Spaghetti Squash and the Candida Diet
Have you ever heard of spaghetti squash? If you’ve ever been on a low-carb diet, you’ve probably heard of this amazing winter squash that, when cooked, falls apart into spaghetti-like strands. Spaghetti squash is a low-carb dieter’s dream, containing just 5 grams of carbs per ½-cup serving. It is for this reason that it is also an ideal choice for those following the candida diet.
The candida diet, also known as the anti-candida diet or yeast-free diet, is the cornerstone of treating a condition known as yeast infection. Candidiasis is characterized by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the intestinal system. Candida albicans is a typically benign type of yeast that is innately present in the intestinal system. Ideally, Candida albicans will work in concert with the types of “friendly” bacteria to create a unique intestinal microflora that helps keep the body healthy. Unfortunately, numerous external factors allow Candida albicans to grow too large and become an opportunistic organism. These external factors include excessive use of antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, stress, and diets high in processed/sugary foods. When Candida albicans grows too large, the body often experiences numerous seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, PMS, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic sinus infections, chronic yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis. chronic, anxiety and depression. Once the delicate balance of intestinal microflora is disrupted, it is very difficult to restore it. The candida diet seeks to restore this balance by cutting off the food supply to Candida albicans, starving and killing them. Although prescription and/or over-the-counter antifungals may be necessary to treat a yeast infection, the most important part of treatment is following the yeast infection diet.
The candida diet eliminates foods and ingredients that feed yeast, such as sugar, vinegar, processed foods, glutinous grains, dairy products, and fruits. The diet also calls for eating only moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates and starchy vegetables. This leaves low-starch vegetables, meats, poultry and fish to enjoy freely. With all of these limitations, you can see why spaghetti squash may be such an important food for a candida diet. Spaghetti squash is extremely versatile and can be eaten as a side dish with meat, chicken, or fish or enjoyed as a main dish to replace some of those complex carbohydrates. Spaghetti squash works great as a main dish and can be used in place of pasta in your favorite recipes. Additionally, spaghetti squash is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is quite available year-round and will stay fresh for several weeks if stored at room temperature. Spaghetti squash is very easy to cook, as it can be baked, boiled, steamed, or even microwaved.
For more information on living yeast-free on the candida diet, visit Yeast-Free Living.