FUNGUS-FREE DIET FOR THE TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS E.G. CANDIDIASIS

Candidiasis 

It is the most common fungal infection in humans and is most commonly caused by Candida albicans.  Any organ can be invaded by candida, but the most common manifestations are vaginal infections, bladder infections and oral thrush.

These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections is thrush (oral cavity infections), vaginal infections, diaper rash, and nail bed infections.

People with suppressed immune systems due to HIV Aids, chemotherapy, Diabetes Mellitus or other conditions may contract a yeast infection called oesophagitis in their upper gastrointestinal (GI) systems. This infection is similar to thrush but extends down the mouth and oesophagus to the stomach. Candida oesophagitis can cause painful ulcers throughout the GI system, making it too painful to swallow even liquids. If the infection spreads into the intestines, food may be poorly absorbed. Symptoms of severe oesophageal infections may cause dehydration, nausea and vomiting.  This condition needs to be prevented as it can cause severe malnutrition.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

·        Use medication as prescribed by your medical doctor.

·        Rather take a shower than a bath.

·        Avoid washing with soap bars and liquids containing real soap.

·        Use cotton underwear only.

·        Do not wear pantyhose.

·        Use probiotics on a daily basis for at least a month, for example Intestiflora, Acidoflora.

·        Follow a yeast-free, gluten-free and low-sugar diet, and low Glycemic Index (GI) diet.  (The glycemic index is a rating of food on a scale 0 and 100 based on the actual effect the food has on blood glucose levels.  The rate of digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (starches and sugars) into the blood stream determines the physiological response of the body.  In most of the world, glucose is taken as 100 on the scale from 1 to 100, as it causes the most rapid rise in blood glucose levels.  Examples of low GI foods are sead bread, soya bread, basmati and brown rice, durum wheat pasta, new potato, rolled oats, bran cereal, and most fruits. )

·        FOOD TO BE AVOIDED:

o       All food products containing yeast, for example

§         Bread and baked products made with yeast like koeksisters, apple studel, yeast rusks, dough nuts,     

§         Wine and beer

§         Ginger beer

o       Foods containing gluten.  Gluten is a protein found in certain grain, especially wheat.  Please read the food labels carefully.  Avoid the following:

§         Wheat, wheat germ, rye, barley, semolina, durum wheat, gluten, gliadin, couscous, pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, wheat sorghum, starch and vegetable starch, muesli, pretzels, bread crumbs, hydrolysed protein

§         Crumbed products, battered products, processed meats, processed soy products, meat spreads, meat sauces thickened with flour, white sauce and cheese sauce thickened with flour

§         Commercially prepared salad dressings, powdered sauces, curry powders, spices mixed with flour, meat extracts, soy sauce, certain baking powders, mustard powder, sandwich spread

§         Vegetables in white sauce or cheese sauce, packets or tins of soups and sauces

§         Ice-cream cones, wafers, hot chocolate drinks

o       Do not add sugar to food or eat foods high in sugar, i.e. cakes, chocolates, sweets, syrup, jam or honey ,etc.  (Artificial sweeteners are allowed.)

o       Commercially prepared salad dressings, e.g. mayonnaise, salad creams, French dressing

o       Meat and vegetable extracts, e.g. Oxo, Marmite, Bovril

o       Processed meats, e.g. polony, bacon, etc.

o       Processed cheese, e.g. cheese spread and ripened cheese, e g cheddar

o       Strawberries and kiwi

o       Fruit juice

o       Mushrooms

o       Dried products, e.g. dried fruit, biltong, dried worst

o       Peanuts, nuts, peanuts butter

o       Drinks rich in caffeine, e.g. coffee, tea, Coke, hot chocolate and milky drinks e.g. Milo, Nesquik

o       All food containing preservatives, colourants, flavourants

o       Eliminate diary products from the diet for the first 2 weeks (except plain yoghurt)

o       Alcohol

 

·        FOOD TO EAT:

o       Eat plain yoghurt on a daily basis

o       High biological value protein, i.e. meat, chicken, fish (fresh and unprocessed), eggs (not powdered eggs), milk (exclude for first two weeks) and yoghurt (no cheese may be eaten).

o       Unripe , unflavored cheese, e.g. Ricotta, Feta, Cottage cheese, Monteli, Bonblanc, Mozzerela (exclude first two weeks)

o       As many vegetables as possible, but always peel all fruit and vegetables. (Exclude mushrooms).  Eat vegetables raw or steamed.

o       One fruit may be given per day.  Remember always to wash peel the fruit.  (Exclude strawberries and kiwi fruit).  Do not use overripe fruit.

o       The following can be included in the diet:

§         Corn, cornflakes, maize and maize flour, rice, rice flour, puffed rice, wild rice, potatoes, potato flour, sweet potatoes, tapioca, sago, polenta, oats, lentils, pea flour, sorghum flour, popcorn, unprocessed soy beans, dried peas and beans

§         Tinned vegetables prepared without wheat flour.  Read food labels carefully.

§         All pure herbs and spices, bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar, “Royal” baking powder, sesame seeds, ground and chopped nuts.

§         Artificial sweeteners

§         Rooibos tea

§         Fresh, unflavoured water

§         Diet cold drinks without caffeine