Candida is a yeast-like fungus that normally lives in the digestive tract and other parts of the body without incident. Healthy bacteria keep candida in check but sometimes it grows out of control and results in problems like vaginal yeast infections and thrush. Some alternative practitioners believe systemic candida growth---growth throughout the whole body---is the cause of a wide variety of health problems ranging from depression to weight gain. This idea remains unproven however. Whether you suffer from frequent yeast infections or believe that candida might serve as the cause of your various maladies, making certain dietary changes might keep growth in check.
Connection between Diet and Candida
The idea that diet can influence candida stems from the idea that carbohydrates, particularly sugar, appear to fuel its growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, explains that some studies have shown a connection between sugar consumption and incidences of yeast infections. A "candida diet" would call for the reduction of these types of foods, as well as other dietary changes.
Reducing Sugar Intake
Author and health counselor Cynthia Perkins, M. Ed, writing for her website No-Hype Holistic Health Solutions, explains that reducing sugar intake is the most important dietary change to make in regards to reducing candida growth. Not only does candida feed on sugar, sugary-rich foods contribute to inflammation that weakens your immune system's ability to fight off candida and other harmful organisms. Besides cutting out the obvious, like sugary sodas, cakes, cookies and ice cream, you must also watch other sources of sugar. Read food labels carefully. Other sources of sugar include lactose, dextrose, maltose, corn syrup, cane juice and syrup, honey and molasses.
Fruits also contain a type of sugar; since fruit offers many health benefits, you do not want to cut them out completely. Instead, aim for fruits lower in sugar. Particularly sugar-rich fruits include oranges, bananas, dates and raisins. Berries of all kinds contain low amounts of sugar.
Choosing Good Carbohydrates
All carbohydrates eventually break down into sugar, so a candida diet calls for consuming foods that have lower amounts of carbohydrates. Starchy foods like potatoes, yams, beans and corn have lots of carbohydrates. Good choices include low-carbohydrate vegetables like leafy greens, cabbage, avocado, spinach, peppers, onions and garlic.
Focusing on Healthy Proteins
If you follow a diet that calls for a reduction of carbohydrates, you run the risk of consuming excess fat and cholesterol in the form of protein. If you increase your protein intake, choose good kinds. This includes poultry without the skin, lean cuts of beef such as sirloin, tenderloin, round and chuck, fish, nuts and egg whites. Perkins recommends staying away from processed meats. Choose low-fat or no-fat dairy over full-fat.
Yogurt contains probiotics, the beneficial bacterial that fights off yeast, though the UMMC notes that studies looking at daily yogurt consumption to prevent yeast infections have produced mixed results.
Other Dietary Considerations
Practitioners who advocate candida diets also recommend staying away from alcohol, processed foods and foods high in yeast like certain types of bread products, cheese, beer and any food that has MSG. Include more antifungal spices in your cooking like garlic, cinnamon, oregano and cloves. The UMMC explains that certain nutritional supplements might counteract candida growth as well. A probiotic supplement can replenish your supply of intestinal flora. Supplementing with calcium might also help; research indicates people with recurring yeast infections often have low levels of calcium.
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