Candida is a yeast-like fungus found in the mouth, stomach and vagina. Normal amounts of candida in these areas do not cause harm. However, when overgrowth or infection occurs---a condition known as a yeast infection---negative symptoms such as rash; mouth sores; blisters around the toes, breasts or groin; or vaginal discharge may occur. Treatment for candida problems may include medications, nutritional supplements and/or lifestyle changes.
Types
Treatment options for candida infections include medications, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), common medications prescribed for candida include antifungal medications in the form of oral rinses or tablets, vaginal tablets or suppositories, or creams. Over-the-counter medications to treat vaginal yeast infections are sold at most pharmacies as well.
Nutrition supplements such as probiotics (healthy bacteria), essential fatty acids, calcium and vitamins C and B-complex may help prevent or reduce candida infection. Dietary changes, such as incorporating garlic (an antifungal herb), walnuts or flaxseeds (for fatty acids) and other pure, natural foods while excluding items thought to promote yeast infections, such as alcohol, added sugars and dairy products, may also prevent or help treat candida-related symptoms. The effectiveness of an anti-candida diet lacks scientific evidence. However, numerous natural health care practitioners and patients deem such diets beneficial.
Function
Anti-candida diets and other candida treatments aim to reduce yeast overgrowth and help prevent, manage or alleviate symptoms caused by the condition. Certain creams and medications work to reduce specific symptoms of candida, such as itchiness or inflammation. People prone to yeast infections often opt for an anti-candida diet in hopes of preventing future flare-ups and as a means of supporting overall wellness.
Time Frame
The time required for candida treatment to be effective varies between individuals. If your symptoms are severe, management of your symptoms may take days, weeks or even longer. According to UMMC, most medical treatments for candida last from two to three days or up to two weeks. The effectiveness of an anti-candida diet varies and depends greatly on a person's dietary habits beforehand. If your diet is primarily healthy and low in sugars and artificial foods, you may not reap dramatic results immediately. If the use of antibiotics triggers your candida symptoms, those symptoms may go away once you've stopped taking the medication.
Benefits
Most anti-candida diets promote intake of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. According to natural health expert, Andrew Weil, M.D., probiotics, which are found in yogurt, kefir and nutritional supplements, help restore the body's balance of natural gut flora (microorganisms that support health). Garlic provides antioxidant-like, disease-fighting properties and may promote heart health and blood circulation. By replacing foods high in added sugars and refined flour with whole grains, fruits and other natural foods, you may benefit from added nutrients and dietary fiber and enhanced blood sugar balance. When dietary or other treatments for candida are effective, you can enjoy the benefit of living symptom free.
Considerations
For best results, consider your treatment options for candida overgrowth as well as your goals of such treatment. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor prior to making dietary changes or taking supplements or medications, particularly if you take other medications, as even natural remedies such as herbs as well as over-the-counter medications can cause interactions with other medications. To prevent further candida flare-ups, consider a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fats, refined sugar and any foods that trigger symptoms for you personally, as symptoms and causes for candida overgrowth vary.
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