It's true that oral contraceptives increase the risk of Candida overgrowth, but so can your diet. For instance, foods that primarily feed Candida albicans include foods high in starch and sugar. That being said, other foods, including dairy products (with the exception of butter and eggs) also encourage Candida overgrowth. For this reason, many people try to keep their Candida in check by controlling their diet by following an anti candida diet.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that dairy products encourage Candida growth, particularly in those who have an allergy to milk, most dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, cream, buttermilk etc.) are often eliminated from the diet. This fact has those on a Candida diet wondering how they can give their body the necessary calcium it needs, without stimulating the growth of Candida albicans.
How can you get the calcium you need without the help of diary?
If you are concerned about calcium, you will be pleased to know that there are many other food sources that contain calcium such as:
- Dark leafy green vegetables (bok choy, kale, cabbage)
- Raw broccoli
- Seaweed
- Dried fruit
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- Almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Pinto beans
- Tahini
- Canned salmon
- Canned tuna
- Sardines with edible bones
- Calcium Fortified products (soymilk, tofu, orange juice, etc.)
That being said, you should keep in mind that certain foods that are high in calcium such as spinach and rhubarb also contain oxalates. Oxalates actually block calcium absorption and are, therefore, counter productive. Thus, make sure you research calcium enriched foods before trusting they will provide your body with the calcium it needs. It's also a good idea to visit a nutritionist or dietician if you plan on using non-dairy foods for sources of calcium.
In addition, in order to help your body maintain healthy calcium levels you should limit or eliminate your intake of caffeine and alcohol. These products deplete calcium levels. Furthermore, make sure you exercise regularly. Lack of exercise is another way to reduce calcium levels.
If you are having a difficult time ingesting foods rich in calcium, or are worried you are not meeting the daily requirements your body needs, you should talk to your doctor about taking calcium supplements.
It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor first before you begin taking calcium supplements. The reason is because it is not possible to accurately determine the correct amount of calcium your body requires without knowing your body chemistry first. There are many different calcium supplements on the market, and there is a high possibility that you can pick one which will make your pH worse rather than improving it.
You see, the vast majority of the less expensive calcium supplements have calcium carbonate listed as their main ingredient. Calcium carbonate is usually created from oyster shells or ground limestone. Calcium from oyster shells is the least effective supplement. Ground limestone, on the other hand, is a better calcium supplement than oyster shells (depending on how fine it's grinded), but it still doesn't compare to the better forms.
The best calcium supplement forms include:
- Pure calcium gluconate
- Calcium citrate
- Calcium lactate
In addition, avoid purchasing calcium supplements that list magnesium in their ingredients. The reason is because the body's Magnesium requirements should be attended to separately from calcium. Thus, the necessary calcium should be taken separately from other minerals. Moreover, you shouldn't buy combination supplements simply for their calcium content.
Don't forget that in order for calcium to respond effectively within the body to maintain balance, the correct type must be taken. Therefore, see your doctor first before you start supplementing your anti candida diet.
