Diet For Yeast: Candida Albicans

In healthy adults, a variety of microorganisms lives in the intestines. Some of these microorganisms are beneficial bacteria that promote good health, while others can cause illness. Candida albicans, a type of yeast, normally exists in the gut without causing problems. When circumstances cause the candida yeast population to rise, however, these microorganisms can cause a variety of medical problems that holistic medicine professionals call candida syndrome. Talk to your physician before attempting to cure candida syndrome with dietary changes.

Diet Rationale

Under normal circumstances, candida yeast coexists with other microorganisms in your gut. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the presence of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium, may prevent an overgrowth of candida yeast. Taking antibiotic medications, sulfa drugs, steroid hormones or immunosuppressant medications may kill these beneficial bacteria and cause candida populations to rise. Candida syndrome is characterized by weight gain, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, mood swings, irritability, chronic fatigue and bloating.

The purpose of the candida diet is to kill excess candida yeast and restore beneficial bacteria to the gut. Because candida yeast feeds on sugars in the intestines, the candida diet severely restricts intake of dietary sugar. Candida diet practitioners also eat probiotic foods that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. People follow an anti-candida diet for weeks or even years to prevent recurrence of candida syndrome.

Foods to Avoid

People with candida syndrome should avoid any foods that may cause a spike in their blood sugar levels and provide nutrients to candida yeast. Dieters avoid eating desserts, candy, soda, juices, fruits, processed foods with chemical additives or preservatives, artificial flavorings, alcohol, aged cheese, wheat, rye, barley and condiments. Starchy vegetables, such as yams, potatoes, onions, carrots, corn and squash, promote candida yeast growth and should be eliminated from the diet.

Foods to Eat

The majority of candida diet meals should consist of non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado or peppers. Eat these vegetables fresh, steamed or sauteéd. Dieters make large vegetable salads, using fresh lemon juice or olive oil for dressing rather than commercially available condiments. To add protein to your diet, choose lean protein such as skinless chicken breasts, lean beef, soy products or almonds. Because non-organic foods may contain antibiotics that could worsen candida syndrome, choose organic meats and vegetables. Restrict your intake of grains to small portions of whole-grain products such as quinoa, buckwheat or amaranth. To repopulate your gut with beneficial bacteria, eat 1 cup of plain yogurt with live, active cultures each day.

Expert Insight

Many conventional medicine professionals do not accept candida syndrome as a legitimate medical diagnosis. Physician Stephen Barrett, author of "Consumer Health: A Guide to Intelligent Decisions," says that the claims of candida diet proponents are not supported by scientific research. Before beginning a new diet to treat candida syndrome, talk to your doctor. Your symptoms may be caused by a serious medical problem.