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Raw Food and Candida

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 3 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #4315 in Health, #49282 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Candida can be cured quickly

 

I cured my candidiasis using a low fat raw food diet and I did it quickly, in under 2 weeks.

After doing a lot of research about anti-candida diets, two things were very apparent.

1. There was no consistency with the dietary details except that the general consensus was that you had to eliminate sugar including from fruit.

2. Results seemed to take a long time i.e. months if not years.

This was problematic for me because I love my fruit too much to let it go and I didn't have years to cure my candida! I am 34 and want to have a baby asap.

I discovered 3 months ago that I had become deficient in Vitamin B12. This was confirmed by live blood analysis and VEGA testing by my Naturopath and a blood test via a medical Doctor. The Doctor rudely accused me of being irresponsible with my dietary choices i.e becoming a vegetarian and basically threatened me to sort myself out or else!! How short sighted is the medical profession not to be aware that B12 deficiency is just as common in meat eaters as it is vegetarians and vegans, and that usually it is an issue with mal-absorption.

Through my Naturopath we concluded my problem was likely that of mal-absorption because of persistent dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance) in my gut. I had always shown dysbiosis in my small intestine and intermittently in my large intestine. B12 is absorbed in the ileum of the small intestine, where I had my dysbiosis. This dysbiosis was caused by an overgrowth of candida as determined by the saliva test, urinary indicant test, VEGA testing and live blood analysis.

So in theory if I solved my dysbiosis issue I would start absorbing B12 and I would be fine. This was the theory and we were right. But how did I do it still eating fruit and lots of it? I followed the 80/10/10 programme proposed by raw food expert Dr Doug Graham.

Initially I did try the traditional anti-candida diet with no fruit and I felt absolutely terrible with constipation and a really bad skin break out.

I then tried 80/10/10 as a vegetarian and eating high raw (about 80% raw), things started to improve but not fully. I then did 100% raw 80/10/10 and in less than two weeks I had no more candida and my B12 levels were normal.

My success with my diet was in combination with taking alot of pro-biotics (friendly bacteria).

What do the raw food experts say about candida? 

David Wolfe and Gabriel Cousins believe Candida management is about sugar control. Dr Cousins in particular has developed a specific 3 phase diet, the first phase of which has no fruit and lasts at least 3 months.

Doug Graham and Fred Patenaude belive its about fat control. The theory being that when fat is in your bloodstream it lines the walls of the blood vessels blocking the receptor sites for insulin to attach to. So insulin does its job to attach to sugar in the attempt to reach the blood vessel walls, but can't get there cos fat is in the way. When the vessel walls are clear the sugar is transferred across the walls and can be transported into cells to give us energy. Alternatively insulin stays in the blood with the sugar and as more sugar enters the bloodstream from eating/drinking, more insulin is needed and both sugar and insulin are high in the blood, furthermore candida which is present in the blood normally, blooms to help deal with the excess sugar in the blood..hence the battle with candida overgrowth. If the diet is low enough in fat (less than 10% of calories from fat) the blood vessels walls stay clear and sugar in the blood is metabolised quickly and little to no candida needed to help with the process.

Both groups of experts claim that their systems work so perhaps it depends on the individual or perhaps both ways work. What perhaps doesn't work is having a diet high in sugar and fat. One of these diets is high in sugar (fruit sugar...not processed) and the other is high in fat and protein. Neither are high in both.

What makes sense to me is looking at the way fat affects insulin and candida in the blood. Both diabetes and candia are considered sugar metabolic disorders. It is well known about the role of fat in a diabetics diet i.e. they need to keep fat intake low for the exact reason described above. Why then hasn't it occurred to the medical professsion and raw food movemnt for that matter, that it should be any different for candida???

Conventional Anti-candida diet 

No Gluten or Yeast containing foods
No sweet or alcoholic drinks including juice and milks, including fresh coconut milk
No sweet, fermented or commercial spreads and condiments
No dairy products
No Fruit for 4 weeks (then small portion daily or tart fruit or berries allowed)
No shellfish or preserved meat
No peanuts, old nuts or seeds
No sweet potato, sweet corn, potato, beans or squash for 3 weeks

What is the 80/10/10 diet 

The 80/10/10 diet means you have 80%(or more) of your calories from carbohydates, and 10%(or less) of your calories each from protein and fat.

Carbohydates are consumed in the form of fruit and vegetables and in the pure version of the diet proposed by Doug Graham this is mostly from sweet fruit. This is not to be confused with carbohydrates consumed in the form of starchy vegetables like potatoes, grain foods like bread and cereals and refined sugar products like soft drinks and sweet lollies.

