Candida is the general term for yeast like fungi that live in the body. They are found in moist areas and the most common is known as candida albicans. Normally the candida is kept under control by the beneficial bacteria within the body, but if the balance is upset then the candida can grow beyond normal tolerance levels. It is this overgrowth, when it occurs in the stomach and intestines that can lead to a wide range of different medical problems.

Some of the more general symptoms that occur are:

- irritable bowel disease
- migraines
- rheumatoid arthritis
- chronic ear infections
- asthma
- attention deficit disorder

The most generally accepted form of reducing the infection and returning to good health is to change the normal diet. A diet for candida is not intended as a reduction in food intake but more the types of food that are eaten. The objective of the diet is to eliminate foods that the candida would sustain itself on. These would include sugar foods, processed and fermented foods, and also mold foods such as cheese and yogurt. Also yeast type products, especially those made with wheat flour, are advised against.

Fresh fruit contains fructose which is a form of sugar and therefore is not recommended, including fruit drinks and squash. Milk has been found to contain antibiotics, which have been administered to the cattle, so again is not recommended. Mushrooms are a type of fungi themselves and are also not recommended.

While this may seem a good part of anyone's current diet there are still plenty of other foods that are permitted. Fresh meat, fish, fresh vegetables and carbohydrates in potatoes and rice. Flour made from ground barley or rye is acceptable as are some of the more exotic flours from Africa and Asia.

All types of fresh meats are acceptable but it is advised that as far as possible to use organic. Commercially bred meat has been found to contain antibiotics and hormones from growth treatments. The same is also true for farm bred fish. Green leaf vegetables are recommended, especially seaweed, or kale, which is high in natural minerals and antioxidants.

Eggs are a good source of protein. Raw egg yolks may not sound very appetizing but are recommended by many health and fitness gurus. There are an abundance of recipes for nutritional drinks that include egg yolks. Contrary to popular belief, egg whites have no nutritional value at all and can be discarded.

The general accepted period for the diet is around 6-8 weeks. During this time the body is adjusting to a new regime which will take some getting used to. It is normal during this period to feel food cravings, especially for sugar foods, as the candida tries to feed. Also constipation and tiredness are symptoms as the body tries to expel the toxins from the yeast. Also cold and flu like symptoms can be felt.

Once the body is back to normal it is acceptable to introduce some of the foods that previously were not allowed. This should be done with caution and with one or two at a time. It is recommended that these are monitored and care taken not to allow the yeast infection to occur again.