How Sourdough Can Help With Candida

There are a number of things that can help to control Candida overgrowth, including diet, lifestyle changes, and medication. Sourdough bread is one food that has been shown to be helpful in managing Candida.

What is Candidiasis?

Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present in the body. However, when Candida overgrows, it can cause a condition called candidiasis. Candidiasis can cause a variety of symptoms, including vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and skin infections.

"Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans. Candida normally lives on skin and inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing problems. Candida can cause infections if it grows out of control or if it enters deep into the body. For example, it can cause infections in the bloodstream or internal organs like the kidney, heart, or brain."—CDC>Fungal Diseases>Types of Fungal Diseases

How Sourdough Helps With Candida

Sourdough bread is made with a sourdough starter, which is a mixture of flour and water that has been fermented. The fermentation process creates lactic acid, which has antifungal properties. Lactic acid can help to inhibit the growth of Candida, making it less likely to overgrow.

In addition to lactic acid, sourdough bread also contains other compounds that may help to fight Candida. These compounds include:

• Enzymes: Enzymes in sourdough bread can help to break down the cell walls of Candida, making it easier for the body's immune system to fight the yeast.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants in sourdough bread can help to protect the body's cells from damage caused by Candida.
• Prebiotics: Prebiotics in baked sourdough bread can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut. And if you bake your own bread at home, the probiotics in the starter deliver good gut bacteria which can help to prevent Candida overgrowth.

Does Sourdough Bread Work for Everyone?

While sourdough bread can be helpful for many people with Candida, it is important to note that it may not work for everyone. Some people with Candida may find that they are still sensitive to the wild yeast in sourdough bread. If you are unsure whether sourdough bread is right for you, it is best to talk to your doctor.

How to Choose Sourdough Bread

If you are considering eating sourdough bread to help with Candida, it is important to choose a bread that is made with a traditional sourdough starter, like all the breads at Abigail's Oven. This type of starter is made with just flour and water, and it is fermented for several days. The fermentation process creates lactic acid and other compounds that can help to fight Candida.

Commercial sourdough breads may not contain a traditional sourdough starter. These breads may be made with baker's yeast, which is a different type of yeast that does not have the same antifungal properties as lactic acid and may even contribute to further growth of yeast in the gut.

Abigail's Oven REAL™ Sourdough Bread

Click here to check out all 7 flavors of our bread and to order your own dehydrated sourdough starter. And when you get to our web page, you can click on each image below to see our ingredients list.

And you can order bread to be shipped too by clicking here. If you live locally, you can also come by The Store at the Bakery today (we are open Mon 12:00 PM-5:00 PM, Tue 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and  Wed-Fri 10:00 AM-5:00 PM) at 421 South 200 East in Spanish Fork, Utah). 

Conclusion

Sourdough bread can be a helpful food for people with Candida. The fermentation process creates lactic acid and other compounds that can help to inhibit the growth of Candida. However, it is important to choose a bread that is made with a traditional sourdough starter. Commercial sourdough breads may not contain the same antifungal properties.

If you are considering eating sourdough bread to help with Candida, it is best to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if sourdough bread is right for you and recommend a brand that is likely to be helpful.