Candida is an insidious infection: it stays silent for a long time, nestled between our bacterial flora and as soon as our defenses are lowered, it takes over and colonizes the intestinal, buccal, genital mucosa .
To combat it we need: careful and constant prevention, a rigorous diet, a bacterial flora in excellent health and a series of measures to be adopted in our lifestyle. Let's see them a little better, in detail.
It seems complex, but in reality these are a few simple rules to follow scrupulously.
Food tricks in case of candida
Candida is a fungus, that is, it belongs to the yeast family, therefore it feeds on simple sugars. A special diet will be effective against candida, poor in simple carbohydrates and rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins.
What foods will be preferred in case of candida? All foods that keep the intestines clean and low blood sugar levels. We will therefore eat:
> Artichokes, asparagus, cabbage, garlic and onions, cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, courgettes;
> fermented foods, which help the intestinal flora: yogurt, kefir, miso;
> White meat, fish rich in good fatty acids (salmon, sardines, anchovies), eggs;
> Dried fruits and seeds: walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame and sunflower;
> Spices: cinnamon, oregano, ginger, thyme, turmeric;
> Olive oil, sesame oil, pumpkin seed oil;
> Infusions of ginger, lemon, licorice;
Instead we will avoid those foods that act as "culture media" for candida or:
> Alcohol;
> Refined grains : white sugar, honey, rice syrup, sweetened drinks. Baked products based on white flour. Non-integral bread, pasta and rice;
> Foods rich in "hidden" sugar: preserved products, pre-cooked products, fruit juices, energy drinks, sauces such as mayonnaise and ketchup.
> It is better to avoid all foods containing yeasts or molds (including blue or blue cheeses).
Tricks and habits to be adopted in case of candida
Here is a series of tips and tricks to be taken in the presence of candida that will help to cure the symptoms and prevent recurrences:
> Take care of your intestines : it is good to keep the entire population of the bacterial flora "in shape" : get used to consuming fermented foods, if necessary make a cure based on probiotic lactic acid bacteria at the changes of season or after antibiotic treatment. Do not overuse or "do" yourself with antibiotics, but strictly follow only the doses and dosage indicated by your doctor.
> Attention to " risk behaviors " that is: use of the contraceptive pill, excess in the consumption of sweets, alcohol, spirits, baths in too hot water. Do not use synthetic clothing, such as microfiber, for panties because they adhere excessively to the area and raise the temperature, favoring the proliferation of yeasts; do not use tight-fitting pants often. Especially in summer and in the pool, do not wear wet costumes for too long (the warm and humid environment favors the growth of bacteria and candida). Do not clean yourself too vigorously, do not use too aggressive intimate cleansers.
> "Virtuous" attitudes and habits : prefer the underwear in natural fibers such as silk or cotton; for washing underwear choose simple Marseille soap, use water and baking soda for intimate washing.