These are said to be responsible for some of the specific and even more of the non-specific conditions described as idiopathic. The best but not the only evidence for the involvement of Candida albicans is a favourable response to oral nystatin, and a 'yeast-free' diet. Much of his book is then dedicated to a discussion of the do's and don'ts of this special diet, and some recipes. The theory behind the diet is that the proliferation of Candida albicans in the body causes a craving for foods containing yeast or foods providing nourishment for yeasts, and so dietary therapy requires the long-term avoidance of both of these food groups. In addition foods containing any antibiotics or hormones should be avoided, so for sensitive patients, meat is off the menu.
Caution is given about leftovers, because of the potential for yeast contamination.
By itself such a diet could be manageable but the further avoidance of foods thought to encourage yeast growth is a more demanding exercise. Initially all fruit and fruit products are to be avoided, but these may be rotated back into the diet if they are tolerated without a re-emergence of any of the offending symptoms. This article also notes with concern the presumptive nature of yeast diagnosis, and warns that the treatment might obscure other conditions. The author calls for a proper examination - of the Candida issue and warns that until there is a reliable diagnostic test and scheme of treatment that has undergone clinical verification, people will remain vulnerable to such entrepreneurial adventurism. America's largest professional organisation of allergists, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, are highly critical.