The fungus Candida albicans is responsible for human yeast infections, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Although you normally have low levels of yeast, a yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of this fungus. You are more likely to get a yeast infection if you are overweight, pregnant, have diabetes or have a weakened immune system. Taking medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids or birth control pills may also make you more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. Natural health practitioners believe dietary changes may prevent yeast infections. In general, these recommended dietary changes promote a healthy diet, according to MayoClinic.com. Consult with your doctor if you suspect a yeast infection, and discuss with him any proposed changes to your diet.
Step 1
Eat more recipes containing spices that have antifungal properties, such as garlic, oregano, sage, cinnamon and cloves.
Step 2
Reduce your consumption of glucose and other simple sugars by checking the amount of sugar on the nutrition facts label on all processed foods. Researchers from St. Jude Children's Hospital studied the effect of carbohydrate supplementation on the growth of intestinal yeast in mice. The results published in 1993 in the journal "Infection and Immunity" showed evidence that glucose intake was key to yeast overgrowth.
Step 3
Increase your consumption of natural probiotic foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir. These foods increase the helpful microorganisms in your body that help to keep yeast growth in check, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Limit foods that naturally contain yeast. This includes leavened breads, bagels, dinner rolls and pretzels. The food spreads Marmite, Promite and Vegemite also contain brewer's yeast.
Step 5
Avoid alcoholic drinks, as they use yeast for fermentation. This includes beer, sake, liquors and wine. Distilled alcohols such as vodka and gin, contain yeast, but in lower amounts.
Step 6
Choose whole grains over white processed grains. White grains contain more simple sugars than whole-grains, potentially feeding the growth of yeast.
Step 7
Take a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium. These probiotics help to restore normal microorganism balance in the digestive system, according to UMMC.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Candida Cleanse--What Does it Treat?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis
- Go Ask Alice: A Fungus Among Us--Candida (Yeast)
- "Infection and Immunity"; "Modulating Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate Supplementation on Candida Albicans Colonization and Invasion in a Neutropenic Mouse Model"; S L Vargas; 1993
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