Have you ever heard of spaghetti squash? If you’ve ever been on a low-carb diet, you’ve likely 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 carbohydrates per ½ cup serving. It is for this reason that it is also an ideal option for those who follow the candida diet.

The candida diet, also known as the anti-candida diet or yeast-free diet, is the cornerstone of treatment for a condition known as candidiasis. 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 conjunction with “friendly” types of bacteria to create a unique intestinal microflora that helps keep the body healthy. Unfortunately, numerous external factors allow Candida albicans to overgrow and transform into an opportunistic organism. These external factors include overuse of antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, stress, and diets rich 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 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, starving and killing them. Although prescription and / or over-the-counter antifungals may be necessary to treat yeast infection, the yeast diet is the most important part of treatment.

The candida diet eliminates the foods and ingredients that feed yeast, such as sugar, vinegar, processed foods, glutinous grains, dairy products, and fruits. The diet also requires eating only moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates and high-starch vegetables. This allows you to freely enjoy vegetables, meats, poultry and fish with low starch content. With all these limitations, you can see why spaghetti squash can be such an important food for the candida diet. Spaghetti squash is extremely versatile and can be eaten as a side with meat, chicken or fish or enjoyed as a main dish replacing 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 throughout the year 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 in the microwave.

For more information on living yeast-free on the candida diet, visit Yeast Free Living.