Foods To Avoid With Systemic Yeast Infections

Candidiasis, commonly referred to as a yeast infection, is not confined to the vaginal or oral region. This condition is caused by an imbalance of the fungus Candida albicans in the intestinal tract. Although the infection may first appear in the vagina or mouth, it can quickly become systemic, which is quite dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Avoiding certain foods can help prevent systemic infections and enhance medications that treat the infection as well.

Refined Sugar

The most important factor in preventing a systemic yeast infection is ensuring a bacterial and fungal equilibrium in the intestinal tract, which requires an optimally functioning immune system. Generally, Candida albicans is kept in check by the presence of good bacteria -- often lactobacilli and bifidobacterium. Refined sugar can easily lower your immunity, Refined white sugar is the leading dietary cause of infection as it interferes with vitamin C metabolism that can lead to colds, flu, pneumonia and systemic yeast infections if a regular yeast infection is left untreated, according to Lorna Vanderhaeghe and Patrick Bouic in the book "The Immune System Cure."

Low Fiber Foods

Low fiber foods generally include processed foods and refined carbohydrates. In "Fiber Menace," Konstantin Monastyrsky says that candidiasis is the result of vitamin B12, folate, zinc and selenium deficiency and is furthered by an elevated blood sugar level. Unlike high fiber foods like complex carbohydrates, which are abundant in vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, low fiber foods lack essential nutrients and quickly metabolize, causing a blood sugar spike. This exacerbates a systemic yeast infection and contributes to additional health problems, such as diabetes.

Trans Fat

Trans fat is a manufactured fat produced by a process called hydrogenation. The detrimental factor of trans fat is that the body cannot metabolize it, although it helps to sustain the shelf life of foods. Commercially baked goods, cakes, French fries, donuts, margarine and other processed foods containing trans fat should be avoided during a yeast infection. Trans fat may also lower your immunity and disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract, which can cause vaginitis and oral thrush to quickly advance to a systemic infection.