Blogger & Suja Co-Founder, Annie Lawless on Candida ( WTF Is That? Click to Find Out! )

So.

You guys have obviously been introduced to the talented, Annie Lawless ( co-founder of Suja Juice ), many times on my blog before…& welp, it’s because I absolutely adore her.

I literally can’t say enough nice things about Annie. She’s become the sweetest, most supportive friend…ever.

Not only is she an amaze friend, she’s sooooo ( like, soooo, sooo ) knowledgeable when it comes to food and wellness. Be sure to check out her mediation tips and food diary.

And when Annie came to Blog-Doo ( a blog design/consulting company TSC co-founded with Erica from Fashionlush ) to build her a blog, BLAWNDE, I was F-ing ecastic ( & flattered!!! ).

Anyway, today she reviewed Blog-Doo’s services so I figured it was the PERFECT time to talk to her about what’s been on MY mind:

CANDIDA.

Ya ready?

Here we go:

Hi Skinnies! 

I’m super excited to be visiting TSC today because we’re talking about Candida which is a topic I am pretty passionate about because many people I encounter have a Candida issue and don’t know enough about it! So, WTF is candida? In short, Candida is a yeast, or fungus. Sounds nasty, but we all have it and it has beneficial role in digestion when balanced properly by the good flora in the intestines. The problem occurs when Candida outnumbers the friendly bacteria and becomes overgrown, causing all sorts of bugger symptoms like yeast infections, brain fog, fatigue, skin rashes, autoimmune disorders, depression, and anxiety. Even scarier, it’s estimated that 80% of Americans have some kind of Candida overgrowth! Ahhhh!

Ok, don’t freak out. The cause of Candida is pretty simple and there is a lot you can do to prevent and get rid of it. Sugar is the main culprit in candida overgrowth because it is a bacteria that feeds on sugar. When you eat too much sugar, the candida thrive and multiply. You may be thinking, “I have the symptoms of Candida, but I don’t eat many sweets?” Interestingly, Candida feeds off any form of sugar, even the healthy kind from fruits, starchy vegetables, fermented foods, and whole grains. Another culprit is antibiotic use because they kill the good bacteria in your gut allowing the candida to reign supreme.

If you think you may have candida, there are three tests you can have your doctor do to find out (blood, urine, or stool). The best way to ditch it is to follow a sugar and yeast free diet for three to six months until the Candida is starved and the good bacteria is replenished. Here’s a helpful cheat sheet of foods that are safe and foods that are scary when fighting Candida:

I know, I know. This seems like it eliminates tons of foods. I promise, it’s not that bad! Here are some delicious meal and snack ideas so you don’t feel starved while starving the yeasties:

Breakfasts:

A grapefruit drizzled with coconut oil and sprinkled with cinnamon and stevia

Eggs cooked the way you like ( scrambled, poached, sunny side up ) with salsa and guac over a bed of greens

Lunches:

Kale salad with avocado, olive oil, garlic, & apple cider vinegar

Sashimi or rice free sushi rolls

Dinners:

Bun-less turkey or grass fed beef burger with onion, avocado, tomato

Steamed or baked fish with steamed spinach or asparagus

Snacks:

An all green juice ( like this one – Suja Twelve Essentials ) & a handful of almonds

Kale chips and a handful of pumpkin seeds

Now that we’ve broken it down, I hope you guys have a better understanding about candida and how to treat it! For more information, talk to your doctor and find out if a Candida diet is right for you!

– Annie

{ Don’t forget to check out Annie’s Insta & blog, BLAWNDE }

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