Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus, which also causes vaginal yeast infections. This fungus naturally lives in your mouth and throat, and is typically harmless; however, when your immune system becomes compromised, it can multiply and cause infection. Oral thrush is characterized by open sores on your mouth and tongue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although diet cannot cure oral thrush, it may help control and reverse the growth of the Candida albicans fungus.
Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt contains live cultures that may help control the Candida albicans fungus, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This may help bring this fungus into normal ranges, and may reduce the occurrence of mouth sores associated with oral thrush. Avoid flavored yogurt, which typically contains added sugars that may encourage candida growth.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for proper immune system function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This vitamin may encourage the production of white blood cells that help destroy the Candida albicans fungus. It may also stimulate the production of interferon, a naturally-occurring anti-fungal substance in your body. Vitamin C may also reduce tissue inflammation that commonly accompanies thrush. Boost your vitamin C intake by consuming blueberries, pomegranates, broccoli, spinach, sweet bell peppers, oranges, papayas and grapefruit.
Refined Sugars
Refined sugars, which are made by extracting sucrose from raw sugar cane and filtering this substance through charred animal bones, may worsen oral thrush. These sugars provide fuel for the Candida albicans fungus, and may promote rapid fungal growth, according to Balch. This may result in an increase in the frequency and severity of oral thrush outbreaks. Avoid soft drinks, candies, pastries, packaged snacks and fast foods containing refined sugars.
Garlic
Although garlic is primarily known as a pungent spice used to flavor Italian, Asian and Indian dishes, it may also offer medicinal benefits. Garlic possesses anti-fungal properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The anti-fungal benefits of garlic come from allicin, a chemical compound produced when you chop, dice or crush fresh garlic cloves. Allicin may help destroy Candida albicans, controlling oral thrush outbreaks.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Thrush
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
