Oral thrush is the result of a yeast overgrowth -- specifically Candida albicans, a bacteria that normally lives harmlessly in your digestive tract. If your immune system is compromised, if you take antibiotics or if you have a poor diet that is high in simple sugars, it can allow Candida to repopulate too quickly, causing some sort of yeast infection. Dietary changes, especially avoiding sugar, can help control the yeast population in your body.
Understanding Candida
Candida is a yeast-like microbe, one of a thousand different types of microorganisms living in and on your body. In small amounts, Candida is perfectly harmless. Normally kept in check by beneficial bacteria, if Candida is allowed to flourish you may experience thrush, skin rash, jock itch, a vaginal yeast infection or athlete's foot. Candida thrive on sugar; dietary changes that help starve their population will treat your thrush and help prevent future yeast infections.
About Sugar
Not just refined white sugar, but all natural forms of sugar, including honey and maple syrup, feed Candida. Natural fructose in fruits and lactose in milk also feed the yeast. Foods that your body can quickly convert into glucose -- simple carbs such as the refined flours found in bread, pasta and cereal, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn and beets -- will also feed Candida and encourage those microbes to reproduce. Avoid as much natural and added sugars as possible, and limit refined grains. Alcoholic beverages quickly turn to glucose and should be avoided.
Yeast, Mold and Fungi
Avoid foods that contain yeast or other types of fungus, such as mushrooms, and mold. Do not keep leftovers, and eliminate foods prone to mold, such as peanuts and dried fruits. Baked goods, vinegar and aged hard cheeses often contain yeast. Fungus, mold and yeast all feed Candida and will prolong your thrush. Many condiments, including mustard, ketchup, relish and soy sauce, contain yeasts. Citric acid, often used as a preservative, is made from yeast. Read ingredient labels carefully.
What to Eat
Although many foods are eliminated during a Candida cleanse, this limited diet only lasts until all your symptoms of thrush are gone. During this period you may eat all nonstarchy vegetables, animal proteins, legumes, nonglutinous whole grains and fermented foods that contain probiotics -- friendly bacteria that help keep Candida in check. Although most dairy should be avoided because of the natural sugars, unsweetened yogurt is the exception; it contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a strain of beneficial bacteria very useful in fighting yeast infections.
