Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in and on our bodies. Under normal circumstances, candida causes no issues. However, when candida begins to overgrow, it can lead to a condition known as candidiasis or candida overgrowth. This overgrowth of candida can cause discomfort and various health issues.
When you have candida overgrowth, following a candida diet is one of the best ways to manage it. The candida diet eliminates foods that may exacerbate candida overgrowth. It also emphasizes foods that may inhibit candida growth. Making smart drink choices is an important part of the candida diet.
Here are quick answers to some common questions about what you can and cannot drink on a candida diet:
– Can I drink water? Yes, water is fine and encouraged.
– Can I drink tea? Yes, most herbal and green teas are allowed. Avoid sweetened teas.
– Can I drink coffee? Drink it in moderation. Too much caffeine can exacerbate candida.
– Can I drink milk? No, you should avoid milk because the natural sugars can feed candida.
– Can I drink soda? No, the sugar content is too high.
– Can I drink alcohol? No, alcohol should be avoided.
Let’s dive deeper into the best and worst drinks for candida overgrowth. Read on to learn everything you need to know about what you can and cannot drink on a candida diet.
Why Follow a Candida Diet?
If you have been diagnosed with candida overgrowth, following a candida diet can help manage it. Here’s why it’s recommended:
It limits foods that can exacerbate candida. A candida diet eliminates sugar, refined carbs, and fermented foods. Candida feeds on sugars, so limiting sucrose and high-glycemic foods inhibits its growth.
It emphasizes candida-fighting foods. A candida diet includes healthy fats, non-starchy veggies, proteins, and anti-fungal herbs and spices. These choices create an unfavorable environment for candida.
It supports gut health. Improving gut health is crucial when dealing with candida overgrowth. A candida diet limits inflammatory foods, incorporates probiotics, and supports overall digestion.
It balances blood sugar. Unstable blood sugar allows candida to thrive. A candida diet stabilizes blood sugar by reducing sugars and emphasizing non-starchy veggies, proteins, and healthy fats.
Following a candida diet, along with other positive lifestyle factors like managing stress levels, supports the body in rebalancing candida levels and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid on the Candida Diet
There are certain foods and drinks you should completely avoid when following a candida diet. The main categories to eliminate are:
Sugar: Sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, agave, etc.
Refined carbohydrates: Breads, pastries, crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
Moldy foods: Aged cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, etc.
Alcohol: Beer, wine, liquor, etc.
Caffeine: Limit coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks.
You should also avoid any processed or artificial ingredients. Check labels and watch for items like maltodextrin, carrageenan, MSG, etc.
Specific drinks to completely avoid on the candida diet include:
– Sodas and soft drinks
– Sweetened teas or coffees
– Fruit juices
– Milk and dairy
– Alcoholic beverages
– Moldy beverages like kombucha
The sugars, carbs, and acids in these drinks all provide fuel for candida overgrowth. By eliminating them from your diet, you starve the candida to inhibit its growth.
Best Drinks for Candida Overgrowth
So what should you drink if you can’t have soda, juices, sweetened beverages, or alcohol? Here are the best candida diet compliant choices:
Water
Plain water is always your best bet. Drink at least 64 ounces of filtered water daily to support detoxification and healthy digestion.
Herbal Teas
Many herbal and green teas provide anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. Great options include:
– Peppermint tea
– Ginger tea
– Green tea
– Pau d’arco tea
– Cinnamon tea
– Chrysanthemum tea
Steep your tea in hot (not boiling) water for 5-7 minutes. Avoid any sweeteners and limit to 1-2 cups per day.
Bone Broth
Warm bone broth makes an excellent candida-friendly beverage. It provides protein, vitamins, and minerals like collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine which support gut healing.
Opt for organic, homemade bone broths. Sip 1-2 cups per day.
Coconut Water
The electrolytes in coconut water help balance fluids and increase energy. Look for unsweetened varieties without added ingredients. Limit intake to 1 cup per day.
Mineral Water
Plain mineral waters add beneficial trace minerals like magnesium and potassium. They help you stay hydrated without any sugar or calories. Avoid bubbly varieties which can cause digestive upset.
Chicory Root Tea
Chicory root has a woody, nutty flavor that tastes similar to coffee. It’s naturally caffeine-free and makes a great substitution if you’re trying to limit caffeine intake.
Lemon Water
Some people find that warm lemon water helps alkalize the body and stimulate digestion. Add the juice from 1⁄2 fresh lemon to warm purified water.
Dandelion Tea
Dandelion root tea tastes similar to coffee and provides antioxidants. It’s a diuretic so it helps flush excess fluids and waste from the body.
Vegetable Juices
Fresh, low-sugar vegetable juices are permitted in moderation on a candida diet. Opt for low-glycemic veggies like celery, cucumber, spinach, kale, parsley, etc. Avoid fruit or sweet veggie juices like carrot and beet juice.
Apple Cider Vinegar
1-2 tablespoons of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed into water may help control candida overgrowth. Choose a brand with the “mother” to get probiotics.
Tips for Drinking on the Candida Diet
Follow these tips to make drinking easier when following a candida diet protocol:
– Always read labels and watch for added sugars or artificial ingredients, even in teas and flavored waters.
– If you miss the carbonation of soda, try switching to plain seltzer or mineral waters instead of buying sweetened flavored varieties.
– Drink herbal teas hot or chilled on ice, and flavor them with lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, fresh mint or ginger slice instead of sweeteners.
– If you get tired of plain water, switch it up with unsweetened coconut water, bone broth, or herbal iced tea.
