Foods To Avoid For A Yeast Infection

Foods to Avoid for a Yeast Infection

Oct 15, 2010 | By Owen Pearson

Yeast infection, known as candidiasis, iscommon among people in the Western world. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about three-fourths of women in the U.S. develop a yeast infection at some time during their lives. Yeast infections are also common among people who have HIV or AIDS--about 90 percent of these people develop yeast infections. Certain foods may increase the risk of the condition.

Nutrition should not replace traditional medicine for yeast infections. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet to address or avoid a yeast infection.

Pasta

Pasta is typically made from white wheat flour or seminola, according to the Disabled World website. These foods may promote the growth of yeast, and people with yeast infections should exclude them from their diet. Pastas include spaghetti, ramen noodles and Japanese noodles such as udon and soba.

Acidic Fruits

Acidic fruits may contribute to the growth of yeast in the body, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avoid citrus fruits such as grapefruits, oranges, limes and lemons. Also, exclude other acidic fruits, such as pineapples and tomatoes, from your diet to help control a yeast infection. Dried fruits, which are high in fructose, may also encourage the growth of yeast, according to the Disabled World website.

Sugary Snacks

According to the Balches, people with yeast infections should exclude sugary snacks. These include doughnuts, frosted cakes and cupcakes, pastries, candy bars and ice cream. Yeast may thrive in a high-sugar environment. Like pasta, these foods also often contain refined flours, which encourage yeast growth.

Soy Products

People with yeast infections should avoid soy products, according to the Disabled World website. These products include textured vegetable protein, tofu and soy milk. Soy products made from fermented soybeans, such as tempeh and miso, may be particularly deleteriousfor yeast infections.