Have you ever heard of spaghetti squash? If you’ve ever followed a low-carbohydrate diet, chances are you’ve heard of this wonderful winter squash that varieties fall apart like spaghetti when cooked. Spaghetti squash is a low-carbohydrate dieter’s dream, with only 5 grams of carbohydrates per ½-cup serving. This is why it is also an ideal choice for those following a candida diet.
The candida diet, also known as an anti-candida diet or yeast-free diet, is a cornerstone of treatment for a condition called candidiasis. Candidiasis is characterized by overgrowth of Candida albicans in the intestinal system. Candida albicans is a usually benign type of yeast that is naturally present in the intestinal system. Ideally Candida albicans would act as “friendly” types of bacteria to create a unique intestinal microflora that helps keep the body healthy. Unfortunately, many external factors enable Candida albicans to grow and shape into an opportunistic organism. These external factors include overuse of antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, stress, and a diet high in processed/sweetened foods. When Candida albicans overgrows the body, many seemingly unrelated symptoms are often experienced, such as joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic sinus infection, chronic yeast infection, chronic bacterial vaginosis, anxiety, and depression. It happens. Once the delicate balance of the intestinal microflora is disrupted it is very difficult to restore. The candida diet seeks to restore this balance by cutting off the food supply to candida albicans causing them to starve and die. Although prescription and/or non-prescription antifungals may be necessary to treat candidiasis, adherence to a candida diet is the most important part of treatment.
The candida diet eliminates yeast-feeding foods and ingredients such as sugar, vinegar, processed foods, sticky grains, dairy and fruit. The diet requires eating only moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates and high-starch vegetables. This leaves less starchy vegetables, meat, poultry and fish to be enjoyed freely. With all of these limitations you can see why spaghetti squash can be such an important food for a candida diet. Spaghetti squash is extremely versatile and can be eaten as a side dish with meat, poultry or fish, or enjoyed as a main course in place of some complex carbohydrates. Spaghetti squash works great as a main course and can be used in place of pasta in your favorite dishes. Additionally, spaghetti squash is an excellent source of vitamins A, B and C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It is readily available year-round and will stay fresh for several weeks when stored at room temperature. Spaghetti squash is very easy to cook as you can bake, boil, steam or even microwave it.
For more information on living yeast free Get on yeast free living by following the Candida Diet.
Source by Tennille Jordan
