Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a normally harmless bacteria, Candida albicans. Candida thrive on sugar, so a diet high in added sugars will feed the yeast-like bacteria and allow these microbes to flourish. A candida overgrowth can cause a vaginal yeast infection, but can also lead to jock itch, oral thrush, canker sores and athlete's foot. Dietary changes can help treat a yeast infection and prevent future outbreaks. If you have chronic yeast infections, see your doctor. You may need an anti-fungal medication or it could be a sign of an underlying illness.
Your body contains more than a trillion living microorganisms. Some of them are friendly bacteria that aid in digestion, boost your immune system or help you absorb nutrients and produce vitamins. Others are less friendly and can cause illness if allowed to reproduce too quickly. Candida normally live in your mouth and digestive tract and are stopped from reproducing too fast by other bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt. But if something upsets the balance of bacteria in your body, such as taking antibiotics, illness, diabetes or a diet high in sugar, Candida can thrive.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a type of probiotic -- the beneficial bacteria that usually keep candida from repopulating too quickly. Fermented dairy foods such as yogurt and kefir are good sources of acidophilus. MayoClinic.com suggests eating 8 ounces of unsweetened yogurt daily to treat the symptoms of a candida overgrowth. Yogurt can also be applied topically -- inserted directly into the vagina to help treat a yeast infection. Do not use yogurt with added sugars -- the yeast feed on sugar. Maintain the natural balance of probiotic bacteria in your body by continuing to eat acidophilus or tale supplements even after the symptoms of your yeast infection disappear.
Sugar
Because candida feed on sugar, removing both natural and added sugars will help starve the yeast and treat your symptoms. Natural sugars such as fructose, found in fruits, and lactose, found in milk, feed candida as much as added sugars found in processed foods. Not only should sugars be limited as much as possible, but foods that quickly become sugar, such as starchy vegetables, alcoholic beverages and refined grains should also be avoided. Chronic yeast infections are often a sign of undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes because candida thrive if you have high blood sugar levels.
Anti-Fungals
Candida is actually a fungus so adding anti-fungal foods to your diet will help destroy the microbes. Coconut oil contains lauric and caprylic acids, two potent anti-fungals. Garlic, onions, olive oil and certain spices including oregano, cinnamon, sage, ginger and cloves may help prevent yeast infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to adding anti-fungals to your diet, it's important to stop eating fungus foods. Mushrooms, vinegars, dried fruits and peanuts should be avoided. You may also want to limit foods that contain yeast, such as baked goods.
