Yeast infections form when candida, a yeast-like fungus, grows excessively in your mouth, vagina or digestive tract. Infections in and surrounding your stomach can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment typically involves anti-fungal medication use for up to two weeks. Although the effectiveness of the standard "candida diet" remains unknown, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a nutritious diet, limited in certain foods, may help minimize your symptoms.
Added Sugars
Added sugars contribute sweetness and calories, but few nutrients, to foods. Sugar enables candida to grow, according to Christine Gerbstadt, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. In an interview with "Natural Health" magazine published in 2011, Gerbstadt suggested avoiding concentrated sugar sources, like candy, jam, soft drinks and pancake syrup, and eating more fiber and nutrient-rich foods, like whole grains, brown rice and beans for a lowered risk for future infections.
Some Fruits and Juices
Fruit juices contain rich amounts of natural sugars, which may also stimulate candida growth. Apple and pear juices can make diarrhea worse. Gerbstadt recommends limiting your fruit intake to two servings per day when you are prone to yeast infection symptoms to keep your overall sugar intake to a minimum. High-fiber foods can also worsen diarrhea, so limit fiber-rich fruits, such as raspberries, pears and apples, while symptoms are present.
Processed Snack Foods
Many processed snack foods, such as corn chips, french fries and pastries, are low in nutrients and high in fat and calories. Dr. Richard Podell, a holistic physician in Summit, New Jersey, recommends avoiding all "empty-calorie junk foods" for reduced yeast infection symptoms. During bouts of diarrhea, low-fiber starches, such as white rice or soda crackers, can help manage your symptoms. Otherwise, natural foods, such as whole grains and fresh vegetables, provide valuable alternatives.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods, such as high-fat meats and dairy products, can worsen diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. Reducing animal fats in your diet and consuming more nuts and fish helps to reduce inflammation associated with candida infections. Particularly fatty foods include red and processed meats, dark-meat and skin-on chicken, fried foods, whole milk, high-fat cheese and ice cream.
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