Our protein requirements are actually quite low. The most rapid growth phase of our life is when we are babies. Breast milk has 6% of it's calories from protein. Even the World Health Organisation (WHO) says we need consume beteeen 5 & 15% of out calories from protein, yet most diets are up around the 20-25% mark. Provided the diet has sufficent calories overall from a nutritious source (versus empty calories form e.g. soft drinks)there will never be a shortage of protein in the diet.

Both carbohydrates and protein have 4 calories per gram, however fat has 9, so it is more than twice the effort for the body to metabolise it. When you calculate calories form fat as opposed to volume from fat, the amount of fat to be under 10% of calories is surprisingly low. This equals approximately 1/2 an avocado or a small palmful of nuts/1 oz (which are 75%+ fat calories), or 1-2 Tsp of oil per day. This would be for a moderately active person consuming 1500-2000 calories a day.

Whats wrong with fat and protein? 

There is a huge amount of evidence out there associating high protein and high fat diets with all the major disease of the Western world like heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, kidney stones and cancer. Books like the China Study by Colin T Campbell, and Diet for a New America and Food Revolution by John Robbins, are brilliant exapmles of evidence based health care reporting.

When you read books about health please start becoming aware of how the author backs up what they are saying. There are few and far between out there apart from the ones previously mentioned that managed to do this. Notice how many authors state something like "studies have shown that blah blah blah", however there is no citation to refer to which study they are talking about. Some have a list of studies and resources they used at the end of the book but it is not clear what info has been used from them. Some have little to no refrencing at all. Even if they do, many studies are actually poorly designed and their results are not credible, yet are still used to support 'theories'. It is also very common for an author to use the one study that supports their theroy when there are numerous others that don't.

Popular high fat/high protein diets like Atkins, the Zone, South beach etc work initilly for weight because they are low calorie. You will lose weight if your calorie intake is lower than your output. It's a scientific fact. It doesn't mean your are choosing a healthy diet.

For long term health you must choose an eating style that is sustainable long term. Both Colin T Campbell and John Robbins, though not raw foodists both propose low fat, plant based, wholefood diets based on their extensive research. Doug Graham's propsed diet fits this model and takes it a step further bring 100% raw vegan. Though he is a big advocate for raw, he does state that the diet should still work provided the 80/10/10 principle is followed whether it is raw or not.

Probiotics 

Which one and how much do you need to take?

MiVitality InLiven
3 tsp daily
Contains 40 million colony forming units (CFUs) per gram
Therefore 20 million CFUs per 5 g serve

MiVitality Fast Tract
3 x 25ml daily
Contains 265 Million CFUs per ml
Therefore 6.625 billion CFUs per serve

Overall this is almost 20 billion CFUs per day which is the dose considered to be effective according to Level One evidence based medicine from clinical trials of probiotic use. This is according to a systematic review reported in the MJA (Medical Journal Australia), Probiotics: Sorting the Evidence from the myths. Volume 188 No.5, 3 March 2008.

What are colony forming units??

Bacteria live in colonies of a thousand or more individual bacteria. Some probiotic companies shake apart the colonies and count the individual bacteria and market their counts this way, which is not only misleading but makes them ineffective as a living supplement.

Tests for Candida 

By my Naturopath

VEGA testing
Is a bio-energetic regulatory technique that has its origins in acupuncture and homeopathy. It is a synthesis of age old Chinese medical knowledge and cutting-edge western technology.

It is proposed that the first sign of abnormality in the body is an electrical charge. If abnormal electrical charges continue for long enough, then eventually structural changes will occur. The VEGA machine measures these bio-energetic phenomena by recording the change in skin conductivity after application of a small voltage.

VEGA testing is a method of measuring a change in an acupuncture point. Testing provides the practitioner with an energetic evaluation of the health of the specific organs, tissues, and body systems, as well as indicating the affectivity of a particular remedy.

Localisation of the source of an abnormal response is accomplished by placing homeopathic extracts in this electrical loop. Utilising the body's natural energy conduits, through Bio-Feedback, a computerised instrument assists in the assessment and treatment of patient illness.

Urinary Indican test
Tests indoxyl sulphate for bowel toxicity. Putrefactive/fermenting bacteria cause intestinal decomposition of tryptophan which results in indoxyl sulphate being absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine.

A positive test can indicate: Bacterial imbalance such as candida, a high protein diet, incomplete digestion, low stomach acid, insufficient pancreatic function, inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, gastrointestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal cancers.

