Bacon is a food that often gets questioned when it comes to following a candida diet. As someone who has been through the candida diet ringer I totally get it. When you are first diagnosed with candida overgrowth it can feel like there’s barely anything left you can eat. The candida diet is no joke and requires eliminating not only sugar and carbs, but also grains, alcohol, dairy, fruit, starchy vegetables and more.
So naturally when asked to give up beloved bacon too, it doesn’t feel fair. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to bacon while on the candida diet, but there are a few things to consider.
Why Bacon is Restricted on the Candida Diet
Most candida diet protocols suggest avoiding pork products, including bacon, during the elimination phase There are a couple reasons behind this recommendation
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Sugar content – The candida diet aims to eliminate foods that feed candida overgrowth. Bacon contains natural sugars which could exacerbate the problem.
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Difficult to digest – Pork is more difficult for the body to break down and digest compared to other meats. When you have candida overgrowth, the gut is already compromised so easier to digest proteins are preferred.
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Contains retrovirus – Pork has been found to contain remnants of the retrovirus that stay intact even when the meat is cooked. This virus can hamper the body’s efforts to heal while on the candida diet.
Can I Have Bacon Occasionally on the Candida Diet?
I know what you might be thinking…does this mean bacon has to be avoided entirely on the candida diet? Not necessarily.
While it’s best to avoid pork products during the initial “elimination phase” of the diet, which typically lasts 30-90 days, some bacon here and there once in awhile may be okay.
This applies especially if you are already noticing improvements in your candida symptoms and are starting to expand foods back into your diet. At this point, having a couple pieces of bacon once a week or so is likely fine for most people as an occasional treat.
Some tips if you do indulge in bacon on the candida diet:
- Choose high-quality, nitrate/nitrite-free, sugar-free bacon
- Eat only 1-2 pieces max at a time
- Balance it out by pairing it with lots of low-carb vegetables
- Listen to your body and avoid if you notice any negative reactions
The key is to be mindful of how you feel after eating it. If you don’t experience any increased candida symptoms, then having bacon here and there is likely okay. But if you do notice more bloating, fatigue, or other issues, it’s best to steer clear.
Finding Better Bacon Alternatives for the Candida Diet
If you don’t want to take any chances with bacon, no worries! There are plenty of other tasty, candida-diet approved foods you can have instead:
Grass-fed beef – Hamburgers, meatballs, steak and more can satisfy that craving for hearty, savory foods.
Free-range chicken – Chicken wings, thighs and breast meat can be prepared in endless flavorful ways.
Wild-caught fish – Salmon, tuna, cod and more provide healthy fats and protein without the candida concerns of pork.
Turkey bacon – The lighter, leaner alternative still provides that classic bacon taste and crunch.
Coconut bacon – For the vegetarians out there, you can make “bacon” out of coconut flakes, spices and coconut aminos.
Eggs – Prepare them scrambled, over easy, hard boiled or as a crustless quiche for a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Olives – For a salty, savory snack that is naturally low in carbs.
Nuts and seeds – Stock up on approved nuts like almonds, walnuts and seeds like pumpkin and sunflower.
Avocado – Creamy, buttery avocado can be subbed in for bacon as a topping or served alongside eggs.
So as you can see, you have plenty of options for recreating the savory flavors you may be missing from bacon through safer, low-carb foods that won’t negatively impact candida.
The Takeaway on Bacon and the Candida Diet
At the end of the day, it comes down to listening to your unique body. Avoiding bacon and other pork products in the early stages of the candida diet gives your body the best chance to heal. After improvement has set in, occasional high-quality bacon in small amounts may be tolerated fine by some people. But others may need to continue steering clear. Pay attention to any reactions you have and make adjustments accordingly. Choosing pork-free protein sources like eggs, fish and poultry can allow you to stay on track.
While transitioning to any restrictive diet like the candida diet presents challenges, remember that it’s only temporary. By sticking to it and being patient, you are taking powerful steps to regain your health. Once candida levels are under control, bringing back former food favorites like bacon in moderation can be an option. Through balancing the diet with overall healthy low-carb, anti-inflammatory foods, long-term vibrant health is absolutely achievable.
A Dietitian Explains the Candida Diet | You Versus Food | Well+Good
FAQ
What meat can I eat on candida diet?
Can you eat pork with Candida?
What foods make Candida worse?
Which foods should I avoid if I have Candida?
You should avoid ice cream, custard, pudding, and gelatin (unless sugar-free) if you have Candida. Some Candida diets recommend avoiding wheat and gluten, but there is insufficient evidence that this can help. Similarly, some Candida diets advise restricting food made with yeast, though the evidence for this is also lacking.
What foods should I eat on the Candida diet?
On the Candida diet, focus on incorporating low-sugar fruits like lemons, limes, and berries (may be eaten in small amounts). The diet starts with a cleanse followed by strict adherence to the diet’s food list. It’s best to work with a healthcare provider when following this diet.
Is an Anti-Candida diet necessary?
The need for an Anti-Candida diet arises due to the fact that the Candida diet allows for certain foods that can be inflammatory for some people. These include nightshade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers), legumes, certain dairy products, and “gluten-free” grains. Many people have sensitivities to these foods.
Can you eat chicken if you have Candida?
Some types of meat are perfectly acceptable on a Candida diet, for example chicken and turkey. Red meats are still generally acceptable but in smaller amounts. Red meat can cause constipation and has been linked to various cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. However, there are some meats that you should definitely avoid.