Is Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Systemic Candida?

Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is an unpasteurized organic apple cider that contains protein enzymes, which give the vinegar a cloudy appearance. These live cultures help alkalize the body, and like probiotics, replenish beneficial bacteria that crowd out yeast. Candida is a naturally occurring yeast, but can quickly grow out of control if your body becomes acidic from eating too much sugar or if beneficial bacteria are killed off from antibiotic use. Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar has zero calories and is sodium free.

Candida Basics

Candida is a fungal yeast that lives on the surface of your skin and thrives in moist warm areas such as your underarms or genital area. Although candida infections are usually superficial, in rare cases candida can enter the blood stream resulting in a systemic infection. Systemic candida infections are more common in people with a weakened immune system, those who use broad spectrum antibiotics and people with a hormonal imbalance.

The Acid/Alkaline Balance

Candida thrives in an acidic environment, which is often caused by poor nutrition. It's a common misconception that acidic tasting foods cause acidity in your body. Foods such as lemons and limes may taste acidic, but they actually alkalize the blood. The standard American diet is very acidic, because acidifying foods include most animal proteins, cheese, milk, butter and canola oil. Alkalizing foods are mostly fruits, vegetables, eggs, chicken, yogurt, nuts, seeds and apple cider vinegar.

Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar restores the pH balance in your body by creating an alkalizing environment and encouraging beneficial bacteria to grow. Healthy bacteria crowd-out candida and aid digestion. Three times a day, drink a mixture of 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 oz. of water. Don't add a sweetener, because sugar will feed the yeast. If the taste is too strong for you, try adding freshly squeezed lemon juice.

The Herxheimer Reaction

Your candida symptoms may get worse as you start treating your fungal yeast infection. The worsening of these symptoms is known as the Herxheimer reaction. As the yeast die, they release a toxic by product that may cause nausea or fatigue. However, you should start to feel better within a few days. Don't stop drinking the apple cider vinegar -- this discomfort is temporary and part of the treatment process.