What Foods Are Allowed On A Strict Candida Diet?

Candida is a yeast-like fungus that occurs naturally in your body. When candida grows excessively, it can cause infections known as candidiasis. These infections, often called yeast infections or simply candida, are often treated through anti-fungal creams and medications. Though candida diets remain controversial, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some health practitioners believe that a natural, whole foods diet, restricted in foods believed to promote candida overgrowth, can alleviate candida symptoms.

Vegetables

Candida diets emphasize a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables and pure vegetable juices. Vegetables provide a broad assortment of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect your body from infections and disease. Since vegetables can be enjoyed relatively easily, they provide a valuable alternative to processed snack foods, fruits and other foods restricted from candida diets. For maximum benefits, consume a variety of vegetables regularly. Those particularly rich in nutrients include leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, string beans, artichokes, avocado, bell peppers, carrots and sweet potatoes. Starchy vegetables, such as squash, potatoes and pumpkin, provide a valuable complex carbohydrate alternative to breads, which are restricted from strict candida diets. Incorporating garlic into your meals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, may provide anti-fungal effects.

Meat, Poultry, Fish and Eggs

Meat, poultry, fish and eggs provide valuable amounts of protein and nutrients, such as B-vitamins, iron and zinc. Candida diets allow these protein-rich foods, since they are not believed to trigger or exacerbate candida overgrowth. Pat Connolly, author of "The Candida Albicans Yeast-Free Cookbook," recommends free-range, organic meat, poultry and eggs, since nonorganic varieties may contain hormones and preservatives. Fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel and lake trout, provide omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation associated with candida infections. Since high-fat meats and poultry are rich in saturated fat, select lean varieties most often and use low-fat cooking methods, such as grilling, steaming, broiling or baking.

Nuts, Oils and Seeds

Nuts, oils and seeds are incorporated into candida diets as healthy fat sources. According to Connolly, some strict candida diets discourage nuts, oils and seeds during your first two to three weeks, since they do not prohibit yeast growth. Fats are important for overall wellness, however, so Connelly recommends sprinkling salads, vegetables and protein-rich foods with nuts or seeds and preparing your dishes with light amounts of plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, safflower or sunflower oil.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of valuable nutrients or fiber during food processing. While strict candida diets prohibit yeast-containing foods and, in some cases, wheat, yeast-free unprocessed grains are acceptable. For best results, incorporate whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, air-popped popcorn, barley and oats into your diet regularly.