The Kaufmann Diets, developed by Doug Kaufmann, are composed of two main phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. They are designed based on the idea that fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms in our body, leading to various health problems. These diets aim to minimize sugar intake to "starve" fungi and yeasts, as they thrive on sugar, including that derived from grains, potatoes, corn, and certain fruits. The Kaufmann Diets suggest that eliminating these food sources can potentially lead to symptom relief for conditions that may be related to fungal overgrowth.

The Phase 1 Diet is more restrictive, designed to cut off the food supply to fungi, which may result in symptom improvement such as reduced brain fog, chronic pain, fatigue, or weight loss. This diet is often the starting point for individuals looking to address potential fungal-related health issues. Some may experience what's known as a "Herxheimer reaction," which is a temporary worsening of symptoms due to fungal die-off, but this is typically seen as a positive sign of the body cleansing itself.

After some time, individuals may transition to the less restrictive Phase 2 Diet, which still aims to maintain a lifestyle minimizing fungal growth but allows for a broader range of foods, including more fruits and certain grains like amaranth and quinoa, which were initially mistaken for grains but are actually seeds.