Yeast infections, commonly caused by Candida albicans overgrowth, can range from mild to serious and they are a source of chronic health stress in susceptible people. Conventional anti-fungal medications may cause unwanted side effects or result in relapse or repeat infections unless underlying causes are addressed. Dietary changes can often help curb yeast overgrowth. Consult your doctor before making and diet or lifestyle changes.
Sugar Elimination
Your diet is a powerful tool in your fight against yeast infections. Major changes in your eating habits may be required. However, with some patience and persistence, you will likely experience considerable improvements in your immune system, energy levels, frequency of yeast outbreaks and other associated symptoms. An important first step is to eliminate all forms of sugar, white flour and bakery products, and sweetened beverages and fruit juices. These highly processed carbohydrate foods feed the yeast and do little to nourish your body, says William G. Crook, author of the book "Nature's Own Candida Cure: Powerful Remedies to Combat Yeast-Related Health Disorders." Similarly, eliminate hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats and all food additives and preservatives. These are chemicals that stress your body's immune and detoxification systems and are undesirable at a time when you are working diligently to support your immune system so that it can better support you.
Probiotics
Rebuild your immune system by supplying it with plenty of healthy bacteria, which are known as probiotics. A thriving community of beneficial bugs produces hydrogen peroxide and natural antibiotics to crowd out pathogens such as yeast. Probiotic bacteria also help digest food, easing the burden of digestion, and help resolve digestive disorders. In addition to eating yogurt that contains active bacterial cultures, take acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria in their more potent supplement form while you are rebuilding your digestive and immune systems to overcome a yeast infection, advises Gail Burton, author of the book "Candida: the Silent Epidemic."
Fat
A low-fat diet may help control yeast overgrowth, according to a study published in the September 2010 issue of the journal "PLoS One." High-fat diets promote obesity, inflammation and type 2 diabetes, which promote the growth of yeast. In the study on laboratory animals, researchers demonstrated that insulin resistance led to increased susceptibility to candida infection. By contrast, candida was inhibited and infections cleared up when blood sugar levels were maintained within healthy limits.
Estrogen
A low estrogen diet may be helpful for some women with yeast infections, according to John Lee, M.D., author of the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause." Too much estrogen may promote yeast overgrowth by increasing the amount of glucose in vaginal mucous. To follow a low-estrogen diet, avoid foods with chemical preservatives and pesticides, many of which mimic the effects of estrogen on the body. Instead, eat organic foods as much as possible.
References
- "Nature's Own Candida Cure: Powerful Remedies to Combat Yeast-related Health ... "; William G. Crook; 2002
- "Candida: The Silent Epidemic : Vital Information to Detect, Combat, and ..."; Gail Burton; 2003
- "PLoS One"; Pparγ Ligands Switched High Fat Diet-induced Macrophage M2b Polarization Toward M2a Thereby Improving Intestinal Candida Elimination; L. Lefèvre, et al.; September 2010
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause: Balance Your Hormones ... "; John R. Lee; 1999
- "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet: How Estrogenic Foods and Chemicals Are Making You ..."; Ori Hofmekler; 2007
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