The fungus known as candida albicans normally takes up residence in the mouth, stomach and vagina of healthy humans without causing any problems. When an overgrowth of this yeast-like fungus occurs, the result is an infection known as candidiasis. Candidiasis affects about 75 percent of women at some point during their lives. Candida infections are a reality for the vast majority of people with HIV/AIDS, 90 percent of whom will incur the infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Infants and the elderly are prone to oral infections of the fungus, known as oral thrush.
Unleavened Foods
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is unclear whether an anti-candida diet actually addresses the infection itself, or simply improves your overall health by forcing you to eat healthier food choices. Diets meant to address the symptoms of candidiasis typically call for the elimination of foods containing yeast. This means searching out yeast-free, or unleavened, breads such as matzo, roti or chapatti. Remember that beer and cheese are also yeasty foods, and you may wish to avoid them while trying to recover from candidiasis.
Probiotic Dairy Products
Probiotic foods contain friendly bacteria. Probiotics are micro-organisms that normally live in the human body, where they have beneficial effects on health. Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are two types of friendly bacteria commonly found in probiotic food products. Columbia University's Health Q&A Internet Service suggests adding fermented foods, including yogurt and kefir, to your diet in order to increase your probiotic consumption and help combat candida infections.
Kombucha and Krauts
Eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut or drinking kombucha tea may help repopulate the body with friendly bacteria and assist in recovery from candida infection, according to Columbia University. Kombucha is a fermented beverage derived from a culture of friendly bacteria and yeasts.
Chinese and Russians have been drinking kombucha tea for more than 5,000 years. Some proponents claim it supports the immune system, aids in digestion and helps with weight loss, though research has not yet been conducted to support these assertions. Kombucha contains substances that bind to toxins in the body and aid in their excretion. It also contains acetic acid, which is believed to kill unhealthy bacteria, and lactic acid, which may aid in repopulating the digestive system with probiotic organisms.
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