Candida albicans, or candida, forms a yeast-like fungus in the body. Although normal amounts are harmless, candida overgrowth leads to infections known as candidiasis in the vagina, mouth, stomach, skin or urinary tract. Nearly 75 percent of women experience vaginal yeast infections at some point, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnancy, illnesses that compromise your immune system and antibiotic use increase your risk. Although candida-specific diets have not been proven effective in eliminating candidiasis, certain foods may help reduce your symptoms.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains rich amounts of calcium --- a nutrient many people with recurrent yeast infections lack --- and helpful bacteria known as probiotics. Although research is ongoing, probiotics may help reduce the effects of harmful bacteria, according to the National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, including fungal infections in the vagina and skin. Probiotics may also help prevent bacterial imbalances associated with antibiotics, leading to reduced risk for resultant infections. For best results, routinely consume yogurt with live, active cultures, such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support your body's ability to protect itself from infections and disease. Increasing your vitamin C intake is important for immune function and reduced inflammation linked with candida infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in vitamin C include cherries, berries, kiwi, tomatoes, bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprout and winter squash. Incorporating garlic into your meals may help reduce fungus.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide glucose, or your body's main dietary source of energy, and valuable amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Some proponents of candida diets believe that consuming foods dense in baker's yeast can trigger or worsen candidiasis, according to the UMMC. If you are concerned about yeast-rich foods, choose yeast-free grains instead, such as brown rice, wild rice, pearled barley, quinoa and popcorn. Otherwise, 100 percent whole grain breads and cereals are valuable sources of fiber and nutrients, including the antioxidant vitamin E.
Cold-Water Fish
Cold-water fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, albacore tuna, halibut, trout and sardines are prime sources of omega-3 fatty acids --- essential fats that promote positive heart health and brain function. If you are prone to yeast infections, cutting back on fatty meats and eating healthy fat sources such as cold water fish more often may help reduce candidiasis symptoms, according to UMMC. For heightened benefits, prepare fish using garlic and heart-healthy cooking methods such as baking, broiling and poaching.
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