A candida diet aims to reduce overgrowth of candida -- a yeast-like fungus that can become infected. The diet restricts foods believed to trigger candida growth and encourage a variety of whole, natural foods. Though it remains unknown whether the diets alleviate candida problems or simply promote your overall health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you may find the dietary changes helpful. For best results, seek specified guidance from a qualified health care professional.
Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetables play a significant role in a candida diet. Helen Gustafson and Maureen O'Shea, authors of "The Candida Directory: The Comprehensive Guidebook to Yeast-Free Living," suggest organic vegetables most often, since they contain fewer toxins in the form of pesticides or preservatives. Fruits are allowed by some variations of candida diets and not by others. If you do consume fruit, Gustafson and O'Shea recommend fresh, seasonal, organic varieties. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables enhance your immune system and may help your body defend itself from candida infections and other illnesses. Varieties particularly rich in antioxidants include cherries, berries, citrus fruits, apples, red plums, kiwi, tomatoes, kale, spinach, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, squash and sweet potatoes.
Meat, Poultry, Fish and Eggs
Meat, poultry, fish and eggs are emphasized by candida diets as valuable sources of protein and nutrients, such as iron, zinc and B-vitamins. Gustafson and O'Shea recommend hormone-free, organic meats, poultry and eggs most often, and selecting leanest cuts of meat and poultry. If you have high cholesterol, you may also benefit from omitting the egg yolks, which are dense in dietary cholesterol. Lean and fatty fish provide healthy protein alternatives to red meat, which often contains saturated fat. Fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, halibut, flounder and lake trout provide omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that may help reduce inflammation associated with candida infections. Incorporate meat, poultry fish and eggs into nutritious meals regularly for optimum benefits.
Yeast-Free Whole Grains
Whole grains provide rich amounts of nutrients, fiber and glucose -- your body's primary energy source. Since proponents of candida diets believe that yeast triggers candida overgrowth, the diets generally restrict yeast-containing foods. Examples of yeast-free, nutritious grains include long-grain brown rice, basmati rice and wild rice, pearled barley, quinoa, yeast-free breads and tortillas, air-popped popcorn and steel-cut or old fashioned oatmeal.
Yogurt
Though candida diets often restrict dairy products, yogurt is often an exception. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, probiotics, the healthy bacteria found in yogurt, may help reduce candida overgrowth and infections. Probiotics also enhance digestive health and help protect your body from infections caused by harmful bacteria. Incorporate yogurt with live active cultures into your diet regularly for optimum probiotic benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis Facts and Treatment
- "The Candida Directory: The Comprehensive Guidebook to Yeast-Free Living"; Helen Gustafson, Maureen O'Shea; 1994
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