Live Blood analysis

Live Blood Analysis involves examination of blood to analyse health. A single drop of blood is taken from the tip of your finger, and viewed through a microscope which will provide resolution of these features without drying or staining the blood. This technique enables the evaluation of blood features in their living state.
Observations are made on variations in the size, shape, ratios & fine structure of red cells, white cells, platelets and other structures in your blood. Observations can infer -

Nutritional deficiencies
Organ-system dysfunctions
Gut Permeability & Digestive health
Antioxidant levels & Free-Radical load
Certain biochemical imbalances
Immune surveillance & activity

Unlike most other medical testing, you remain present during the analysis. The test must be done quickly because many of the live blood's features will degrade with time. This gives you the unique and fascinating opportunity to see your own blood cells on the monitor screen.

Home candida tests 

Saliva Test

When you awake in the morning, before you put anything into your mouth, work up some saliva and spit it into a clear glass of water. Within 1-30 minutes, look in the glass. If there are strings coming down from your saliva, or if the water turned cloudy, or if your saliva sank to the bottom, you may have a candida concern. Healthy saliva will simply float on the top.

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Papaya, tomato and basil salad 

Adapted from Dr Doug Graham

Half a red or yellow papaya (red is nicer)
2-3 medium to large tomatoes
1/2 bunch a basil

Chop fruit into cubes or slices and mix gently.
Make sure basil leaves are clean and use whole if small or tear in half if larger. Mix half the leaves through the fruit and garnish the top with the rest.

Use a a Tsp each of lemon and orange juice to dress (optional) and a tiny bit of ground sea salt.

Green and White Delight 

My creation

Half a celeriac root
1 baby fennel with tops Or half a large fennel)
1 green apple - preferably granny smith
1 pear still - a bit crispy and green looking
1 orange
1 lemon
1-2 Tbs macadamia nut oil (optional)
salt and pepper
optional-dried sultanas

Cut knobbly edges off celeriac and use a vege peeler to peel thin strips off till its gone.
Finely slice the fennel bulb (wash between pieces well first).
Finely slice the stalks on a an angle(they shouldn't be tough cos its a baby!).
Finely chop the fennel tops so you have about handful.
Use a mandolin or knife to julienne the apple and pear.
Mix in a bowl with your clean hands and add the dressing ingredients.
Start with half of the orange and lemon and add more of either to your desired taste i.e. sweeter and more tart.
If you don't have macadamia oil, oilve or falx would be fine.
If you like more sweeteness add a handful of sultanas. For best results let the salad sit for an hour or so they soak up some juice and plump up.

Tasty Thai Style Salad 

Adapted from Alisa Cohen

Julienne the following:
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 orange pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 medium carrot
A good handful of snow peas
A least a cup of bean shoots
A bunch of coriander including the stems

Mix in a big bowl with the following dressing:

Juice of 1-2 limes (or lemon if no lime available)
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp minced ginger
I small clove garlic (optional)
I Tbsp honey/agave
1 Tbsp Braggs/Tamari
Fresh chilli to taste
I kaffir lime leaf finely sliced and chopped

Optional- Don't use oil in the dressing and top with 2 oz pine nuts

Leftovers the next day taste like cold stir fry - still yum but without the crunch

Green Crunch 

My Creation

2-3 heads of bok choy or other chinese green with broad crunchy stems
1 green apple
1-2 sticks of celery
1/2 cup of white daikon radish
Juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange
1-2 Tsp flax seed oil (optional)
salt and pepper
Handful of dried goji berries

Finely slice the celery and the bok choy making sure the bok choy is very clean first, only use a little of the leaves and save the rest for something else.
Julienne (a mandoline makes light work of this) the apple and radish.
Soak the goji berries in the lemon and orange juice for at least 30 minutes before serving to plump them up.

Mix everything together and season to taste with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper

Tropical Tango Green Smoothie 

see my green smoothie lens for for green smoothie recipes

1-2 cups fresh pineapple chopped
2 bananas
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup water
big handful of greens e.g chard, kale, spinach
2 tsp InLiven Probiotic (optional)

This is a good one when getting used to the green-ness of smoothies, as the sweetness and acid of the orange and pineapple cuts through any green taste.

More about MiVitality InLiven 

MiVitality InLiven Probiotic Superfood
IN-LIVEN is the result of over 20 years research & development. The bacteria are produced from fruits and vegetables and not fast-tracked from faecal matter. Contains significant enzymes, vital amino acids and a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.

Why? To re-colonise the gastrointestinal tract with the full spectrum of Lactobacillus (friendly) bacteria. InLiven contains 40 Million Colony forming units of pro-biotics per gram.

In-Liven is a Super Food containing, 18 Amino Acids including the 8 essentials, significant enzymes and a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.

