Yeast infections, typically caused by the fungus Candida albicans, generally affect infants and people with depressed immune systems. Women often develop vaginal yeast infections, with around 75 percent of them experiencing at least one in their lifetime, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Yeast normally inhabits the mouth, stomach and vagina, but shouldn't usually multiply out of control. Some, but not all, alternative practitioners feel that artificial sugars and additives like those found in diet soda can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Risks
Yeast is a normal microorganism found in your body. Other bacteria usually keep yeast proliferation under control. If you take antibiotics, which reduce the numbers of normal bacteria, yeast can multiply. If you have an immune disorder, your immune system may not control yeast proliferation well. Around 90 percent of people with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, develop yeast infections, the UMMC states. No clinical studies have found a connection between yeast infections and diet soda, however.
Candida Diets and Sugar
Most alternative or holistic practitioners who deal with yeast infections espouse cutting all refined sugar from the diet, because yeast feeds on sugar, naturopathic doctor Wendy Hodsdon explains on The Diet Channel. Some feel that artificial sugars found in diet soda, along with the artificial color and flavoring, may also trigger or worsen yeast infections. According to the University of New Mexico Cooperative Extension, though, artificial sugars do not feed yeast the way natural sugars do.
Treatment
If you develop a yeast infection, you may need an antifungal medication to rid yourself of the yeast -- in addition to making dietary changes. Taking probiotics, so-called "good" bacteria, such as acidophilus, in food or supplements helps keep your intestinal flora in balance, which helps control yeast proliferation.
Considerations
If you suffer from recurrent yeast infections or from a systemic yeast infection, you may try anything to get rid of yeast. Following a candida diet by cutting out refined sugars, wheat products, alcohol, fermented foods and highly processed foods may help in some cases. It's not clear whether dietary changes make you feel better simply because they comprise a healthier diet overall or if they actually help decrease yeast, the UMMC states.
