Candida is a yeast-like fungus that can grow excessively and cause bothersome infections. Candidiasis, the medical term for candida or "yeast" infections, is common, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, affecting most women and people with HIV/AIDS at some point. Though the effectiveness of candida-specific diets remains unknown from a scientific standpoint, proponents of the diets believe that eating primarily natural foods and omitting foods believed to trigger candida production, can improve your symptoms and overall health.
Vegetables
Candida diets emphasize nutritious vegetables, which promote a strong-functioning immune system. Author of "Nature's Own Candida Cure: Powerful Remedies to Combat Yeast-Related Health Disorders" William G. Crook states that the sweetness of fruit may stimulate candida production and encourages people prone to candidiasis to consume plentiful amounts of vegetables instead. Particularly nutritious vegetables include dark leafy greens, bell peppers, winter squash, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and garlic, which may provide "anti-fungal" benefits.
Yogurt and Kefir
While many candida diets prohibit dairy products, some allow or encourage cultured dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir. Probiotics, the beneficial, or "friendly," bacteria in yogurt and kefir may help restore intestinal balance and improve immune system function. Probiotics may also help prevent candida overgrowth associated with antibiotic medications, according to the UMMC. For best potential results, consume yogurt and kefir that list "live active cultures," such as lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium, as ingredients.
Yeast-Free Grains
Candida diets typically restrict baker's yeast, which is used as a rising agent in bread, and refined grains, such as white flour. A diet low in added sugars and refined flour and rich in whole foods can help reduce vaginal candida infections significantly, according women's health expert and coauthor of the "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" Dr. Christiane Northrup. Nutritious, yeast-free grain options include long-grain brown rice, wild rice, steel-cut oats, pearled barley, yeast-free whole grain breads and air-popped popcorn.
Healthy Fats
Fats promote nutrient absorption and brain function and provide energy for low to moderate intensity activity. Saturated fat sources, such as red meat, butter, margarine and fried foods, may increase inflammation and are typically limited by candida diets. Essential fatty acids, prevalent in salmon, tuna, walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil, may reduce inflammation associated with candidiasis, according to the UMMC. Nuts and seeds provide nutritious alternatives to processed snack foods, such as potato chips and pretzels, which candida diets discourage.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis
- "Nature's Own Candida Cure: Powerful Remedies to Combat Yeast-Related Health Disorders"; William G. Cook; 2002
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Dr. Christiane Northrup; 1999
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