Podcast Episode #210
What is the difference between a bad carb, that feeds candida and causes blood sugar imbalance, and the healthy ones?
When removing the inflammatory foods from the diet we are simultaneously taking away the sugars the candida and other pathogens use to thrive. As this happens we are likely to see some triggering symptoms such as heightened behaviors, worsened sleep, lethargy, headaches, and more.
We need to remove the bad carbohydrates that feed candida so we can get it under control, but the brain also needs some glucose which is converted from carbs. Without any carbs our sleep and energy can be affected.
What is the difference between a bad carb, that has to go, and the healthy ones? Carbs are sometimes referred to as “simple” versus “complex” or “whole” versus “refined.”
Not all carbs are created equal
Whole carbs are minimally processed and contain the fiber found naturally in the food, while refined carbs have been processed more and have had the natural fiber removed or changed. These refined, or processed carbohydrates turn to sugar in the body and cause blood sugar spikes that can lead to diabetes and weight gain, and their sugar also feeds candida and other pathogenic microbes in the gut.
Parents commonly tell me that the bad foods are all their child will eat and they fear not getting any nutrition into the child if they stop eating these foods. The reality is that these processed carbohydrates also lack essential nutrients, as well as damage the gut from inflammation and other toxins, so the child is not only not getting nutrition but actually continuing to have their gut and overall health damaged.
Some BAD, processed carbs with grains to AVOID that are also are high in carbohydrates include, but are not limited to:
gluten
white bread
refined pasta
white rice
crackers
breakfast cereal
pizza dough
potato chips (and products made with potato starch and potatoes in general)
instant oatmeal (no oats in general)
corn
Additionally, be sure to avoid dairy, especially cow’s milk. It is highly inflammatory, and naturally high in sugar. For a list of the top 7 foods to avoid, and why, you can get my free food guide at autismcheatsheet.com.
What Is A Healthy Carb?
Healthy carbs are whole food, minimally processed, and grain free. These are acceptable in moderate amounts even on a candida diet, but the key word here is moderation.
We are removing the bad carbohydrates such as processed ones to help starve out the candida, however, if sleep becomes disrupted from a lower carbohydrate diet then add back in some healthy carbohydrates and give a protein/carb snack before bedtime such as sliced apple with almond butter.
To give your child’s brain some food with glucose to help sleep and to help a bit with calming, you can add some grain free, whole food carbohydrate foods into the diet such as:
- cassava (see tortilla recipe with cassava below),
- amaranth,
- buckwheat,
- millet,
- berries, (don’t over-do daily quantities)
- occasional zucchini and butternut squash.
Do this only in moderation, as too much carb is not a good thing, but a little of the right kind is fine. This is not a licence to overload, as that can still feed the candida and end up creating too much sugar in the body causing insulin, or blood sugar, spikes.
The solution is to eat HEALTHY carbs, along with some vegetables for fiber, and moderate amounts of organic protein
Cassava Flour Tortilla Recipe
INGREDIENTS
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3 cups Otto’s Cassava Flour
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1 teaspoon Himalayan Salt
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3/8 cup Organic, Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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2 cups Water (+ or – 3 tablespoons)
Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Pull out the desired amount for the size you’d like to make and roll it into a ball. You can flatten the dough in an aluminum free, non-toxic tortilla press or roll the dough in between two pieces of unbleached parchment paper. Cook in a ceramic non-toxic skillet, (avoid toxic non-stick teflon). Turn on the skillet and cook on medium low until the edges look dry and cooked through. This will take about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on how hot your burner gets.
Transitioning Picky Eaters
The transition to healthier food can be a slow one but you can start by reducing or removing one bad food at a time while adding a little bit of one new healthy food. Each step you take is a step in the right direction. The reward system also works well for some. Try giving one bite of something they want for one bite of something you want them to eat.
Be sure the meat and poultry are organic and the fish is line caught. We don’t want pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in him from these protein sources. This can contribute to heightened symptoms. If the meat is leftover in the fridge it also creates histamines each day it’s there. Freeze your leftovers. Also be sure the diet is low histamine and low oxalate so they are not contributing to symptoms of sleep issues and anxiety.