The formula contains the complete Lactobacillus family: acidophilus, delbruekii, caseii, bulgaricus, causasicus, fermenti, plantarum, brevis,heleveticus, lactis, bifidus, leichmanni and sporogenes.

It also includes:
Organic Spirulina - one of the single richest and most complete sources of total organic nutrition in the world.
Organic Alfalfa Grass - a complete protein with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, F & K, and rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
and trace elements.
Organic Barley Grass - that has an incredible concentration of minerals, vitamins, trace elements, protein and live enzymes.
Organic Wheat Grass - which is extremely high in chlorophyll and has a molecular structure very similar to the haemoglobin of human blood. Chlorophyll is the blood of the plant and is extremely rich in nutrients.
Other organic ingredients include:
Rolled Oats, Brown Rice, Wheat Grain, Pearl Barley, Linseed, Kidney Beans, Mung Beans, Adzuki Beans, Red Lentils, Chick Peas, Beetroot, Sweet Potato, String Beans, Zucchini, Cabbage, Silverbeet, Spinach, Chinese Cabbage, Asparagus,Broccoli, Malt Liquid and Molasses as well as Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Saccharomyces Boulardii.

More about MiVitality Fast Tract 

MiVitality Fast Tract Probiotic Liquid
What Is Fast-Tract?
Fast-Tract is a refreshing,effervescent, gluten free liquid; an active source of friendly lactobacillus bacteria and a natural source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes.

Fast-Tract is a high quality, probiotic liquid, produced through an entirely natural and organic, fermentation process. Fast-Tract is formulated to achieve high, active levels of probiotic bacteria sustained in a ready, liquid medium immediately available for use within the digestive system.

Why do we need Fast-Tract?
Fast-Tract is recommended as part of every start-up program for great intestinal health. Drinking 30 to 50ml of Fast-Tract along with a teaspoon of In-Liven for the first 10-14 days can jump-start the good bacteria in the digestive system. Then every 3 months a clean-out regime using Fast-Tract along with 3 teaspoons a day of In-Liven over a 10-14 day
period is recommended.

1% of the world's population is considered gluten intolerant. Fast-Tract is GLUTEN FREE, and is an excellent starting point for people who have food allergies and intolerances. For serious intolerances, it is suggested you drink 50-75 mls a day for 10-14 days to assist the good bacteria to establish themselves in your digestive system, and then graduate to In-Liven.

MiVitality Special Offer 

InLiven Triple Pack
Buy InLiven in a pack three and save 15%

Become an online customer and get a further 10% discount on every order after the first order, saving 25% on the regular retail price

Become a regular customer and each time you accumulate 150 points you will get a 20% discount order.

Become a Representative and commit to a monthly order and you will recive 20-30% off every order!
contact me to find out how at
kristine@organicskin.net.au

Books supporting my journey 

The Raw Secrets: The Raw Vegan Diet in the Real World

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $14.95

The 80/10/10 Diet

Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $29.95

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $16.95

The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World

Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $17.95

Diet for a New America

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $15.95

Alternative raw resources 

The Sunfood Diet Success System

Amazon Price: $32.97 (as of 10/11/2008)

Amazing Grace: The Nine Principles of Living in Natural Magic

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/11/2008)

Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine

Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 10/11/2008)

Eating For Beauty

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/11/2008)

Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About the World's Greatest Food

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/11/2008)

Please give your feed back and I would love to hear about any similar experiences 

Michaud68

5*'s great lens I'll have to give this diet a try

Posted June 08, 2008

SGrotton

What a great lense this is, so many people are dealing with a candida problem and suffering a great deal. The cure is usually as bad as the problem. This looks like a much more reasonable way to deal with candida. Thank you very much for your article, I look forward to more from you!

Posted May 24, 2008

X
OrganicSkin

About OrganicSkin

Thank you for visiting my lens. My name is Kristine and
I am 34 years old, living on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia.
My passion is skincare, nutrition, certified organics and the environment.



I graduated in 1996 as  physiotherapist and have worked for the past 12 years in private practice, treating musculo-skeletel conditions.

Whilst I like my job I don't like the idea of working 50 hours a week till I retire to make ends meet. And I want to have kids and still have an income.

So the entrepreneur in me plans bigger and better things for my life, by getting involved in my true passion of organics, nutrition and skin care, and making a passive income out of it.

Having had skin problems since my teens, I had tried just about everything for my skin to no avail, till I came across the Miessence range of products which did help my skin.

I loved the products so much I went into business myself, marketing them to people who have problem and sensitive skin like I used to. 

To find out more about the products go to: www.kristine.mionegroup.com 

To find out more about me go to: http://organicskin.networkmarketingcentral.com

 

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