Candida is a yeast-like fungus that occurs naturally in the body. While modest amounts are harmless, excessive growth can cause infection known as candidiasis, or yeast infection. While numerous diets claim to reduce candidiasis symptoms, such as creamy discharge in the vagina or mouth and skin rashes, it remains unclear whether the diets directly influence candida. Particular foods and dietary habits, however, may help prevent or reduce candida overgrowth.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide significant amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body protect itself from infections and disease. Women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup recommends that chronic yeast infection sufferers cut back on refined sugar and consume more natural, nutrient-rich foods, such as colorful produce. For improved symptoms, try replacing sugary sweets with naturally sweet produce, such as fresh or frozen berries or baked sweet potatoes. Water enhanced with a splash of pure fruit juice provides a nutritious alternative to soft drinks and fruit punch. Fruits and vegetables particularly high in protective nutrients include berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, cabbage and winter squash.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all the nutritious components of the grain. Because of this, they digest slower and have a lower glycemic index, or level of impact on your blood sugar, than high-glycemic foods such as enriched flour. According to research published in the "Journal of Infection" in 2004, lowering your glycemic load may help reduce candida overgrowth. In the study, candida prevalence in the mouths, vaginas and rectums of 251 pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes were examined. While no correlation was found between diabetes and candida, researchers did find a link between high blood sugar and candida prevalence. To reduce the glycemic impact of your diet, replace enriched breads, pasta and snack foods with whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, barley, quinoa, oats, bulgur and air-popped popcorn. If baker's yeast worsens your symptoms, avoid breads unless labeled yeast-free.
Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt and kefir are cultured dairy products that provide valuable amounts of protein, vitamin D, calcium and probiotics -- helpful bacteria that may improve digestive health and immune function. Many people with chronic candida problems consume too little calcium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and increasing your probiotic intake may help prevent candida overgrowth. For best potential results, consume yogurt and/or kefir that contain live active cultures, such as bifidobacterium or lactobacillus acidophilus, on a routine basis.
Garlic
Garlic has been used in the culinary and natural medicine worlds for centuries. In addition to providing antioxidant benefits and flavor to foods, garlic is considered fungicidal and may lower your risk for yeast infections. Enjoy garlic whole, minced, chopped or dried, either on its own or incorporated into other foods. Garlic "butter," prepared by baking whole garlic cloves until soft, provides a nutritious, antifungal alternative to butter and margarine. You may also create a garlic tincture, or tea, by soaking garlic in hot water.
References
- "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing"; Christiane Northrup; 2006
- "Journal of Infection"; Species Distribution and Influence of Glycemic Control on Fungal Infections in Pregnant Women with Diabetes; D Nowakowska et al.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis Facts and Treatment
