Yeast infections happen when candida, a yeast-like fungus that occurs naturally in the body, grows excessively. Yeast infections in your mouth, medically termed oral thrush, are most common among infants, older adults and people with a weakened immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to anti-fungal medications and oral rinses, dietary changes may help minimize your symptoms. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Guidelines
Although a diet specific to oral yeast infections does not exist, emphasizing particular foods and limiting others can help strengthen your body's ability to resist and heal from infection. Other foods and nutrients can help manage yeast infection symptoms, such as inflammation, or improve bacterial balance in your body, leading to a lowered risk for flareups. Dr. Marcelle Pick, an obstetrician, gynecologist and co-founder of the Women's Health Clinic in Yarmouth, Maine, recommends that people prone to yeast infections consume a colorful, fiber-rich diet that is based on whole foods and limited in artificial, yeast and sugar-rich foods.
Optimum Foods
Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, support your body's healing capabilities. Top sources of antioxidants include berries, citrus fruits, carrots, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, bell peppers, nuts and seeds. Although research is ongoing, according to the National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, beneficial bacteria called probiotics are believed to restore bacterial balance in your body and help treat yeast-related conditions. Yogurt with "live, active cultures," and kefir contain probiotics. Yeast-free whole grain foods, which provide more antioxidants and fiber than refined grains, include brown rice, wild rice, barley, oatmeal and popcorn. Foods containing anti-inflammatory fats include cold-water fish, such as mackerel, halibut and mackerel, walnuts and ground flaxseeds. For heightened benefits, prepare dishes with anti-fungal spices, such as garlic, cinnamon, oregano, cloves and sage.
Foods to Avoid
No foods are known to trigger or worsen oral thrush. Diets rich in sugar, however, have been linked with an increased occurrence of yeast infection , according to the UMMC. Particularly sugar-rich foods include candy, frozen desserts, pancake syrup, sweetened cereals, regular soft drinks and commercially-baked cookies, cakes and pies. If baker's yeast, which differs from yeast in your body, worsens your symptoms, avoid common sources, such as sandwich bread, bagels, pizza crust and dinner rolls.
Supplements
Dietary supplements provide useful options if you have difficulty meeting your nutrient needs through food alone. Supplements that can benefit yeast infection sufferers, according to the UMMC, include probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin B-complex and fish oil, which provides inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids. Because supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications, seek guidance from your doctor before use.