Organic green and cruciferous veges are helpful. Lettuce and broccoli are good options. Organic cauliflower wraps are helpful too. Start with small quantities of greens since the fiber can be hard to digest at first with a weak digestive system.
Nuts are good, (except peanuts and cashews), and olives and cold pressed extra virgin organic olive oil and coconut oil are good for his brain. Do NOT give vegetable oils, or corn. They’re bad. Avoid peas and beans as they are high in inflammatory lectins as are nightshades such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant.
As you’ve likely already seen the antifungal drugs of the past were short term fixes, but not long term. Candida and fungi will hide in tissues when an antifungal is taken so we think we are doing better but once we stop taking it then they come out and are stronger than before which causes a much worse infection.
In my program I help parents fight candida and pathogens naturally and safely with specific supplementation but the first place to begin is with the diet. It is essential for good results. Many people with strong candida overgrowth, especially children with autism, may need to be on a more strict diet for up to a year. This is how we help fight the overgrowth long term too. Remember, we’re looking at long-term results. Not a short term fix. That just leaves us right back at square one months from now.
Detox Your Home
Besides food that is not organic, also be sure your child is not getting other contamination. Do a home detox by removing all chemical detergents or chemical cleaners. Use only non toxic, healthy shampoo, soap, lotions and toothpaste.
Create home environment protection by making sure your home is mold free, you are only drinking pure water with a quality filter, you have electromagnetic field protection. The one I use and trust for this offers us a 14 day free trial. The direct link is NaturallyRecoveringAutism.com/safe. At least try it to see the difference. This is VERY important! Pathogens such as mold biotoxins and candida will thrive in the presence of electromagnetic field radiation and we are all surrounded by it. It also causes sleep disruption, anxiety, and brain fog, to name just a few.
Begin any new supplement or new food at a minimum amount to test reactions. Their gut is weak and the bacteria in their gut will need time to adjust so you may see some new behaviors develop as you do this transition. Going forward slowly is always wise.
Toxin binders such as activated charcoal can be helpful during this time if symptoms do present. The body also cannot fight candida as well when heavy metals are present so once you have toxin binders and other detox support supplements in place then we begin natural, safe heavy metal detoxification!
The foundational support is important as the pathogens begin to die. We need to cover it all. You’d be surprised how often the coinfections of autism such as mold, Lyme, parasites and PANS are hindering health and recovery. Be sure to move forward very slowly, one at a time, as your child detoxifies to minimize the die off symptoms.
Remember, it is ONE thing at a time at its lowest possible dosage or quantity, so you can minimize symptoms.
Very importantly, stay well hydrated with pure water from a quality water filter!
♥
I can walk you through the 4 stage process I created when I was working with my own son on his autism journey. It is all laid out for you in my free webinar that is available for you to watch now at NaturallyRecoveringAutism.com/freeworkshop.
I want you to always know there are solutions and the road to recovery can be much easier.
♥
If this has been helpful for you then please be sure to subscribe and share it with at least one friend in need.
Thank you for all you do for your child to improve their life. I’m here to help support you on your journey.
Get Your Free Food Guide!
Quickly Reduce Your Child’s Symptoms of Autism by Eliminating 7 Foods Most People Consume Daily!
The first crucial step of autism recovery is to begin restoring health to the gut and the immune system.
The health of the gut is directly linked to the health of the brain and therefore to the symptoms of autism. In fact, 80% of the immune system comes from the gut so if the gut is not healthy, then the brain can’t thrive, and the immune system is compromised. It’s a vicious cycle, but thankfully, it’s one that we can put an end to by first eliminating harmful foods.
- Harmful Foods: Identify the foods that worsen autism symptoms and understand the science behind their impact.
- Smart Food Choices: Learn about easy dietary swaps that can significantly enhance sleep, clarity of thought, and emotional well-being.
- Practical Implementation: Get valuable tips on how to implement these dietary changes easily and effectively.
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