Candida overgrowth is a health condition that can present as a variety of symptoms. Treatment for candida often includes dietary and lifestyle changes, although opinions about the best way to treat candida with diet vary. Consult a medical professional if you are concerned about yeast overgrowth or are considering making major changes to your diet.
About Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus, commonly referred to as simply candida. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, candida normally exists in the body, but an overgrowth of the fungus can cause adverse health effects, including but not limited to vaginal yeast infections. The website Dear Pharmacist reports that candida overgrowth can be related to anemia, acne, headache, memory loss, heartburn, allergies, asthma, depression, food allergies and chronic fatigue.
Foods to Avoid
According to UMMC, medical practitioners who advocate eating a "candida diet" recommend limiting your consumption of alcohol, yeast, sugar or processed foods. The website WholeApproach advises completely eliminating certain foods from your diet, including most sweeteners, fruit juices, soda, alcohol, coffee, milk, ice cream, cheese, dried fruit, bananas, peanuts, ham, sausage and hot dogs.
Foods to Eat
According to WholeApproach, most vegetables are permissible on a candida diet, including asparagus, broccoli, cucumber, kale, spinach, carrots and zucchini. Only a limited number of fruits are allowed, such as avocado, lemons, limes and cranberries. The WholeApproach method allows beef, chicken, eggs, organically farmed fish, some nuts and legumes such as black beans, chickpeas, green beans, snow peas and brown lentils.
Other Treatment Options
Treatment for candida may also include antifungal herbs or medications, or other supplements such as probiotics. Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, may help restore the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, reports UMMC. Antifungal medications for vaginal yeast infections are available over the counter. Herbs and supplements with antifungal properties, such as pau d'arco, garlic and tea tree oil, may also be helpful. Because herbs can cause side effects or reduce the effectiveness of other medications, talk to your doctor before attempting an herbal treatment plan.
Expert Insight
Frederic Patenaude, author of "The Raw Secrets," offers a different take on the anti-candida diet. Patenaude claims that high fat intake causes sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream, which feeds the candida yeast. To control blood sugar levels and cut off the candida's food source, Patenaude recommends several weeks of a low-fat diet that eliminates even healthy monounsaturated fats such as avocado, nuts and olive oil.
