Candida albicans is a type of yeast that commonly lives in the body. Candidiasis is an infection caused by an overgrowth of this yeast. Symptoms of a yeast infection may include thick, white patches in the mouth or a cottage cheese-type discharge. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly and infants commonly develop candidiasis in the mouth, also called thrush. Up to 75 percent of women will develop at least one vaginal yeast infection during their lifetimes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Treatment for yeast infections includes antifungal medications, but diet can play an important role in treating the condition.
Food to Eat to Treat the Infection
Eating unsweetened yogurt with live cultures, called Lactobacillus acidophilus, may help balance the amount of good and bad bacteria in the body. Additional foods that may help treat or prevent yeast infections include spices such as cinnamon, garlic and oregano. Eating yogurt while taking antibiotics may help prevent a yeast infection.
Food to Avoid
When suffering from a yeast infection, it is important to avoid sugary foods. The sugar in the food acts as food for the fungal infection. Foods high in sugar that a person with a Candida infection should avoid include candies, pastries and sweetened beverages. Some foods increase the risk of developing a yeast infection and may aggravate an existing infection. These foods include high yeast products, such as alcohol, cheese and peanuts, as well as dairy products, such as milk, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Spicy, hot, spicy foods and citrus fruits may irritate the mouth when you have a yeast infection.
Food to Help with Pain
With an oral thrush infection, some foods may help soothe mouth pain. Eating cool or cold foods, such as gelatin and ice pops, may provide pain relief. Soft foods that are easy to swallow may be best for some people with an oral yeast infection because of possible scraping and damage to the tender mouth. Foods that require chewing may increase the pain associated with oral thrush for individuals wearing dentures.
Considerations
Some women may use food items vaginally to treat a yeast infection. Wrapping garlic in gauze or inserting yogurt suppositories may help remedy an infection or help provide relief from the symptoms. Breastfeeding women may need treatment if her infant has an oral thrush infection. The fungus may pass back and forth between the mother and child. Using vinegar and water solution in equal parts on bottle nipples, pacifiers and breast pumps may help treat the remaining fungus.
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