Candida albicans is a fungus found in the mouth, digestive tract, urinary tract, vagina and skin. It's the most common cause of a vaginal yeast infection, which can affect up to 75 percent of women at some point, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Antifungal medications and dietary changes can help get your candida population under control and prevent future outbreaks. Limiting foods that feed candida -- especially sugar -- will treat your current outbreak.
Candida Diet -- Overview
You have more than 1,000 different types of bacteria in your body, which tries maintain a careful balance of microflora. If something upsets this balance, candida can flourish. A weakened immune system, undiagnosed diabetes, illness, infection, antibiotics and certain medications -- including some types of birth control pills -- can all upset the balance of helpful and harmful bacteria in your body. The purpose of a candida diet is twofold: starve the yeast by removing their food source and eat foods that contain beneficial bacteria that will fight candida. Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in cultured dairy products, is especially useful.
Breakfast
Avoid breakfast cereals made from refined grains that have added sugars. Choose whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal or puffed rice instead -- but again, no added sugars. Although most dairy products are limited, yogurt is the exception to this rule because it contains the probiotic L. acidophilus. Eggs are a good breakfast choice, as are omelets with a variety of fresh vegetables. Breakfast meats may be eaten if they do not contain sugar; avoid honey-cured bacon or ham steaks that have been "sugar-cured." Even natural sugars must be limited; if you eat fruit at breakfast, choose low-sugar berries and avoid high-sugar tropical fruits. Do not drink fruit juice or add sweeteners to your coffee or tea.
Lunch and Dinner
All meals should contain a combination of lean protein, nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. A large mixed green salad with poached fish, steamed shrimp, grilled chicken breast or sliced turkey is easy to find at many restaurants. Skip the dressing, or use a touch of olive oil; most commercial salad dressings contain added sugars or vinegar, which is also discouraged on a candida diet. Almost all animal proteins are allowed on a candida diet, but watch out for processed meats such as cold cuts, sausages and hot dogs, which often have fillers that contain sugar. Condiments and sauces should not be used; most contain either sugar or vinegar. Only raw apple cider vinegar is allowed -- because it is cultured and contains probiotics.
Snacks
Most processed snack foods are not allowed on a candida diet. Seeds and fresh nuts are allowed, with the exception of peanuts, which can have mold. Beans are allowed, hummus, black bean dip and other bean-based spreads can be used with vegetables or a whole-grain, yeast-free bread. Snack on a small baked potato with salsa and avocado slices or a cup of homemade soup. Don't limit yourself to "snack foods." Small portions of leftover meals can be easy and healthy choices.
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