Candida is a yeast overgrowth condition that takes on various different forms and can affect several different areas of the body. A candida infection can affect your intestines, skin, mouth and vagina, and even get into your blood. Symptoms of candida can include food allergy, bloating, cramping, fatigue, depression, hives, sweating, vaginal or oral yeast infections and impotence, according to Nature's Intentions Naturopathic Clinic. Modifying your diet can help lessen candida symptoms and return your system back to balance. Consult your physician before attempting to treat your candida with diet.
Eliminate Risks
A large part of any candida diet is to eliminate foods and other substances that may promote yeast or fungus in the body, especially at the beginning when you are trying to restore balance. The Candida Diet website claims that the use of antibiotics is a primary cause of candida, and they should only be taken if absolutely necessary. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar in all forms at the beginning, including fruits, fruit juices, chocolate, baked goods, soda and candy. Beer, bread products and citric acid are all derived from yeast, and should be avoided. Other foods to get out of your diet include aged cheeses, gluten, peanuts, condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise and relish, and all vinegars except organic apple cider vinegar. Once symptoms die down and you feel better, you can re-introduce the taboo foods in small amounts.
Include Vegetables
As with many diets, vegetables are a staple of a candida diet. Vegetable consumption will starve the candida infection, so include as many as you like, except for starchy vegetables such as potatoes, yams and carrots. Try to eat your vegetables raw, steamed or grilled whenever possible to maintain as much of the food value as possible.
Add Beneficial Bacteria
Just as antibiotics remove some of the friendly bacteria from your intestines, probiotics will help replace it. Eating live yogurt cultures will repopulate the good bacteria and restore balance, according to the Candida Diet site. Choose yogurt that is labeled as "live" with no added sugar.
Protein
Eating protein will help take a bite out of a candida infection. When possible, choose organically grown meats that will not have had any exposure to antibiotics. Include beef, chicken, fish and eggs. Avoid any cured lunch meats, bacon and hot dogs.
Extras
Some extras you are permitted to eat on a candida diet include non-glutenous grains such as millet, buckwheat and quinoa. You can also include fresh and dried herbs for added flavor and their antioxidant content. Oils such as cold pressed virgin coconut, olive, sesame and almond oils are allowed, as are herbal teas for their anti-fungal properties.
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