Thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. When this fungus becomes established in the vagina, it produces a yeast infection. If it gets established in the mouth, it is called thrush. As of 2011, there are no evidence-based, peer-reviewed studies that show any relationship between eating cheese and thrush. Thrush is usually described as looking like cottage cheese curds. This characterization may have caused some to believe that it is caused by cheese.
Causes
Spores of the Candida albicans fungus can appear almost anywhere. Healthy immune systems actively prevent them from getting a hold in your mouth, vagina or other part of your body. Thrush is more of a problem if you take drugs that suppress your immune system or if you have other diseases, such as AIDS or cancer, which compromise your immune system. Oral thrush may occur in newborns if their mothers had yeast infections during delivery.
Candida Albicans Diet
A connection between cheese and thrush can be found in treatments advocated by some alternative practitioners, who recommend that people with thrush avoid cheese, carbohydrates, sugar and alcohol. These practitioners do not suggest that cheese causes thrush. The Mayo Clinic and PubMed Health do not mention making such dietary changes. Given that thrush is often found in people with diseases that cause muscle wasting, these recommendations may be counter-productive. Such patients need as many calories as possible and a highly restrictive diet could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new diet, especially if you have other medical issues.
Prevention
Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent thrush, especially if you take prednisone or other corticosteroids. Brushing your teeth, washing your dentures and using mouthwash prevent the fungus from getting established. Eating yogurt with live cultures helps keep a normal balance of bacteria in your body. Diabetics should be diligent in controlling their blood sugar because the fungus thrives on excess sugar.
Treatment
Minor cases of thrush often resolve by themselves. PubMed Health recommends eating yogurt, brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and rinsing your mouth with a diluted 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide solution. More severe cases may required antifungal mouthwashes or lozenges. If you have AIDS and are seriously immunosuppressed, thrush can become systemic and affect the entire body. In such cases, anti-fungal drugs might be used.
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