The Link between Fibromyalgia, Yeast and Candida -- with Foods to Eat and Avoid

The Link between Fibromyalgia, Yeast and Candida  -- Which Foods to Eat and Avoid

When the human body is weakened, as it is with fibromyalgia, it is vulnerable to attack from outside pathogens, bacteria, yeast, and viruses and the immune system cannot do its job properly. 

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast that seems to be prevalent among many people who suffer with fibromyalgia symptoms and flares.  There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans.  Candida starts to develop in the gut as a fungus, and at the same time creates its ideal environment inside the gut. 

The environment in which Candida thrive means that the pH balance is acidic.  This acidity inhibits the bodies' abilities to absorb vitamins and minerals, and limits enzyme production of digestive enzymes, which can quickly lead to malabsorption, deficiency symptoms, and malnourishment.  One of the side effects of limited digestive enzymes leads to indigestion symptoms, wind or gas, a sense of the intestines being bloated or swollen, increased acid levels, and sensitivities to certain types of food. 

It is common to feel frustrated and alone when dealing with a yeast overgrowth because Candida is evasive to much of the medical community and in fact, many of its symptoms can actually mimic other conditions.  

Here is a list of common symptoms that are indicative of Candida overgrowth.

Common Candida and Yeast Symptoms:

· Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn or pain in the intestines
· Bowel irregularities, constipation or diarrhea or perhaps alternating between both
· Food cravings especially for carbohydrates or sweets.
· Mood swings, depression or suicidal tendencies
· Headaches or migraines
· Menstrual problems, PMS or break through bleeding, endometriosis.
· Respiratory concerns, asthma frequent bronchial congestion
· Skin problems, dry, itchy or hives
· Finger or toe nail fungus
· Vertigo or balance problems
· Joint or muscle pain
· Bad breath In spite of good oral hygiene
· Allergies…air-born or food
· Malabsorption (might be indicated by vertical grooves in fingernails)
· Vaginal yeast infections
· Itching or redness in body creases
· Acne on face, back or body
· Cravings for chocolate, peanuts, pistachios or alcohol
· Adrenal or thyroid failure
· Hemorrhoids, fissure or rectal bleeding
· Insomnia
· Chronic fatigue
· Feeling cold and shaky
· Weight imbalances (over or under in spite of diet)
· Poor memory
· Puffy, dry or burning eyes
· Urinary tract problems (infections or incontinence)
· Premature ageing
· Chemical sensitivity (especially colognes or fabric dye)
· Blood sugar imbalances

As your body finds it difficult to digest certain foods it is best to avoid them.  Sugar feeds Candida and that includes fructose, a fruit sugar, so it's best to avoid eating sugar and fresh or dried fruit.  Alcohol is a type of sugar and is a direct food source for Candida. 

Water is another substance that can lead to Candida overgrowth because it has certain chemicals added by the local water board, in addition to chlorine, which can aggravate the condition further.  It is best to drink water which is free of chemicals and chlorine altogether. 

Here is a list of foods that encourage Candida and the growth of yeast and which may trigger a flare up of fibromyalgia symptoms:

• All sweets including hidden sweeteners in processed foods, such as soups, all fruit and fruit juice. Avoid grains such as prepared flake cereals sprouted grain cereals such as: Amaranth, Buckwheat, Corn, Millet, Rice, Rye, Spelt, Wheat.
• Granola, Pearl barley, Instant oats, Cornmeal, degerminated Hominy grits, degerminated Microwave popcorn Blue corn meal.
• Pasta is flour and water, the flour may be white bread flour and it may be durum flour made from semolina. All types of noodles are made from the same base and they should all be cut out of the diet, with Bufin, the Japanese noodles, Ramen instant noodles, farina, semolina and white flour noodles and pastas.
• Baked goods and Breads: Avoid all cakes, pastries, cookies doughnuts or other processed baked food containing sugar. This list includes white bread, or any bread containing wheat, which includes parathas, nanas bread, pita bread, white flour tortillas, wheat dough tortillas, sourdough, or any other ethnic bread made from wheat. Mochi the sweet unleavened bread made from brown rice should be avoided.
• Legumes: Avoid beans and peas with sweeteners, bean sprouts, tempeh which is a type of fermented tofu, tofu and textured vegetable protein.
• Nuts & Seeds Coconut, Peanuts, Pistachios, Walnuts.
• Dairy Products Buttermilk, Soymilk (sweetened), All kinds of cheeses, Cottage cheese, Kefir, Milk, Sour cream Crème fraiche, sweetened yogurt. 
• Fruit: avoid eating dried fruit, and in fact, all fruit because of the fructose the sugar it contains. Once you have eliminated the current Candida infection then eat fruit with a moderate amount of sugar. Low sugar fruits are apples, grapefruit, melon, and strawberries.
• Beverages: Alcohol, Cereal beverages, Coffee both regular and decaffeinated Fruit juices Soft drinks including the diet soft drinks. Processed tea drinks such as lemon tea. All fruit teas, Black tea.
• Condiments and Sauces:  Avoid Ketchup or catsup or any type of tomato sauce Cream sauces such as Alfredo Steak sauce, no Capers, Dried or powdered garlic, Miso, Dried or powdered onion, Pickles or chutneys, which include anything made with sugar and distilled vinegar. Spices, Distilled vinegar Sauerkraut.
• Proteins: Meat products such as beef chicken or pork have added antibiotics and hormones and they should be avoided if you want to eat meat then eat free-range organic products. Smoked meats such as bacon, sausages and salami products such as pepperoni have added sugar and should be cut out of your diet.
• Vegetables:

Avoid - Beetroot Canned tomatoes Carrots Cucumber skins, Mushrooms (all types), Potato skins, Prepared soups, Canned tomatoes

Eat - Beans, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce Onion, radishes, Parsley, Peas, Rocket or arugula Spinach, Tomatoes.

Nutritional Support:  These Foods can help you to avoid or eliminate Candida and Yeast

The ideal diet for those suffering from Candida Yeast overgrowth is to eat a diet high in fiber and protein complimented by some complex carbohydrates and a small amount of fresh fruits. For example, the daily intake should be approximately:

65% High fiber foods, such as steamed vegetables: The best choices are broccoli, celery, radishes, asparagus, onions, garlic, ginger root, cabbage, turnips and kale. Raw garlic and onions act as natural anti-fungal substances and should be eaten as much as possible.

20% High protein foods, such as: fish chicken, duck, nuts, seeds and eggs.

10% Complex carbohydrates: rice, beans and oats.

Foods that promote a healthy body and deter Candida Overgrowth:

5% fresh fruits, such as: berries of all kinds, grapefruit, pineapple, and papaya.

For a comprehensive list of suggested acceptable foods please visit the full post here:

www.foodsforfibromyalgia.com/information-center/current-topics/item/264-the-link-between-fibromyalgia-yeast-and-candida.html 

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To your health and wellness,

Deirdre