Thrush is a type of yeast infection -- an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a microorganism that normally lives in your digestive system. When candida is allowed to flourish, an overpopulation of bacteria can cause oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, jock itch or athlete's foot. Although you need an anti-fungal medication to treat your thrush, dietary changes -- including following a yeast-free diet -- can help to prevent future outbreaks.
Candida and Thrush
Candida is a bacteria that normally lives throughout your digestive system -- including your mouth. When your immune system is compromised, when you take antibiotics or if you have diabetes or chronic high blood sugar, you may be at risk for a Candida overgrowth that can cause oral thrush. Symptoms of thrush include a white coating in your mouth and tongue and lesions in your mouth that may be prone to bleeding. Treatment for thrush involves curing the current overgrowth by rinsing your mouth several times a day with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide; stronger antifungal medications may be prescribed by your doctor if you need them.
Candida and Diet
Candida feeds on sugar, so one of the dietary changes needed to prevent future Candida proliferations and restore balance to your gut flora is to eliminate as much simple sugar from your diet as possible. You may also need to eliminate yeast from your diet because your body can't distinguish Candida from dietary yeast; your immune system will react to the yeast in food the same as it does to Candida -- provoking an inflammatory response. Fortunately, you may not have to eliminate sugars and yeast forever -- just until your body's good "probiotic" bacteria are replenished and able to keep Candida in check.
Foods
To eliminate yeast from your diet, you must avoid all types pf alcohol, vinegars, ginger ale, root beer, brewer's yeast, bakery products, malted foods, olives, pickles, sauerkraut, relish, salad dressings, soy sauce and dried fruits. Be careful of condiments that contain vinegar, such as ketchup and mustard, and foods that contain soy sauce. Read the ingredient labels on all processed foods. In addition to yeast, you may need to avoid mold and fungi -- foods such as hard cheeses, mushrooms and truffles.
What to Eat
The majority of your foods should be whole foods -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins -- rather than processed or packaged foods. The fewer the ingredients, the better your chances are that it doesn't contain a hidden additive that could feed the Candida. Dr. Marcelle Pick, of Women to Women, recommends avoiding all artificial sweeteners, coloring, flavoring or fillers. Taking a probiotic will help to replenish the beneficial bacteria that fight Candida and restore the balance of your intestinal flora.
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