Candida Diet Guidelines

When it comes to dealing with the symptoms of chronic candida infections, diet remains the only means through which individuals can expect to achieve relief. So says Leon Chaitow M.D., a naturopathic practitioner and the author of "Candida Albicans," who notes how the use of a specific diet can help starve the problematic yeast and restore a healthy bacterial balance. Symptoms of a candida infection can include itching, headaches and tiredness; it is normally diagnosed on the basis of case history rather than specific tests. Speak to your doctor before changing your diet.

Sugar

The elimination of sugar stands out as the most important aspect of any diet designed to counter candida. Jonny Bowden, a board-certified nutritionist and the author of several nutrition books, notes how yeast organisms derive their nourishment from these sugars that most individuals continually load into their bodies. He suggests removing all sweet foods and desserts, including fruit, during the die-off phase.

Carbohydrate Intake

Although the yeast feed off sugar, restricting the overall level of carbohydrates remains important. Keep foods like bread, rice and pasta at low levels, because digestive enzymes convert them into sugar in the intestines. Many individuals will experience carbohydrate cravings when they attempt to remove or reduce carbohydrate-rich foods.

Fermented Foods

Some doctors, like Dr. William Crook, suggest that you cut out all fermented foods such as bread, vinegar, mushrooms, cheese and alcohol. The family doctor, who wrote the "Yeast Connection," preferred to eliminate these foods for the short-term to avoid reactions. However, it appears that these reactions only occur as cross-reactions by antibodies in individuals who have become sensitive to the candida yeast and often do not occur. As a result, some people may eat these foods without problems.

Probiotics

Probiotics, a special product of fermentation, can play a positive role in eliminating candida. Probiotics, found in the form of live yogurts or capsules, provide large amounts of beneficial bacteria. These microbes can colonize the walls of the intestines, as well as other key surfaces of the body, crowding out troublesome yeast such as candida.

Anti-Fungal

The use of anti-fungal compounds enhances the fight against candida. Dr. Rodger Murphree, a U.S. physician who has dealt with candida infection in many of his patients, believes that sufferers should make use of coconut oil and garlic in their diets, as well as adding pau d'arco tea and grapefruit seed extracts.