Effective candidiasis treatment involves administration of correct medication along with following a strict candida yeast infection diet. The article below contains some information regarding healthy food to eat and to avoid for candida yeast infection.
Candida yeast normally resides in the gut of more 80 percent people worldwide. In a healthy individual, the level of candida albicans fungus is kept under control by the body’s immune system and beneficial microorganisms (probiotics). Nevertheless, if any of these two factors are disturbed, it results in uncontrolled growth of the candida yeast, resulting in various infection symptoms. The infection is referred to as candidiasis, and can be manifested in the form of a skin rash, oral yeast infection (oral thrush), vaginal yeast infection, or diaper rash.
For example, prolonged administration of antibiotics kills healthy bacteria, which in turn triggers the multiplication of candida albicans and aids in the onset of candida infection. For treatment of this condition, the doctor may prescribe medication and draft a diet.
Candida Yeast Infection Symptoms
Candida yeast infection symptoms vary depending upon the body part that is getting affected. Some of the noticeable candida overgrowth symptoms include increased weakness, itching, burning sensation, redness, soreness, and unusual discharge (manifested in vaginal infection).
Usually, a candida yeast infection cure is achieved by healthy individuals. However, those people with a compromised immune system, such as patients suffering from AIDS, cancer or diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing systemic candidiasis, which is a chronic and life-threatening medical condition.
The candida yeast infection diet is mainly focused on starving the yeast to death. In simpler terms, the patient is restricted from consuming food items that trigger overgrowth of candida albicans.
Healthy Food to be Eaten
The candida diet food list encompasses food and drinks that aid in strengthening the immune system. Healthy food that should be incorporated in the diet plan of a candida yeast infection patient include:
Fluid Diet
Drink ample amounts of water and other liquids. This aids in keeping the body well hydrated and minimizing the complications of contracting skin problems. Since fruit juices are sources of natural sugars, consuming them is not advisable during the onset of a candida infection.
Fruits and Vegetables
Non-starchy, fresh fruits and vegetables are essential food items for candida yeast infection diet, especially for vegetarian people. They are not enriched with fiber, but also help in strengthening the immune system.
Fish
Fish, a good protein source should be included in the diet of a candida infected individual. Incorporate tuna, salmon, and seafood regularly in the main course of the meal for treatment of candida yeast infection.
Poultry and Meat
Poultry and meat contain high amounts of protein. In the body metabolic processes, proteins indirectly regulate the sugar level in the bloodstream, which in turn helps in retarding the growth of the candida yeast.
Live yogurt
Live yogurt, containing healthy probiotics (particularly bacteria) is effective for counteracting the unchecked growth of candida yeast. Thus, including yogurt in breakfast and snacks help in the quick recovery of the candidiasis patient.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea that contains antioxidants is effective in promoting the body’s natural defenses. You need to consume herbal tea without adding sugar during preparation. Nevertheless, make sure that the herbal tea is bought from a reliable source and contains no additives.
Food to be Avoided
As already mentioned, certain food products promote the growth of candida albicans. In order to treat yeast infection effectively, one should avoid the following food items and drinks.
Yeast-based Food
Food that contain yeast or are prepared by using yeast is strictly not recommended for patients suffering from candida yeast infection. Eating yeast containing products is like multiplying the amount of yeast growth in the body.
Sugar and Sugar-rich Food
Sugar, in any form, promotes growth of candida albicans. It acts as food for the yeast, hence promoting yeast growth and division. This is the reason as to why diabetics with an increased blood sugar level are more susceptible to candida infection.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate containing food products are believed to feed and promote the growth of candida yeast. Thus, food containing high amounts of carbohydrates such as rice, cereals, whole-grains, pastas, etc. are not recommended, until and unless the patients recovers completely from the yeast infection.
Caffeine and Chocolate
Candida diets also include restricting the consumption of decaffeinated drinks and chocolates. Even though there are few clinical trials that support the statement, it is advisable to avoid caffeine and chocolate as afar as possible.
Alcohol
An anti candida diet also includes alcoholic beverages, as they generally contain high amounts of sugar. Hence, if the patient indulges in alcohol intake during the outbreak of a yeast infection, it may lead to uncontrolled growth and severe complications. To avoid this, one should abstain from alcohol consumption.
Doctors are of the opinion that food allergies and/or food intolerance are triggers for overgrowth of candida yeast. Hence, while sticking to the candida ablicans diet, one should take a note of the types of food that cause allergies and refrain from them.
While preparing candida yeast diet recipes, care has to be taken that they do not contain yeast, sugar, high carbohydrates, caffeine, and chocolate. It is essential to make healthy lifestyle changes as per the physician’s advice. Only then, can an individual prevent recurrent outbreaks of candida yeast infection.
