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Getting Started with the Kaufmann Diet

“Of course I, more than most people, understand your resistance to change your diet, but like me 47 years ago, you have miserable symptoms and relief could come, as it did for me within a week or two of eating “the right” pancakes, salads, bacon and eggs and pasta. How is that possible? Read this and learn!” 
— Doug Kaufmann

Welcome to The Kaufmann Diet
Thanks for visiting our Know the Cause website! On this site, you will find a wealth of information covering the science of fungi, molds and yeasts and their effect on human health. Whether you are a long time fan of our television show, Know the Cause, or you are new to the entire fungal philosophy, this site will become a valuable health resource for you.

The Fungus Link to Disease Philosophy
The Kaufmann Diet has two tiers; Kaufmann 1 and Kaufmann 2. These were designed with this idea in mind: Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose.

Often and unknowingly, we feed these parasites via our diet. Fungi crave sugar, and if you have a fungal infection, their cravings often become your cravings. Sugar does not simply come in the form of candy, soda and other obvious “junk foods”; the carbohydrates from grains, potatoes, corn and corn products, certain fruits, breads, pasta, alcohol and other staples of the standard American diet are just as effective at feeding a parasitic fungal organism.

For many, the Kaufmann Diet begins as a test: Do your symptoms subside or cease after following the diet for 30 or 60 days? Does your brain fog clear? Does the chronic pain, fatigue or general malaise dissipate? Does the weight fall off? If so, you may have discovered that fungi and yeasts may be a root cause of the health problems you have been experiencing.

Here is a helpful pdf download that you can take to your doctor to help with the prescription for antifungals: Doctors Fungal Protocol

Kaufmann 1 Diet: What to Expect

When beginning the Kaufmann Diet, some might experience an exacerbation of symptoms, initially, and some might experience flu-like symptoms or other intense discomfort. This reaction is known as a “Herxheimer reaction”, and it could be the result of fungal die-off. As fungi begin to die and their poisonous byproducts begin flushing out of your system, it can cause discomfort, symptoms of being sick or an initial worsening of existing problems. This is temporary, and somewhat ironically, it may be a good sign that you’ve taken the first step towards better health––ridding your body of a health-destroying, parasitic organism.

Still for others, results may not be so quick or so dramatic. For those whose results come more slowly: Please give the diet time to work. Your health problems likely did not develop overnight, and any solution will not likely resolve your problems overnight, either.

Kaufmann 1 is more than a Diet; its a Lifestyle Change

While the Kaufmann Diet begins as a test, its ultimate goal is lifestyle change. While the idea of abstaining from your favorite foods does not sound particularly appealing to most, your mind is often changed by how good you feel after following the diet for 30 or 60 days. And, people generally find their tastes change; after eliminating sugar for a month, the ice-cream, soda or candy that many crave now taste nauseatingly sweet.

The Kaufmann 1 Diet is the most restrictive of the diets; after a period of time, most people graduate from Kaufmann 1 to The Kaufmann 2 Diet, which is less restrictive. This diet is intended to be more lifestyle-friendly while still promoting health and protecting against fungi. If at any point symptoms return, it is recommended that you return to Kaufmann 1 Diet. Knowing which foods can trigger symptoms is a key part of using diet to control symptoms.

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Adding Sensible Exercise

For many, this may be your first foray into a healthy lifestyle. Good for you! Proper diet is one of the most critical components for achieving and maintaining good health. Once your diet is changed, you may find yourself feeling stronger and more energetic. While we focus on dietary changes to promote good health and fight fungus, exercise is a critical component to good health that must not be overlooked; with your new-found energy, consider starting a sensible exercise regimen. Starting slowly and building towards a more intense regimen might be a good idea, especially if you are new to exercising. Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.

Fitness is Key

Where Do I Go From Here?

Our website is an excellent source of information directed both to the lay public as well as researchers and physicians. For more information on the ability of fungi and their poisonous byproducts (mycotoxins), we have a special service for you and your doctors. Simply go to “articles” and scroll down to “the science of fungus.” Luke Curtis, MD adds new scientific research papers often linking symptoms and diseases caused by fungus. Many physicians are not familiar with the fungus link to symptoms, so under getting started, we have added a “doctors fungal protocol” link. Simply print those 2 pages off and share them with your doctor when requesting antifungal medications.

Getting Started With Kaufmann Diet

Which Book Is Right For You?

Doug Kaufmann has written several different books ranging from Diabetes, Weight Loss, and Diet Guides for the Kaufmann Diet. Find out which book is the best fit for your journey.

Kaufmann 1 Recipes

We have several recipe write ups available here on Know the Cause that will help your health journey. The recipes in this section are so good, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. No sacrifice needed! Enjoy.

Start Watching

We currently have two weekly LIVE Q&A shows on Facebook & YouTube as well as our normally aired TV Show syndications. Find out where and when you can watch Doug Kaufmann and Know the Cause.

What Foods Are On The Kaufmann 1 and 2 Diets?

The goal of the diets is two fold; starve fungus while simultaneously eating a nutritious diet. The Kaufmann Diets have been updated on a regular basis as more was learned about proper nutrition. In 1975, it was believed that amaranth and quinoa were grains, but alas, time has taught that these are seed and therefore less likely to allow fungal growth on them. For this reason, they are now included on the Kaufmann Diets.

Kaufmann 1 Shopping List

We have provided an example shopping list for someone utilizing the Kaufmann Diet. This is just a starting point!

Kaufmann 2 Shopping List

Here is a simple shopping list for those who have graduated to the Kaufmann 2 diet.

Again, the Kaufmann 2 Diet allows more fruits, beans, and other carbohydrates. The Kaufmann 2 Diet is a “graduate to” diet, and would be best to adhere to AFTER learning by being on the Kaufmann 1 Diet for a period of time.

      • AVOID GRAINS LIKE CORN AND WHEAT AND SUGARS
      • ALLOW GREEN APPLES, GRAPEFRUIT, TOMATOES, etc…
      • ALLOW GRASS FED/FINISHED BEEF AND WILD FISH.
      • ALLOW EGGS
      • ALLOW GOAT YOGURT (its good!)
      • ALLOW VEGETABLES, EXCEPT POTATOES, BEANS
      • AVOID YEAST AND FUNGAL PRODUCTS
      • ALLOW FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE, COCONUT MILK, etc…


OK, Roll Up Those Sleeves And Let The Learning Begin, But Before You Do, Know This: While knowthecause.com may be a valuable resource for you, never use the information here in lieu of your doctor’s advice. Rather, use the information here to work with him or her to achieve your health goals. Always seek out help from a licensed healthcare provider, especially in the event of an emergency.

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