Candida albicans is a form of fungus that naturally occurs in the mouths, stomachs and vaginas of human beings. Normally, this organism causes no health problems, but when it grows out of control, it can trigger a yeast infection called candidiasis. Eating certain foods may increase your risks for Candida overgrowth. However, various health practitioners disagree on the importance of nutrition in Candida-related conditions.
Established Risk Factors
There are a total of roughly 150 species of Candida. However, the "Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports, roughly 70 to 80 percent of all candidiasis cases involve the species C. albicans. Candida outbreaks typically begin when heat, dampness and breakdowns in your local and body-wide immune defenses allow the fungus to grow beyond its normal limits. The "Merck Manual" lists risk factors for overgrowth that include use of antibiotics, poor hygiene, the presence of psoriasis or other inflammatory skin diseases, wearing restrictive clothing, exposure to hot weather and the presence of any condition or use of any medication that suppresses your immune system.
Nutritional Factors
According to St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, a diet high in simple sugars --- such as those commonly found in processed foods --- can also increase your risks for developing candidiasis. Other foods and beverages that some health professionals believe can trigger candidiasis outbreaks when consumed in large amounts include alcohol, peanuts and milk and other dairy products. While alcohol, processed foods and sugar can be linked to poor nutrition when they form a major portion of your diet, peanuts, milk and dairy products such as cheese are nutrient-rich foods that form part of a healthy diet for most people.
Medical Factors
Some doctors doubt the link between candidiasis and diet, the University of Maryland Medical Center and Mayo Clinic note. Since the foods associated with Candida overgrowth have relatively low nutritional value, removing them from your diet may simply have you replace them with more healthy, nutrient-rich foods in your diet, including whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. In turn, the inclusion of these foods may improve your health and make you feel better regardless of the levels of Candida in your system.
Considerations
In addition to classic candidiasis symptoms such as rashes, itching and vaginal discharge, some practitioners point to Candida overgrowth in your intestines as an underlying cause for health problems such as poor memory, fatigue and headaches, Mayo Clinic reports. This specific form of overgrowth is sometimes referred to as yeast syndrome. However, many doctors doubt the existence of yeast syndrome, and there is little scientific evidence to support any link between your Candida levels and the presence of any of these conditions. Ask your doctor for more information on nutrition and the causes of candidiasis.
