Fungi, Molds, & Yeasts

Eliminating fungi, yeasts and molds in foods, drinks, and the environment may be indicated for most candida sufferers.

Candida overgrowth greatly increases the chance of a negative immune reaction to all types and forms of fungi, including mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are chemicals made by fungi and many foods inherently contain them.

Mycotoxins are inherently found in grains and other processed foods that have been contaminated with fungi and molds, including processed meats, and canned or boxed foods. The most commonly contaminated mycotoxic crops are peanuts, corn, and wheat.

Often other foods such as barley, apples, sorghum and rye are also contaminated. Antibiotics and alcohol are also mycotoxic.

Yeasty, moldy, and other fungi-type foods and drinks that must be eliminated (foods not allowed on the candida diet that are also in this category are not listed):

Canned or boxed foods of any kind.
Leftover foods.
Vinegar and vinegar containing foods like mayonnaise, pickles, soy sauce, mustard and relishes — see Note*
Malt products or foods containing malt.
Edible fungi: including all types of mushrooms and truffles.
Processed and smoked meats: sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, pastrami, smoked fish, ham, and bacon.
Fruit juices (no fruits are allowed on the candida diet, except lemons and limes): all packaged fruits and fruit juices may potentially contain molds, including RealLemon and other concentrated lemon or lime juices.
Dried foods: seaweed.
Pickled foods.
Apple cider and natural root beer.
Some vitamins and minerals, including most B vitamins, "unless otherwise stated on the label."

*Note: Some candida sufferers may do okay consuming good apple cider vinegar that is unpasteurized and unfiltered like Bragg's and Eden's. But be cautious because most candida sufferers do not tolerate them.

Environmental molds can also adversely affect Candida sufferers and the only way to minimize exposure is to remove as much as possible from your home. Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, like Candida Albicans, whose purpose in the ecosystem is to break down dead materials, and they are everywhere.

Molds reproduce by very tiny particles called spores. Spores are very light and can travel on air currents. They need moisture, food, and a surface to grow on and can be seen throughout the house, mostly in bathrooms.

Mold growth can often be seen in the form of discoloration, and can appear in many colors, i.e. white, orange, pink, blue, green, black or brown.

The first course of action in getting rid of mold is to determine why it is growing. Investigate any areas that are moist, and repair the source of the moisture. There could be a roof or plumbing leak, or groundwater leaking into the basement.

Air duct systems could be contaminated with mold. Clothes dryers generate humidity and should never be vented inside the house. Substances that are porous can trap molds and if contaminated should be thrown out, i.e. paper, rags, wallboard and wood.

After making repairs, it is time to clean. For those who are extremely sensitive to molds it is advisable to call professionals in to rid their homes of molds. For those who can do their own cleaning, do the following:

Mix a household cleaner without ammonia in hot water and scrub affected areas before sanitizing with the bleach solution that is 10% bleach and 90% water.
Wear gloves when handling moldy materials and also wear a particulate-removing respirator or facemask. Also wear protective clothing that is easily cleaned or may be discarded.

Hard, non-porous materials can be cleaned with a solution of bleach and water, 10% bleach to 90% water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the area clean. Never mix bleach with other cleaning products; it can produce a toxic gas!

It is important to clean thoroughly. If you leave some mold behind the spores will be easily released back into the air when the material dries out.

Remove porous materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpeting, and dispose of them. They are nearly impossible to clean and will produce more spores when dry.

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