Candida is a yeast-like fungus that develops in your body. If candida grows excessively, it can cause a yeast infection known as candidiasis. Though the "candida diet," which eliminates yeast, sugar, dairy products and many fruits, remains controversial, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a healthy diet, limited in certain foods, may help reduce candida overgrowth and infections. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Added Sugars
Added sugars sweeten foods, increase calories, and offer little in the way of nutrition. Cutting back on added sugars may reduce yeast infection symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For best results, limit or avoid foods that contain a form of added sugar, such as corn syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, dextrose, fructose or granulated sugar, within the top-listed ingredients on the nutrition label. Common sources of added sugars include regular soft drinks, hard candy, chocolate bars, frozen desserts, jams, jellies, pancake syrups and commercially-prepared cookies, cakes, pastries, pies and muffins. Replacing these sweet foods with nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit or whole grain baked goods sweetened with applesauce or stevia---a natural, non-caloric sweetener---may provide additional benefits.
Enriched Flour
Enriched flour is created through a process in which whole grains are stripped of nutritious portions of the original plant and ground into a fine powder. The result is a longer-lasting food that can have have detrimental effects on your blood sugar levels, appetite and energy levels. A study published in "Endocrine Practice" in March 2009 showed a strong correlation between hospital stays, poor blood sugar control and candida infections. In the study, the blood glucose levels of 192 hospital patients were measured at the beginning and end of a 7-day period. By the week's end, the patients with poor blood sugar balance showed the most candida growth.
To prevent similar problems, replace high-glycemic foods, or foods that have a substantial impact on your blood sugar, such as enriched flour, with low-glycemic foods, such as whole grains, most often. Other common sources of enriched flour include enriched cereals, pasta, bagels, English muffins, pizza crust, crackers, baked goods and flour tortillas. Foods that list enriched white or wheat flour as a main ingredient are generally high-glycemic. These foods also generally contain a high concentration of baker's yeast, which may contribute to candida infections.
Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is derived primarily from animal sources, such as meat and dairy products. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat increases your risk for developing high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Saturated fats may also contribute to inflammation linked with yeast infections. Replacing saturated fat sources with essential fat sources, such as fatty fish, flaxseed and walnuts, may improve candida-related health problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Common sources of saturated fat include organ meats, such as kidneys and liver; processed meats, such as bacon; pastrami and sausage; poultry fat; butter; egg yolks; and whole milk and whole milk products, such as high-fat cheeses and ice cream. Avoid deep-fried foods and foods and foods prepared in high-fat creamy sauces for additional benefits.
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