Re: Probiotics/fermented foods

Have you read that section in my book Candida Crusher?

Here's a little bit about Fiber in my book from page 383:

Fiber and Candida

Although fiber does not eliminate candida-related health problems directly, dietary changes certainly have been linked with reduced symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center in America. And this is why I think it is smart for you to stop thinking only about killing candida and rather about re-populating your digestive system with friendly bacteria. The killing method is almost always encouraged by dietary supplement companies who may tell you that you will be unable to conquer your yeast infection by diet primarily, but the truth is you can, but it is difficult and drawn out process and therefore I have always found it best to recommend a few high quality supplements to speed up the process and ensure a more effective, complete and thorough eradication of candida. But in saying that, nothing takes place of a diet high in nutrients and fiber, nothing. Always remember that food is your medicine and medicine is your food. A great diet in addition to great supplements will win hands down, particularly with the right lifestyle changes.
A diet which is high in added sugars often lacks fiber, vitamins and minerals, and by following a diet high in fiber it will invariably lead not only to an increased fiber intake which will be good for your digestive system in many ways, it will also ensure by default that you get a good boost of vitamins and minerals which are often found in these high fiber foods, and that will certainly boost your wellness, especially if you eat organic or high quality fresh produce.

Health Tip:
Introduce fiber gradually into your diet, you will have less gas
If you introduce fiber into your diet too quickly, you may well experience a lot more gas and possibly bloating. By introducing fiber slowly into your diet you allow the beneficial bacteria to grow in direct proportion, they crowd out the bad bugs and reduce your ability to produce gas. Make sure you drink lots of water; because plenty of water in your digestive system moves things around a lot easier, and without the liquid your stool becomes a stronger bind in the colon. Do the eyeball test, pay attention to what you flush and if it formed much too hard, e.g. it is quite difficult to evacuate or very hard, then increase your fiber intake gradually. Still having lots of gas? Then try a good probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and take one capsule with each meal. That should put an end to the gas within a week, no more embarrassment.

Furthermore, fiber allows a better balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract and tends to put the squeeze on candida species, reducing their numbers. Fiber is important to re-establish a healthy bowel function, and could hold the key between success and failure if you are serious about improving your digestive health and finally ridding your body of that yeast infection you have had for years. There are several options when it comes to having more fiber in your diet, you can have high fiber foods and also include a few high fiber supplements in your diet.


Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

What is the difference? Soluble fiber dissolves in water and insoluble fiber does not. They both have their merits, but let’s examine both these types of fibers in more detail and see what benefits they have to offer you.

Soluble fiber attracts water and forms a gel, which slows down digestion. Soluble fiber delays the emptying of your stomach and makes you feel full, which helps control your appetite and therefore your weight. Slower stomach emptying may also positively affect your blood sugar level and have a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity, which may help control diabetes. Soluble fiber can also help lower LDL, the bad cholesterol, by interfering with its absorption and maximizing excretion of bad cholesterol.

Sources of soluble fiber: oatmeal, oat cereal, lentils, apples, oranges, pears, oat bran, strawberries, nuts, flaxseeds, beans, dried peas, blueberries, psyllium, slippery elm bark powder, cucumbers, celery, and carrots.

Insoluble fiber is considered a digestive-healthy fiber because it has a laxative effect and adds bulk to the diet, helping prevent constipation. These fibers do not dissolve in water, so they pass through the gastrointestinal tract relatively intact, and speed up the passage of food and waste through your gut.

Insoluble fibers are mainly found in whole grains and vegetables, especially the leafy greens. (good food for beneficials)
Sources of insoluble fiber: whole wheat, whole grains, wheat bran, corn bran, seeds, nuts, barley, couscous, brown rice, bulgur, zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, raisins, grapes, fruit, and root vegetable skins.

A great enzyme will contain protease and various lipase enzymes and also various enzymes to assist in carb breakdown and absorption, including amylase.