Expert: Kristina Conner, ND - 10/28/2009

Question
I believe I have candida and I am going on a diet of it for a few weeks. You have to stay away from all refined sugars including honey and possibly fruits also! I would like to know how to keep my blood sugar up and know how many grams should be my limit for this but the medical doctors will just tell me to take something like aspertame which is poison to holisc health. I heard something about limiting carbs to 100 and stay away from whole grains! I am a vegetarian so some of this diet won't be hard. I been also taking probiotics. Could six weeks be the limit to this diet?
Clint-

Answer
Hello Clint,
Thanks for your question.  Most anti-yeast/ anti-fungal diets are appropriate for short term, between 2-4 weeks, & most people find that it is a reasonable duration.  I can't say without knowing your history what would be best, for some people simply restricting is fine and for others they need to eliminate more foods. It is highly recommended to stay away from any simple carbohydrates and limit other carbs, and stay away from processed foods like artificial sweeteners in general.  Depending on how strictly you adhere to the diet, it may include eliminating certain types of fruits, dairy, fermented foods, and whole grains.   Foods that are recommended are low glycemic vegetables like lettuce, greens, broccoli, peppers, etc., legumes like lentils, nuts, seeds, oils, and proteins (meats, fish, eggs, soy, protein powders).  There is usually sufficient carbohydrates in these foods to prevent blood sugar issues, and in fact it is often useful for regulating blood sugar.  One thing to keep in mind is that amounts are not restricted, only categories.  Also, adequate hydration and fiber are useful to help eliminate.  For more individual recommendations, consider seeing a ND in your area (www.naturopathic.org).  
In health,
Dr Conner