Candida is a group of yeast-like microorganisms that live in the body and on the skin. Overgrowth of candida can cause vaginal infections, and less commonly, oral infections called thrush. Some holistic medical practitioners believe that an overabundance of candida in the body is responsible for many ailments, and that a diet that decreases candida may prevent or treat yeast infections and other health conditions.
Effects
Candida does not produce harmful effects when it stays in balance with other microorganisms in the body, such as so-called friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. When the natural flora cannot control candida, excess growth of yeast cells occurs. This can cause yeast infections and other health problems, explains the Every Diet website. The condition is commonly called candidiasis, and it can result from a poor diet, weakened immunity, or an imbalance of intestinal bacteria, such as that caused by overuse of antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Related Disorders
Some of the more obvious examples of health problems that could be related to fungal yeast overgrowth include vaginitis, nail infections, athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch, as noted by Every Diet. Many other health problems may respond to a diet that reduces candida, according to physician Richard Podell, medical director of the New Jersey Fibromyalgia Clinic. These include fibromyalgia-type muscle pain, joint pain and arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, immune system dysfunction, migraine headaches, digestive disorders, diabetes, irritable bladder syndrome, thyroid disorders, sleep problems and depression.
Foods to Avoid
A moderate decrease in carbohydrate intake is the best treatment for candida, advises Podell. A candida yeast infection diet restricts sugar, honey, molasses, syrup and so-called empty-calorie sugar items, because sugar promotes yeast growth. The diet also restricts gluten-containing grains such as wheat and barley, along with any baked goods containing yeast. Other restricted foods include mushrooms, olives, pickles, aged and odorous cheese, vinegar, soy sauce and alcoholic beverages.
Foods to Include
For a healthy intestinal environment, focus on eating vegetables, green algae, eggs and grains that do not contain gluten, which include millet, oat bran and rice. Beef, chicken and fish also are acceptable. Podell notes that an extremely strict diet is usually not necessary, and he allows a moderate intake of fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes, non-sweetened yogurt, cottage cheese and non-aged cheese. Podell's version of the candida diet usually allows a small number of gluten products, such as two slices of bread or one serving of pasta per day.
Time Frame
If you eat a proper diet for at least three months, your candida symptoms should resolve, as noted by Every Diet. Depending on the severity of your problem, you may be able to begin gradually expanding your diet choices at that point. Don't simply return to your previous eating habits, such as consuming too many sugary and refined foods, as yeast thrives on these substances. If you do develop candida symptoms again, return to the more restricted diet for as long as necessary.
