The Candida diet is a popular dietary approach aimed at reducing candida overgrowth in the body. It involves eliminating sugar, gluten, alcohol and sometimes dairy. Many people wonder – can you eat shrimp on the Candida diet? Here is a complete guide to shrimp and the Candida diet.
What is Candida?
Candida albicans is a type of yeast that naturally occurs in the body. When it overgrows, it can cause an infection known as candidiasis. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, and skin problems.
Candida overgrowth has been linked to high sugar intake, impaired immune system, antibiotics and birth control pills. The Candida diet works to rebalance the gut and reduce the candida overgrowth.
What is the Candida Diet?
The Candida diet is designed to starve candida yeast by eliminating its main food sources – sugar yeast and refined carbs. It also aims to support detoxification and gut health.
Foods to avoid:
- Sugar (white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, honey)
- Refined grains (white flour, pasta, breads)
- Processed foods
- Dairy
- Alcohol
- Vinegar
- Dried fruit and fruit juice
Foods to eat
- Non-starchy veggies
- Lean protein (eggs, fish, chicken)
- Healthy fats (avocado, coconut oil, olive oil)
- Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi)
Can You Eat Shrimp on the Candida Diet?
Yes, shrimp is allowed on the Candida diet. Shrimp is a nutritious protein that provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants It’s low carb and naturally gluten free, making it a smart choice for the Candida diet
However, it’s important to choose wild caught shrimp whenever possible. Farm raised shrimp may contain antibiotics, which can disrupt gut health. Opt for wild caught shrimp from the U.S., Canada or Mexico for best quality.
Shrimp is high in cholesterol, so moderation is key if this is a concern for you. Stick to a serving of 4-6 oz, 2-3 times per week. Avoid breaded or fried shrimp recipes.
Some healthy ways to enjoy shrimp on the Candida diet include:
- Shrimp salad with olive oil and lemon juice
- Coconut curry shrimp
- Garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles
- Grilled shrimp kebabs
- Shrimp tacos in lettuce wraps
Pair your shrimp with lots of non-starchy veggies for gut healthy fiber and nutrients.
How Shrimp Impacts Gut Health
Animal proteins like shrimp have been shown to increase ammonia production in the gut. Too much ammonia can make the colon environment more alkaline, promoting candida overgrowth.
However, research shows this effect is much more pronounced with red meat compared to lighter meats like shrimp. Eating shrimp in moderation is unlikely to significantly impact the gut environment.
Additionally, shrimp provides protein, healthy fats and antioxidants that support the immune system and gut health. It contains the antioxidant astaxanthin which reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
As long as you choose high quality shrimp and keep portions in check, it can be part of a gut healthy diet. Be sure to balance it with plenty of vegetables, healthy fats and fermented foods.
Other Low Carb Protein Options for Candida Diet
In addition to shrimp, other smart protein choices on the Candida diet include:
Fish: Wild caught salmon, cod, tuna, halibut, trout. Choose low mercury options.
Poultry: Chicken breast, turkey, eggs
Meat: Grass-fed beef, bison, lamb, occasionally.
Plant-based: Tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, beans
Vary your protein sources and keep portions moderate. Avoid processed and fried meats.
Sample Candida Diet Meal Plan with Shrimp
Here is a sample weekly meal plan incorporating shrimp and other Candida diet approved foods:
Monday
Breakfast: Veggie omelet with avocado
Lunch: Leftover salmon with mixed greens salad
Dinner: Zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs
Tuesday
Breakfast: Chia pudding with almond milk and berries
Lunch: Shrimp salad wrapped in lettuce leaves
Dinner: Baked chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts
Wednesday
Breakfast: Nut granola with coconut yogurt
Lunch: Vegetarian chili
Dinner: Grilled shrimp skewers with riced cauliflower
Thursday
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach
Lunch: Tuna salad with carrot sticks
Dinner: Turkey burger with oven baked fries
Friday
Breakfast: Avocado toast on gluten free bread
Lunch: Leftover shrimp skewers with salad
Dinner: Baked salmon with asparagus
Saturday
Breakfast: Veggie omelet
Lunch: Chicken salad with apple slices
Dinner: Coconut curry shrimp with cauliflower rice
Sunday
Breakfast: Nut granola with berries
Lunch: Grass-fed burger with sweet potato fries
Dinner: Veggie & lentil soup
This meal plan provides a healthy balance of proteins along with gut nourishing veggies, healthy fats and carbs from gluten/sugar-free whole foods.
The Bottom Line
Shrimp can be part of a gut healthy, Candida diet when consumed in moderation. Choosing wild caught shrimp and balancing it with plenty of vegetables, probiotics and healthier carbs can help optimize gut health as you fight candida overgrowth. Pay attention to your body’s response and adjust your diet as needed.
Is Shrimp Okay On The Candida Diet?
FAQ
What foods make Candida worse?
Can you eat fried chicken on a Candida diet?
Can you eat bacon on a Candida diet?
Can you eat fish if you have Candida?
LIVER ONE to process and remove the toxins created by Candida. – CANDASSIST to inhibit and weaken the Candida colonies in your gut. – PROBIOTIC to replace the Candida yeast with probiotic bacteria. Small amounts of meat and fish are OK on the Candida diet, but there are some types of meat and fish that can actually make your Candida worse.
Can I eat raw shrimp?
Eating raw shrimp is not recommended. Raw shrimp can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is also a good source of purines, which can trigger gout attacks. If you want to eat shrimp, cook it thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning and to help prevent gout attacks. Cook shrimp until it is opaque and pink to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Does the Candida diet work?
The candida diet is supposed to reduce inflammation and ultimately cure candida infection by restricting certain food groups. However, there is currently no evidence that the diet works. Before beginning the candida diet, advocates recommend going on a candida cleanse.
Can salmon eat a Candida diet?
A wild-caught fish like salmon is a main course that complies with the candida diet. Trinette Reed/Stocksy Yeast overgrowth can cause a host of far-ranging problems, from physical to cognitive and mental, some experts say.