Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that naturally lives in your body, one of many types of bacteria in your digestive system. Candida is a fast-growing type of bacteria, and an overgrowth is common. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point. Dietary changes, in addition to other treatments, can fight the Candida infection and prevent recurrences.
Candida Albicans
At any one time, millions of bacteria are living in your digestive system -- Candida is but one of many. Beneficial bacteria keep Candida in check, but if the balance of gut flora is upset, Candida can multiply out of control quickly, spreading from your digestive tract to other body systems. Typical signs of a Candida overgrowth include oral thrush, canker sores, conjunctivitis -- also known as pink eye, vaginitis, jock itch, diaper rash and athlete's foot. People with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop a Candida overgrowth.
Candida and Diet -- Step One
When Candida proliferate, they produce a toxic byproduct -- it's this byproduct that causes illness. You must first starve the Candida so they can't multiply, then repopulate your digestive system with the beneficial bacteria that keep the yeast in check. Candida thrive on sugar, even natural sugars. Eliminate as many simple carbohydrates as possible from your diet -- including fructose, the natural sugar found in fruit. Avoid added sugars -- including honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, organic cane juice and brown sugar. Refined wheat products, starchy vegetables and yeast should also be eliminated.
Candida and Diet -- Step Two
After you stop the Candida from multiplying, you need to replenish good gut flora to prevent future outbreaks. Look for food with "live and active" cultures, such as yogurt and fermented foods. Foods such as sauerkraut are often pasteurized, which kills beneficial bacteria. Read labels carefully and avoid pasteurized products. Other foods that have anti-fungal properties and should be added to your diet include ginger, onions, garlic, olive oil and pumpkin seeds. Lemon and lime juice can correct a pH imbalance and help kill Candida, while coconut oil has both lauric and caprylic acids that can prevent future Candida overgrowths.
Preventing Future Candida Problems
Taking antibiotics kills both bad and good bacteria and can allow Candida to quickly spread because it reproduces much faster than beneficial bacteria. Only use antibiotics when needed and take probiotic supplements during and after your course of antibiotics. Do not drink alcohol, which turns to sugar very quickly in your body and will feed the Candida. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that vitamins C, E and B-complex can help prevent future outbreaks by strengthening your immune system.
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