Toenail fungus is usually a sign of a Candida yeast or virus inside the body and topically. “Onychomycosis” or tinea unguium is the name for the type of infection that causes the fungi to appear on the nails. The cause is an underlying fungal growth from dermatophytes or
non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts (mainly Candida species).
Dietary protocol for eliminating yeast overgrowth:
- Cutting out all sugars, alcohol, milk products and any processed or junk foods that feed the yeast and unwanted bacteria
- Eating beneficial foods that help replace good bacteria in the gut, (sauerkraut, kim chee, miso) and taking a pre-biotic powder to also assist in the microbiome regeneration
- Eating more fiber, clean sources of protein and nourishing fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, and ghee
Step 1: Eliminating the Source of Yeast and Fungus
An important tactic for treating candida overgrowth is to eliminate what feeds the yeast and candida virus living in your digestive tract: sugars and grain products. Candida albicans yeast commonly grows inside the human body, the immune system needs to be strong to fight it so the Candida doesn’t take hold and root.
Once it does take hold, the bacteria and yeast thrive off of sugar molecules entering the digestive tract through the foods you eat. Our treatment principle is to restore the body’s pH balance, improve the immune function and boost the good bacteria in your gut.
It’s difficult to effectively overcome any type of yeast infection or toenail fungus without kicking sugar and going grain-free.
Step 2: Replenishing Healthy Bacteria
Eat large amounts of food that support the growth of good bacteria.
Superfoods that will help replenish healthy bacteria include fermented foods, cultured vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. Have daily serving of fermented vegetables along with other probiotic foods. In the beginning, introduce fermented foods slowly as they can cause digestive upset.
Step 3. Fiber, Protein and Quality Fats
Eat a high fiber diet. Fiber, due to its structure and the body’s inability to absorb it, passes through our digestive system unabsorbed by digestive enzymes and acids within the stomach, taking with it toxins, waste, fat and cholesterol particles that can accumulate within the gut.
Remove sugars and grains from your diet, add more fiber and increase the protein foods. If you eat animal products make sure to eat only grass-fed meat; organic, cage-free eggs or poultry; raw dairy; and wild-caught fish.
Your gut will also need plenty of healthy fats, especially coconut oil. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid and lauric acid, which are antibacterial and antimicrobial fatty acids that kill off candida.
Eat a diet that’s high in good fats and proteins along with quality fiber, eliminate sugars and starches, and we’re on the way to eliminating candida in your body, and the toenail fungus.
Click the link for > Part II of this series
Click the link for > Part III of this series