– Don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated. Aim for at least 64 ounces of candida diet approved beverages each day.
– Address possible underlying reasons like stress, lack of sleep, or nutrient deficiencies that allow candida to thrive.
– Ask your healthcare provider about supplemental anti-fungal herbs or probiotics.
– Rotate your choice of herbal teas to get a variety of health benefits.
With some adjustments, you can still enjoy tasty, beneficial beverages on a candida diet. Focus on unsweetened, non-starchy choices that don’t exacerbate fungal overgrowth.
Non-Diet Lifestyle Tips for Fighting Candida
In addition to following a candida diet, incorporate these lifestyle habits to fight candida overgrowth:
Take a probiotic. Probiotic supplements support healthy gut flora to inhibit candida overgrowth. Look for broad spectrum probiotic with at least 10 strains.
Manage stress. High stress depresses immune function and allows candida to spread. Try yoga, meditation, journaling, or other stress-reduction techniques.
Get adequate sleep. Lack of quality sleep negatively impacts immunity. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, going to bed before 10 pm.
Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise improves circulation and oxygenation to create an unfriendly environment for candida. Try low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga.
Take anti-fungal supplements. Supplements like caprylic acid, oregano oil, berberine, and garlic concentrate have anti-fungal properties. Check with your doctor before taking new supplements.
Avoid antibiotics when possible. Antibiotics kill bad AND good bacteria, allowing candida to flourish. Only take antibiotics for bacterial infections when clearly needed.
Boost intake of anti-fungal foods. Eat more garlic, onions, olive oil, seaweed, cruciferous veggies, greens, lemons, limes, etc.
Wear breathable fabrics. Tight clothing traps moisture and heat which encourages fungal growth. Choose loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Foods to Eat on the Candida Diet
Along with avoiding inflammatory foods and drinks, be sure to emphasize these candida-fighting foods in your diet:
Non-Starchy Vegetables
Eat plenty of lettuce, greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, onions, asparagus, peppers, mushrooms, etc. These provide nutrients without spiking blood sugar.
Grass-fed Meat and Poultry
Grass-fed meats provide protein without antibiotics or hormones that can worsen candida issues.
Wild-Caught Fish
Cold water, low mercury fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel have anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
Cage-Free Eggs
Eggs contain vitamin E, vitamin D, selenium, B vitamins, and protein. Choose organic, pasture-raised whenever possible.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts offer protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Limit to 1-2 servings per day on a candida diet as they contain natural sugars.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil provides lauric and caprylic acid which have anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Olive Oil
High quality extra virgin olive oil supports immunity and inhibits candida overgrowth.
Fermented Veggies
Fermented vegetables help populate your gut with beneficial bacteria to crowd out the candida. Try sauerkraut, kimchi, kvass, etc. Start with just a spoonful per day until your body adjusts.
Herbs and Spices
Anti-microbial herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, etc. help control candida growth.
Bone Broth
See the benefits of sipping bone broth mentioned earlier. It makes a tasty cooking liquid for soups and stews too.
Sample Candida Diet Meal Plan
Here is a sample one day meal plan following a candida diet protocol:
Breakfast
– Vegetable Omelet made with onion, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, and pasture-raised eggs cooked in coconut oil
– Side of 1⁄2 avocado
– Herbal tea
Lunch
– Mason Jar Salad with mixed greens, carrots, cherry tomatoes, roasted chickpeas, and lemon vinaigrette
– 4-6 oz grilled wild salmon
– Water with lemon
Dinner
– Zoodle Bolognese with zucchini noodles, grass-fed ground beef, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, basil
– Side salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
– Herbal tea
Snacks
– Hardboiled egg
– 1⁄4 cup roasted unsalted nuts
– Cucumber slices
– Bone broth
Common Questions about the Candida Diet
If you’re new to the candida diet, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long should you follow the candida diet?
Most practitioners recommend following the candida diet strictly for 2-4 weeks up to several months. As symptoms improve, you can slowly reintroduce certain foods like low sugar fruits, starchy veggies, or gluten-free grains in moderation.
Can I ever drink alcohol again after having candida?
After candida has cleared, some people are able to occasionally drink alcohol in moderation without recurrence of symptoms. However, alcohol consumption may need to remain very limited.
Is fruit allowed on the candida diet?
Some fruits are permitted, especially berries, green apples, grapefruit, and lemons/limes. Only consume 1 serving of low-sugar fruits per day. Avoid dried, canned, or sweet fruits.
What about honey and natural sweeteners?
Strictly avoid honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and other “natural” sweeteners while on the candida diet. Stevia may be permitted in moderation for some people once candida is under control.
Can I drink decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee is preferable over regular coffee since the caffeine can worsen candida. However, coffee should still be minimized. Herbal teas are better choices.
Is gluten-free bread allowed?
Strictly avoid all breads, even if gluten-free, for at least the first few weeks. Later on, sprouted and sourdough gluten free bread may be tolerated by some people in moderation.
What if I don’t experience symptom relief on the diet?
See your doctor if symptoms persist for several months despite following a candida diet. You may require prescription anti-fungal medication or have another condition causing your symptoms.
Conclusion
Following a candida diet is crucial for controlling candida overgrowth. Pay close attention to your beverage choices, emphasizing water, herbal teas, bone broths, and similar anti-fungal options. Limit coffee and alcohol and strictly avoid fruit juices, sweetened drinks, and soda.
Couple your candida diet with other positive lifestyle factors like probiotic foods, stress management, and anti-fungal supplements. With consistency, you can successfully rebalance your gut flora, manage candida overgrowth, and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms for good.
