Candida albicans are quick-reproducing yeast-like bacteria that naturally occur in your digestive system, usually kept in check by beneficial bacteria. They can spread throughout your entire body if you have to take antibiotics, which kill both good and bad bacteria, or if your diet is too high in sugar. Candida thrive on sugar. Dietary changes can treat your Candida overgrowth and help prevent future outbreaks.
Symptoms
A Candida overgrowth can take many forms. You might have thrush -- a white film coating your tongue; canker sores; or painful cracking at the corners of your mouth. Vaginitis, jock itch and diaper rash are all signs of a Candida overgrowth, as are skin rashes in the folds of your skin, such as underneath your breasts, around your groin or between your fingers and toes. People with a compromised immune system -- especially children, the elderly or AIDS patients -- are especially prone to yeast infections.
Sugar
Candida feed on all types of sugar, and the most important dietary change you can make is the elimination of as much sugar -- including natural sugars -- from your diet as possible. Learn the many names for sugar, including syrups such as maple, cane, corn or brown rice syrup. Look for words that end in -ose, such as sucrose, fructose, lactose, dextrose or glucose, which are all different types of sugar. You need to limit natural as well as added sugars, including most fruits and dairy products, with the exception of dairy containing live cultures, such as yogurt or kefir.
What to Eat
The bulk of your food should be nonstarchy vegetables, lean protein and complex whole-grain carbohydrates. Foods with live and active cultures, such as fermented vegetables or yogurt, can help repopulate the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. Some foods have anti-fungal properties, including onions, garlic and olive oil. Coconut oil contains two powerful anti-fungals -- lauric acid and caprylic acid. Alkalizing foods, such as lemon juice, alkalize your body's pH level and can help kill Candida. Foods that help speed digestion, such as insoluble fiber, and certain herbs and spices, such as cayenne pepper and parsley, can help your body rid itself of excess yeast more quickly.
Other Tips
Only use antibiotics as a last resort because they kill both good and bad bacteria; candida flourishes more quickly than the bacteria that keep it in check and can quickly multiply without beneficial bacteria present. Foods that quickly turn to sugar in your body, such as alcohol, starchy vegetables and refined grains, should be avoided. Diabetics are prone to yeast infections because blood sugar can be difficult to control. Keeping glucose and insulin levels stable will help prevent Candida infections. Topical anti-fungal creams can be used to relieve itching while you make the necessary dietary changes to treat the problem long-term.
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