Yeast in your body is not the same yeast used to make bread. In fact, it isn't yeast at all. Yeast infections occur when a yeast-like fungus called candida grows excessively in your mouth, vagina, stomach, skin or urinary tract. Most women and people with HIV/AIDS will develop a candida infection at some point, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, though it can affect anyone. In addition to medical treatments, certain foods might help minimize your symptoms.
Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt and kefir, a fermented milk drink, are prime sources of probiotics -- a beneficial, or "friendly," form of bacteria. In a study published in the "Journal of Dental Research" in Feb. 2007, 276 elderly adults consumed cheese containing either 50 grams of probiotics, or no probiotics, daily for 16 weeks. By the study's end, researchers found a 32 percent reduction in salivary yeast content in participants who consumed probiotics and a significant increase in participants who consumed the placebo. For potentially similar benefits, consume yogurt and/or kefir that list "live, active cultures," such as Lactobacillus, on a routine basis.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables supply rich amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body fend off and recover from infections and diseases. The antioxidant vitamin C might help reduce inflammation associated with candida overgrowth and infections. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in vitamin C include red bell peppers, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach, kale, mustard greens, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and winter squash. Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks regularly for the broadest antioxidant benefits.
Garlic
Garlic has been used as a cooking ingredient, spice and herbal remedy for centuries and might provide anti-fungal benefits. Many candida sufferers say they feel better when they incorporate garlic into dishes, according to Pat Connolly, author of "The Candida Albicans Yeast-Free Cookbook." Enjoy garlic fresh, raw, minced, chopped or dried, or prepare "garlic butter" by baking whole cloves until they soften. Spread soft garlic on whole grain bread, potatoes and other foods in place of butter and margarine for added heart-healthy benefits.
Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as oats, barley, bulgur, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and popcorn, provide valuable amounts of fiber and nutrients, including B-vitamins, which are useful nutritional aids for candida conditions, says UMMC. To boost your B-vitamin intake, choose whole grain foods over enriched breads, pasta and snack foods. Try starting your day with fortified whole grain cereal or steel-cut oatmeal and ask for whole wheat bread in place of white bread when purchasing sandwiches. Check ingredient lists on prepared foods to ensure that whole grains are listed as main ingredients.
Member Comments