Candida Diet and Spices

Candida refer to yeast microorganisms that occur naturally in the human digestive tract. When candida grows excessively, it causes candidiasis, or yeast infections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 75 percent of women and 90 percent of people with HIV/AIDS will experience a yeast infection at some point. Thrush---yeast infections in the mouth---are most common among infants, elderly adults and people with weak immune systems. Dietary measures may help prevent or reduce candida overgrowth.

Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria found in various foods and dietary supplements that are known to reduce the effects of harmful bacteria in the body and improve digestion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, probiotics may help restore bacterial balances in the body and reduce candida overgrowth. Since candida diets involve limiting intake of processed foods, replacing processed foods you consume with natural foods containing probiotics may provide further benefits. Food sources of probiotics include yogurt with live active cultures; kefir, a yogurt-like beverage; buttermilk; fermented soy products; sour kraut; fermented cabbage and foods and beverages fortified with probiotics. Probiotics are also available in dietary supplement form. Though research findings are limited, consuming probiotics while taking antibiotic medications--a common trigger of yeast infections, may help prevent infections from occurring.

Garlic

Garlic is a plant that has been used as a food, cooking spice and herbal remedy for centuries. Due to garlic's anti-fungal properties, incorporating it into your diet may help reduce candida overgrowth symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming one clove of garlic or 4,000 to 5,000mcg of allicin in garlic supplement form daily. You may also find that incorporating minced, fresh or dried garlic into your meals and snacks regularly reduces symptoms.

Green Plants and Herbs

Leafy greens provide rich amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, all of which support your overall wellness and your body's ability to defend itself from infections and disease. Green plants also contain chlorophyll which can purify and reduce the spread of fungi and bacteria. According to "Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition," by Paul Pitchford, parsley, kale, collard and dandelion greens, watercress, Swiss chard, romain lettuce, cabbage, barley grass and wheat grass contain potent amounts of yeast-reducing chlorophyll. In addition to consuming greens regularly, Pitchford suggests taking powder and tablets forms of greens, such as wheat and barley grass powder, before meals for best results.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a common herbal supplement in America, known for its antiviral, antioxidant, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to its use for treating urinary tract, ear and sinus infections, echinacea may also help prevent and reduce health problems related to candida. Consuming two to four millileters of the echinacea plant may help prevent recurrences of vaginal yeast infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Echinacea is also available in extract, tablet, capsule, tincture and ointment forms and may be added to other dietary supplements geared toward improved immune system function.