Should you eat fermented foods on an anti-candida diet? If you follow the current recommendations for the diet, you’ll see that advice about whether or not to eat fermented foods on an anti-candida diet has changed over the years.
When I first began to study the anti-candida diet back in 1999 (!!!), the advice was clear: NO fermented foods of any kind. But, as more and more people were diagnosed and practitioners learned more and more about candida albicans and how it works in the body, recommendations changed over the years. Nowadays, you’ll find people who suggest that some fermented foods can even be critical to beating the yeast.
Here’s my take on the topic, and how I incorporated certain fermented foods into my diet.
Do you eat fermented foods? What is your favorite?
Highlights:
- Find out what “Yea” really means! (Yay!!)
- Why did most anti-candida diets prohibit fermented foods until recently?
- Which fermented foods should you avoid at all costs?
- What are lacto-fermented foods, and why should we eat them?
- What’s the best way to incorporate lacto-fermented foods into your diet?
Resources:
- The Sweet Life Club
- Living Candida-Free (Book)
- Anti-Candida Digital Cookbooks
- Candida Diet Individual Coaching
- How to Make Your Own Fermented Vegetables
- 10 Ways to Use Leftover Sauerkraut Juice (Brine)
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase using those links, at no cost to you, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.
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I love fermented food. I’ve been enjoying kimchi and sauerkraut. And added bonus that it’s all so good for you!
I agree–something delish that’s good for you? I’m all over it. 😉
I am a big fan or kimchi and kraut. I used to make my own kimchi when I had more space in my kitchen.
I do need to try kimchi! Haven’t ventured there yet. 🙂
I say to each his own but for me, it’s a nay. I found that anything fermented made me feel worse (Candida peep here) 🙂
I agree, Nutrimom. The more I learn about candida, the more I believe that each person has to assess every part of the protocol and whether it works for their individual body. There are so many variations and so many co-factors that no one protocol or treatment will work for everyone.
I love fermented foods and they make my belly happy!
Me, too, Cricket! 😀
I hear it’s so good for you, but have yet to find one I really like. Gotta keep trying em!
Yes, do keep trying, Megan! I now love it so much I eat it “straight.” 😉 I’d say start by using it as a condiment–like relish–in a sandwich. Then slowly work your way up. 🙂
This is such an interesting topic. I eat fermented foods in low moderation. I don’t have notable digestion issues, but full servings of fermented foods can do me in!
It takes some building up to that point, Alisa. But even if you don’t eat them “straight,” they are really a great way to help populate the digestive tract with good bacteria!
I have to admit, the idea of eating something fermented isn’t super appealing to me, but I have hear it’s healthy!
If you ever eat dill pickles, coleslaw in restaurants, or yogurt with live bacterial cultures, you likely already eat things that taste fermented! Really, it just means “pickled.” So hopefully you will give it a try–these foods are SO good!
Super great info!!! I’ve wondered about this actually just based on reading so many things, it can certainly get confusing.
I know, Amanda–the candida diet can definitely be confusing, and there are so many versions out there. As with anything related to health, I think we need to go with what works for our own body. 🙂
I had no idea fermented foods were okay on this diet. I am glad to hear it is okay.
Sandi, not everyone thinks that fermented foods are okay on the diet. I believe that lacto-fermented foods are beneficial. 🙂
Great info! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Keeley! 🙂
What a great video. I learned so much! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Elle! 😀
Great to know about kimchee! I buy a brand that is what I call a ‘self server’, because when you remove the lid it rises right out of the jar! I have been navigating my diet for the past 3 years with a grasp on the anti-candida rudder, guiding my food decisions. Much of the time it has been smooth sailing, but there are also times I’ve been tossed overboard. I KNOW the stars of the plan to remain upright and am always learning more of what to do and even more of what I need to avoid at all costs. Your weekly email and fabulous recipes you share are so helpful. Thank you! BTW, I make a an steel cut oatmeal with spicy kimchee, dulse and walnuts. A non sweet breakfast seems to keep my sails trimmed for the day. Damn that siren Sugar.
I love the sound of that kimchee, Ann! Your savory oatmeal sounds fabulous, too–yum! And thanks so much for the kind words. So glad the emails and site are helpful to you! 🙂