Can You Eat Shrimp on the Candida Diet? A Complete Guide

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?

The candida diet requires people to avoid foods and drinks that could increase the risk of Candida overgrowth. These include gluten, sugar, alcohol products, and certain types of dairy. The diet focuses instead on eating lean proteins, healthful fats, nonstarchy vegetables, and probiotics.

Can you eat fried chicken on a Candida diet?

Proteins. As part of your plan to starve the Candida yeast, feel free to eat plenty of high-protein meals. Foods like beef, chicken, fish and eggs are all good for you anyway, but they serve an extra purpose in an Anti-Candida Diet.

Can you eat bacon on a Candida diet?

As much as you love eating bacon, and regardless of how much protein you can get from it, processed meats are not good for your Candida diet. Processed meats are bad for you because they promote inflammation in the gut, and there’s a higher risk of bowel cancer for those who consume these regularly.

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.

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