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 option for those following 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 concert with the “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 high in processed/sugary foods. When Candida albicans overgrows, the body often experiences numerous seemingly unrelated symptoms, including 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 it. The candida diet seeks to restore this balance by cutting off the food supply to the Candida albicans, starving and killing them. Although prescription and/or over-the-counter antifungals may be necessary to treat thrush, the most important part of treatment is following the thrush diet.

The candida diet eliminates foods and ingredients that feed yeast, such as sugar, vinegar, processed foods, glutinous cereals, dairy products, and fruit. 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 freely enjoy. 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 dish with meat, chicken or fish or enjoyed as a main course by 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, phosphorous, and potassium. It is fairly 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 microwaved.

To learn more about living yeast-free by following the candida diet, visit Yeast-Free Living.