An anti-yeast diet, also called a candida diet, is used to reduce overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called candida, which occurs naturally in the body. While modest amounts are normal and harmless, excessive candida can cause infections in your stomach, mouth, vagina, skin or urinary tract. It remains unknown whether the diet eliminates candida or simply boosts nutritional wellness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Regardless, emphasizing certain foods and limiting others may reduce your symptoms.
Fatty Meats and Cheeses
Fatty meats, such as steak, bacon, sausage, dark-meat poultry and fried chicken, and cheeses, such as cheddar and Gouda, contain rich amounts of saturated fat. Consuming fewer animal-derived fats and more omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, may help reduce inflammation associated with candida infections, according to the UMMC. Avoid batter-fried meats and meats prepared in butter or high-fat, creamy sauces in particular, which contain multiple sources of saturated fat. Other particularly high-fat cheeses include Gruyere, marscapone, Roquefort and full-fat cream cheese.
Cow's Milk
In addition to cheese, candida diets typically prohibit other dairy products, including milk. According to a report published in the "Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health" in 2009, candida overgrowth and infections are one potential symptom of a cow's milk allergy in infants. Whole milk, two percent milk and full-fat ice cream also contain saturated fat. If dairy products seem to trigger or worsen your symptoms, opt instead for dairy-free sources of protein and calcium, such as fortified soy milk, tofu, almonds, halibut and canned salmon or tuna.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, maltose, dextrose and honey, add sweetness and texture, but few nutrients, to foods. Candida diets typically suggest avoiding all forms of added sugar. In addition to possibly improving candida-related symptoms, limiting added sugars may help prevent tooth decay, unwanted weight gain and poor overall nutrient intake, according to MayoClinic.com. Foods and beverages particularly rich in added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, frozen desserts, jellies, jams, pancake syrup and commercially-baked pastries, cookies, cakes and pies. Stevia, a natural herbal sweetener, provides an antioxidant-rich alternative to sugar in coffee and tea.
Baker's Yeast
Baker's yeast, which is used as a rising agent in most breads, is not the same substance as candida, which is commonly called "yeast." Candida diets, however, suggest avoiding baker's yeast, which is prevalent in sandwich breads, dinner rolls, bagels, pizza crust, pastries and various snack foods, such as crackers and pretzels. Nutritious alternatives to baker's yeast products include 100 percent whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, barley and popcorn, which are valuable sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
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