If you frequently suffer from oral thrush, vaginitis, athlete's foot, jock itch, conjunctivitis or bladder infections, you may have an overgrowth of the microorganism Candida albicans in your body, according to EveryDiet.org. Eating certain foods and eliminating others from your diet may help eliminate the yeast in your body. Consult a doctor before changing your diet plan.
Significance
There are several versions of the Candida Diet, but all of the variations involve eliminating specific foods that may cause yeast overgrowth in the body while incorporating other foods, like yogurt and other dairy products that contain acidophilus and other active cultures. By cutting down on the yeast that grows and multiplies in the body, you may notice a decrease in symptoms associated with diseases like athlete's foot and vaginitis.
Considerations
Candida may be caused by a weak immune system, a poor diet or bacteria in the intestines that is unbalanced or overusing antibotics, according to EveryDiet.org. AIDS patients, diabetics, babies and cancer patients are particularly at risk for developing an overgrowth of Candida. Using oral contraceptives and corticosteroids may also interrupt the bacterial balance in the body, which may cause Candida.
Foods to Eat
Eating dairy products that contain probiotics, also known as active cultures, may help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria, like Candida, in the body, notes EveryDiet.org. Additionally, eat plenty of vegetables, including broccoli, avocado, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, collard greens, celery, eggplant, kale, raw garlic, cucumber, onions, peppers, leeks and okra, according to TheCandidaDiet.com.
Foods to Avoid
Eliminating foods that purportedly cause Candida growth in the body, such as fermented and processed foods, may help eliminate your symptoms. While following the Candida diet, completely eliminate alcohol, aged cheese, fresh fruits, mushrooms, vinegar, rye, barley, wheat, oats, sugar, syrups, honey, foods that contain mold, foods that contain yeast, melon, peanuts and dried fruits, according to EveryDiet.org.
Expert Insight
According to Mayo Clinic internist Brent A. Bauer, M.D. in the article "Candida Cleanse: Does it Treat Candidiasis?" eliminating foods such as white flour and sugar probably do not eliminate the growth of yeast in the body. They may, however, improve your overall health, which is why some individuals report feeling better while following the Candida Diet, notes Dr. Bauer. There are no clinical studies that prove the Candida Diet is effective in reducing Candida growth in the body. On the other hand, the Mayo Clinic does recommend using dairy products that contain active cultures, like yogurt, to restore bacterial balance in the body, which may help reduce the amount of Candida bacteria in the body.
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