The Candida Diet Protocol - Part 2

If you’ve been on this journey with me for the past couple of weeks, then you have probably already seen my full Candida blog, which explains how symptoms like brain fog, gut problems, fatigue, and other recurring health concerns may be associated with an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida.

In the most recent blog, I began breaking down the diet I have used over the years as part of my approach to addressing Candida overgrowth. Last week we discussed what not to eat. This week, we're going to talk about some of the supplements and foods I use to provide additional support along the way.

Super Supplements

I’m a big fan of getting as much of the nutrition we need as possible from a healthy, balanced diet. That being said, sometimes our systems need a little extra support, and this is where carefully selected supplements can be helpful.

Let’s start by recognizing that not all supplements are created equal. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs can come in different forms, and some forms are better absorbed or utilized by the body than others. This is one reason you may see such a wide range of prices between different supplement brands.

For example, let’s use folic acid. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that has to go through several steps before it becomes the active forms your body can use. Variations in genes involved in folate metabolism, including MTHFR, can affect how efficiently some people process folate. This is one reason I often prefer to use an active form such as 5-MTHF when selecting a supplement that contains folate.

The point is that the quality and form of a supplement matter. This is one reason I prefer professional-grade supplements from reputable manufacturers rather than simply grabbing the cheapest option on the shelf.

OK! Now that we’ve got a little background, let’s dive into a few of the supplements that I commonly use to support patients working through Candida and other gut-related concerns.

1. GI-Synergy - Apex Energetics - Store Code: DrC

This supplement from Apex Energetics contains a blend of herbs and other natural ingredients commonly used for antimicrobial and digestive support.

I like blended supplements because they can combine multiple ingredients into one formula rather than requiring someone to buy and take a dozen different products.

When I switched from using products specifically targeting fungal infections to this blend, I saw patients getting much faster results.

That doesn't mean that GI-Synergy is right for everyone, though. The supplements I recommend depend on the individual, their symptoms, and what we're trying to accomplish with their care.

2. RepairVite - Apex Energetics - Store Code: DrC

Another blend from Apex Energetics, RepairVite is designed to provide nutritional support for the mucosal lining, particularly in the digestive tract where candida overgrowth often causes issues.

The main ingredient in RepairVite is L-glutamine, an amino acid that plays an important role in maintaining the intestinal lining and supporting gut barrier function. Research has shown that glutamine is an important fuel source for intestinal cells and may help support intestinal permeability and barrier integrity under certain conditions.

As a side note, L-glutamine is the perfect example of the “bioavailability” we discussed above. Both L-glutamine and D-glutamine are forms of glutamine, but they are not interchangeable. A supplement company can call either of these glutamine on the label. But, while L-glutamine has been shown to have all the aforementioned benefits in the body, D-glutamine has been shown to have little function in humans. So if you catch the drift here, it’s important to buy reputable supplements so that you aren’t duped into buying something useless!

3. Probiotics - Some of my favorite professional-grade probiotic products include Proflora 4R from Biocidin and Saccharomyces Boulardii from Biotics Research Registration Code: CR1735

A buzzword these days, most people know what probiotics are. But just in case, probiotics are forms of beneficial, or what we call the “good” gut bacteria that helps our GI tract stay healthy. The goal isn't simply to add as many bacteria as possible. The gut microbiome is an incredibly complex ecosystem, and different people can respond very differently to different probiotic strains.

That's why I recommend working with a practitioner to determine what type of probiotic, if any, makes sense for you. Seriously, I carry at least eight different probiotics in my office!

That’s it for supplements!

Like I said, I’m not a fan of having a cabinet full of supplements that must be taken every day for life in order to be healthy. I want people to be able to live a relatively healthy lifestyle and to use supplements when their system needs a little help!

Now, Foods that Fight!

Our world is pretty amazing. Did you know that there are foods that contain naturally occurring compounds that have been studied for antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties?!

That doesn't mean that eating these foods will replace appropriate treatment for an infection. But incorporating nutrient-dense foods with beneficial properties into your regular diet can be one more way to support your overall health.

The Top Anti-Microbial Foods:

1. Olive Products

Olive oil, olive leaf, and olive extracts contain compounds such as oleuropein that have demonstrated antimicrobial and antifungal activity. In laboratory studies, oleuropein has been shown to inhibit the growth and virulence-related activity of Candida albicans. Olive products can therefore be a useful addition to a diet designed to support a healthy microbial balance.

I particularly like using extra virgin olive oil as a dressing or condiment. Olive leaf and olive extracts can also be used in supplemental form when appropriate.

2. Coconut

Coconut products, specifically coconut oil, contain fatty acids such as lauric acid and caprylic acid that have demonstrated antifungal properties.

Coconut oil can be used for cooking, added to recipes in place of other oils, or even eaten as a plain teaspoon of it by itself.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

While most fermented products are off limits on the anti-Candida diet I recommend, apple cider vinegar is an exception.

It has been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit the growth of Candida, which is why I include it as an option in the anti-Candida protocol I recommend.

It can be used nicely as a salad dressing, taken diluted in water, or even as a shot if you’re feeling really adventurous!

Putting It All Together

This wraps up our Candida diet series!

Hopefully, you've now got a better understanding of the foods I recommend avoiding, the foods that can provide additional support, and some of the supplements I commonly use as part of a more comprehensive approach.

If you started your protocol with the first blog, then you're about halfway there! Keep up the good work, and pay attention to how you feel as you make these changes.

Remember, though, that there isn't one protocol that works exactly the same way for everyone. If you're still struggling with recurring symptoms or aren't sure whether Candida is actually part of what's going on, that's where individualized evaluation can be helpful.

You can also contact us at Whole Health & Wellness to find out how we can help you further.

*Eating foods with antimicrobial properties is not intended to replace antibiotics or other medical treatment when an infection requires medical intervention. If you have an acute infection, be sure to discuss appropriate treatment options with your healthcare provider.

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About the Author

Dr. Caroline Ricker, DC, DABCI, MTAA, is the founder of Whole Health & Wellness in St. Louis. Her practice combines functional medicine, clinical nutrition, functional laboratory testing, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other integrative approaches for patients with chronic and recurring health concerns.

Learn more about Dr. Caroline Ricker and Whole Health & Wellness