Foods To Avoid For Intestinal Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are episodic and usually caused by a yeast-like fungus called candida. While a modest amount of candida in certain areas is normal and rarely causes problems, an overgrowth leads to infection. Yeast infections may affect the vagina, mouth or digestive tract and are common among women and people with compromised immune systems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of intestinal yeast infections, such as bloating, abdominal cramps, mood swings and fatigue, may be minimized through medical treatments and a healthy diet.

Added Sugars

Added sugars are ingredients that add sweetness and calories, yet few dietary benefits, to foods. Cutting back on added sugars may help prevent or reduce the severity of yeast infection symptoms, according to registered nurse and coauthor of "Family Practice Guidelines" Cheryl A. Glass. Foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, milk chocolate, jelly, jam, pancake syrup, frosting and commercially-prepared cakes, cookies, pies, muffins and pastries.

Enriched Flour

Enriched flour is produced through a process in which nutritious parts of a whole grain, such as whole wheat, are removed. What remains is then ground into a fine powder that has a long shelf life and adds bulk and calories to a wide variety of breads, cereals and snack foods. Since enriched flour products contain little fiber, protein or nutrients compared to whole grains, they may disrupt your blood sugar and energy levels, worsen fatigue and trigger food cravings and increased appetite. Replacing enriched flour with healthier foods may help you manage your weight -- an important means of preventing or eliminating yeast infections, according to Glass. For best results, check ingredient lists on packaged foods and avoid those that list enriched flour as a main ingredient.

Milk and Cheese

Though milk and cheese are valuable sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein, they may contribute to yeast infections in some people. Unlike yogurt, which contains helpful bacteria that may reduce your symptoms, high-fat milk and cheese contain high concentration of saturated fat, which may contribute to unhealthy weight gain and obesity. Though additional research is needed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some practitioners believe that eliminating dairy products from your diet can resolve candida health problems. If you have a milk sensitivity or allergy, your risk for developing intestinal yeast infections may be heightened. If you suspect that milk and cheese trigger or worsen your symptoms, try replacing them with soy-based or other non-dairy equivalents or other calcium-rich foods, such as almonds, salmon and tuna.

Fatty Meats

Like high-fat dairy products, fatty meats, such as high-fat red meat, organ meats and processed meats, contribute rich amounts of saturated fat to your diet. Consuming nutrients that reduce inflammation, such as vitamin C, is important for managing candida-related infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Saturated fats may have the opposite effect and exacerbate digestive pain, gas and bloating. For best results, replace steak, ribs, bacon, sausage, cheeseburgers and other high-fat meats with fish or plant-based alternatives, such as legumes. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to no more than 7 percent of your diet for optimum health.