Foods That Kill Candida

Candida albicans is a type of yeast notorious for its ability to cause vaginitis and thrush. Overgrowth of this parasite is called candidiasis. A wide array of symptoms are linked to candidiasis including chronic fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, depression, anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity and confusion, allergies, and severe mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome. Candida proliferation occurs under an acidic environment and a high-sugar diet. Incorporating foods that contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties helps keep this opportunistic organism under control.

Organo-Sulfur Compounds

Foods containing organo-sulfur compounds are excellent Candida fighters. These include garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. They exhibit anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects that help rid the body of the infectious organism. The two main constituents found to be effective against opportunistic microorganisms are allicin and quercetin. Allicin is found in garlic and is effective against some of the most antibiotic-resistant organisms. According to Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson in their book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," garlic is more potent than other anti-fungal agents against Candida, and you should eat one clove of fresh garlic a day. Quercetin, a potent antioxidant found in onions and leeks, includes anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties that help boost the immune system and kill Candida.

Herbal Foods

German chamomile, aloe vera leaf and rosemary exert anti-bacterial properties that help suspend and kill-off Candida infections. According to the Alternative Medicine Review on Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), the herb exhibits anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The fungicidal activities documented for German chamomile render it a useful herbal food for killing Candida. Similarly, aloe vera leaf contains anti-microbial properties that inhibit the growth of Candida. According to an article in the December 2005 "African Journal of Biotechnology" about a study on the anti-microbial activities of aloe vera, the aloe vera leaf was found to be a useful blood spectrum healing plant. The healing properties of the leaf are attributed to the immune-enhancing effects of the plant. Rosemary also shows superb natural anti-fungal properties that kill yeast infections caused by Candida. Rosemary also acts as a blood purifier, helping control the growth of pathogenic bacteria without disturbing the natural intestinal microflora.

Fungicidal Activity and Intestinal Health

According to author Dr. Bruce Fife, a naturopathic physician and certified nutritionist, all the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil kill yeast, viruses and bacteria, the most potent being lauric acid and caprylic acid. Caprylic acid has shown to exhibit strong anti-microbial and anti-fungal activities against Candida. A comprehensive protocol against Candida includes fiber and healthy bacteria to make the internal environment unfavorable for yeast growth. In the book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," nutritional support that addresses parasitic infections may include psyllium husk, turmeric and Lactobacillus acidophilus for the beneficial effects these items have on the gastrointestinal system. A combination of these foods helps replenish the intestinal microflora.