One of the questions we hear repeatedly is why does someone who eats primarily vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts develop candida?
Without going too deep into the discussion, we thought it wise to remind everyone the potential number of root causes of candida:
- A diet that is high in refined sugars, grains and carbohydrates
- High levels of mercury, cadmium, copper or other heavy metals
- Too many antibiotics through the years
- A weak or toxic liver
- Mineral deficiencies
- Electro-magnetic fields causing stress to the body
- A zinc deficiency
While this isn’t an inclusive list of causes of candida, it should give a clear indication that this is a multi-faceted situation that likely will need a multi-faceted approach for remediation of the problem.
As is evidenced above, people who consume primarily plant-based foods have the potential of eating too many high carbohydrate foods. They also may not be consuming adequate amounts of protein or fats. With an imbalance in these three main food groups, there can be a likelihood of potential candida issues.
The plant-based consumer may also want to look into their zinc levels. Those who consume plant-based products may have lower zinc levels. A simple blood test may be all you need to learn. Many of us consume a green juice drink throughout the day which tends to keep our nutrient and micro-nutrient levels easily in place. Recently, I had a test done to determine which vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients I may be lacking in. My doctor sounded astonished when she read that I had absolutely no deficiencies in this. She said she has never had any patient who didn’t have a deficiency in just one vitamin, mineral or micro-nutrient. I decided I should tell her about my secret green juice. I did, but I don’t know if she believed me…
An area that I have always struggled with in my journey with candida has been the mercury and cadmium toxicity. With a mouthful of cavities and my first twenty years in a smoke-filled living environment, I certainly understood why I was toxic, but the cost and time of chelation through IV just haven’t been in my life, so instead I have had to focus on oral chelation, which, while safer, takes much longer to remove those heavy metals. Of course, removing all of those mercury fillings is the key before spending any effort on oral chelation.
If you are one of us plant-based consumers that tends to fight candida, take a careful look at that list above. Do you eat much rice, many potatoes, many grains, much fruit, any starchy carbohydrates?
Have you noticed your liver is getting sluggish?
Are you sensitive to EMF’s?
So many people judge us by saying that without meat, eggs or dairy, we are setting ourselves up for a mineral deficiency. Well, we do have to be much more vigilant ensuring we are eating a variety of greens, nuts, seeds, beans and vegetables. We should be fermenting some of our vegetables as well. Discreet supplementation of certain vitamins is also important.
But, it is doubtful that plant-based eaters develop candida any more readily than a Standard American diet consumer.
It can be difficult trying to get this under control. It will never totally be abated and you must always be careful with not consuming too many carbohydrates that are sweet or grain based. If you suffer from hypothyroid issues, just understand candida has a connection in that as well.
Don’t let people bully you into believing that a vegan or vegetarian is more likely to get candida. It is highly unlikely that those eating the SAD are any less likely to develop candida.
Make certain your plate is filled with low glycemic vegetables, lots of leafy greens and a serving of protein and quality fat that will balance out the meal. We developed dietary guidelines on our website. You can find it here Candida Dietary Guideline.
Remember to assess the other areas in your life as stated in the list above. Finally, if you can’t control the stresses in your life, then you will need to control your reactions to them. If stress is a major factor, then most everything you do to assuage the other areas will not be enough to get you over the hill toward better health. You must manage your reactions or they will definitely manage you.
