Testing the rational of Candida cleanse diets

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Sallie Katherine Lewis (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Greg Adkison

Abstract: Some practitioners of alternative medicine identify overgrowth of the fungus Candida as the cause of eczema, psoriasis, and conditions like fibromyalgia, depression, and chronic migraines. These naturopathic physicians may prescribe diets low in carbohydrates (Candida cleanse diets) to treat such conditions. This study examined the rationale of this diagnosis and treatment by testing for a relationship between the amount of carbohydrates people consume and the presence of Candida in their mouths. It is possible that nutrients other than carbohydrates also affect the growth of Candida. Therefore this study also tested for an association between the oral presence of Candida and the amounts of refined sugars, protein, fat, saturated fat, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium consumed. Participants recorded the amounts of food and drink they consumed for three weeks. Daily average amount of each nutrient consumed was calculated for each participant each week. Participants sampled their mouths at the end of each week and inoculated CHROMagar plates (BD Diagnosis Systems) with the samples. The inoculated plates were incubated at 37ºC for three days and then examined for Candida growth. The probability of Candida growth was negatively related to consumption of carbohydrate, protein, total fat, and saturated fat during week 1. No other statistically significant associations were detected. These results refute the rationale behind Candida cleanse diets.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2014
Keywords
Candida, Candida albicans, Candida cleanse diet
Subjects
Candida -- Health aspects
Mycoses -- Diet therapy -- Evaluation
Mycoses -- Alternative treatment -- Evaluation

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