Archive for March, 2011

Ingredients:
- l 15oz can garbanzo or kidney beans
- 2 5-6oz cans water packed chunk light tuna
- ½ c chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1 ½ tsp finely chopped rosemary
- 4 TBLS EVOO, divided
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- ½ c chopped red onion
- 4 tsp capers, rinsed
- ½ c lemon juice divided
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 8 c mixed salad greens

Preparation: Combine beans, tuna, bell pepper, onion, parsley, capers, rosemary, ¼ cup lemon juice and 2 tbls oil in a medium bowl. Season with pepper. Combine the remaining ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 tbls oil and salt in a large bowl. Add salad greens; toss to coat. Divide the greens among 4 plates. Top each with tuna salad.

Candida is an over infestation of yeast in the body. There are over 900 species of yeast with the most common form being Candida Albicans, which grows and lives on what we eat. This in turn causes our bodies to crave foods that will help “feed” candida so it continues to thrive and grow within our bodies, making it very difficult for us to get rid of it. Yeast cells are able to grow virtually everywhere, as a result, we all have yeast growing in our skin, mucous membranes, intestines and other body surfaces. Typically, our bodies’ defense system is able to keep the total number of yeast cells under control, however, poor nutrition or a compromised immune system weakens the body’s ability to fight off yeast. Stress and environmental pollutants also reduce the body’s defense in trying to control candida. When this happens, yeast colonies begin to grow at a fast rate and candida results.

So what happens when you have an overabundance of candida in your body? Several conditions actually, especially those most people would not even consider to be a result of an overproduction of candida. Approximately, 80% of people suffering from fibromyalgia also have a candida issue. Other issues that typically arise are: yeast infections, thrush, gas, urinary tract infections, prostate problems, and/or chronic viral and bacterial infections. Candida built up along the intestinal wall allows food particles and toxins to enter the blood stream, thus producing an allergic reaction from the body. Possible results are: eczema, hay fever, headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, anxiety, fatigue and muscle aches. Excess candida also causes a wide variety of musculoskeletal and central nervous system complications from muscle weakness and night leg pains to blood sugar issues and migraines. Weight gain also can occur due to the need to satisfy cravings the body “requires” and interfering with insulin and energy levels.

In order to control over-active candida production, the best approach is to commit to a lifestyle change, which includes participating in a purification/detoxification program. Cleansing of the liver, bowels, kidneys and the blood supply is the ideal way to have manageable levels of candida in your body. Nutrition is essential to your health and wellness!