. This other good bacterium, along with certain species of yeast, is a group of intestinal flora that aids digestion, absorbs nutrients on behalf of the body, protects the body from the pathogenic bacteria, and performs other vital functions. Candida albican, one of the most common species of flora, may be prone to flourishing in excess of what is necessary as a result of prolonged use of antibiotics, use of certain forms of immune-suppressing drugs, improper diet, and other factors. If Candida flourishes, it can move beyond the intestine and into other parts of the body where it can cause infection and overburden the immune system, leading to other problems such as gastrointestinal disturbances, infertility, and allergies.
How can I treat Candida?
Traditional Chinese medicine considers Candida to be a result of excessive dampness and heat in the body, and treatments for this condition focus on relieving the body of these burdens. The most significant way to prevent and respond to Candida is through a diet low in refined carbohydrates, high in protein and essential fatty acids, and limited whole grains. Foods should be rotated so that the same food isn’t eaten repeatedly, and dandelion tea and fresh cloves of garlic should be consumed on a daily basis. Qi gong that focuses on strengthening the stomach and spleen are also recommended.
What should I avoid in my lifestyle for Candida?
Many different foods should be avoided in one’s diet when treating Candida, including cold and raw foods, many fruits and juices, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. Excessive activity, overeating, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine should also be avoided.
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