TheCandidadiet emphasizes a reduced intake of sugar and carbohydratesfoods that are believed to “feed” an acuteCandidainfection.
Alternative medicine practitioners often claim this special diet can treat or preventCandidayeast infections.
Candida albicansis the fungus most commonly responsible for vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.
Lauren Burke / Digital Vision / Getty Images
This concept makes sense, given how yeast is used in baking or beer manufacturing.
Sugar “feeds” yeast cells, allowing them to multiply much faster.
Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that the same principles can be applied in medicine.
That is, consuming excess sugar fostersCandidagrowth, and restricting sugar suppresses it.
Advocates of theCandidadiet claim that it takes around a month to notice any changes, if not longer.
Some people may experience no changes at all.
Since the diet is very low in carbohydrates, it can cause adverse health issues.
Remember that nutrition is individualized, and what works for one person may not give you the same benefits.
Some studies examine the role of diet on gut flora, includingCandida.
Sugar
The most widely discussed aspect of theCandidadiet is the strict avoidance of sugar.
It is important to remember that the body requires sugar and carbohydrates for overall functioning.
Diabetes is a disease characterized by an abnormal increase in blood sugar (glucose).
This includes insufficient insulin production and/orresistance to insulin’s effects.
There is little evidence that reducing sugar intake will prevent or relieveCandidainfections in people without diabetes.
Gluten
SomeCandidadiet plans suggest that you limit your intake of wheat.
To some, this recommendation suggests that a gluten-free diet may help prevent yeast infections.
Unless you haveceliac disease, a gluten-free diet is not necessary.
With that said, there is some weak evidence thatCandida albicanscan trigger celiac disease symptoms.
Yeast
People often wonder if they must avoid yeast-containing food to prevent yeast infections.
The simple truth is that the microorganisms used in food are not the same as those that cause candidiasis.
Yeast-containing foods like bread and beer are typically made withSaccharomyces cerevisiae, an entirely different form of yeast.
With few exceptions, it is extremely rare forS.
cerevisiaeto cause yeast infections.In fact, the opposite may be true.
S. cerevisiaehas demonstrated probiotic properties in clinical studies and is a recommended probiotic for preventing and treating antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Researchers also believe that aS.
cerevisiae-based approach may be a promising tool for the prevention and treatment of vaginal yeast infections.
However, much more research is needed to understand its impact fully.
Foods to Avoid on the Candida Diet
There are many foods restricted on theCandidadiet.
Sugary, starchy, and rich foods are all prohibited on theCandidadiet.
Carbohydrates, most dairy, fruits, and non-lean meats are also foods to avoid.
Sugar-Sweetened Foods
Food sweetened with sugar in any of its forms is not advised on theCandidadiet.
Some sources recommend that you avoid produce that may be exposed to mold, such as mushrooms.
Starchy vegetables include:
Carbohydrates
Proponents of theCandidadiet sometimes suggest thatcarbohydratescontribute as much to candidiasis as sugar.
This is based on the popular (and oversimplified) belief that “carbs are converted into sugar.”
Moreover, the sugar molecules don’t simply migrate to the mouth or vagina the more you eat.
Still, those who follow theCandidadiet avoid carbohydrates.
Juices made from these fruits, or those that are sweetened, should also be avoided.
This includes:
Non-Lean Meat
TheCandidadiet excludes red, organ, and processed meats.
Recurrent candidiasis can never be considered “normal” under any circumstance.
Some nuts and seeds are also approved.
Low-sugar fruits like limes and lemons are OK, as are small portions of berries.
These include:
Probiotics
The use ofprobioticsin treating yeast infections is controversial.
Your body will benefit from creating meals around lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
Reducing your sugar intake is also likely to benefit your body.
Adding probiotics to your diet can also yield benefits.
Research has suggested that consuming probiotics might help to lower total and LDL cholesterol.
Restrictive dieting can result in psychological distress which can lead to binge-eating episodes, purging and other eating disorders.
Working with a nutritionist will be your best bet if you choose to try theCandidadiet.
A registered dietitian (R.N.)
or registered diet nutritionist (R.D.N.)
can evaluate your current diet along with your medical history and provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
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