Candidiasis Diet

Candidiasis is a yeast infection caused by the Candida species. Candidiasis can occur as oral thrush, skin infections or vaginal yeast infections in women. People who have an extremely weak immune system such as those suffering from AIDS or cancer are more prone to developing serious Candida infections. Some of the factors which contribute to candidiasis include smoking, oral contraceptives, antacids, steroids, and medications for ulcers, diets which are high in sugar, pregnancy, diabetes, food allergies and other intolerances. People who have a candidiasis overgrowth are therefore recommended to follow a specific candidiasis diet to control the symptoms of this condition.

The basic guidelines of a candidiasis diet treatment include avoiding sugar which can promote yeast growth and also avoiding foods which contain any form of yeast. This kind of a diet aims at reducing the daily intake of carbohydrates to less than sixty grams. This depends mainly on the age, activity level, current health status and extent of sensitivity to certain foods of the affected individual. A candidiasis diet emphasizes the consumption of foods like chicken, turkey, other meats, shellfish, certain nuts and non-starchy vegetables which are all low in carbohydrates. Once the symptoms of candidiasis start subsiding, the carbohydrate intake per day can be increased gradually. A candidiasis diet lists foods like cheese, mushrooms, tomato paste, beer, fermented foods like bread and other foods made of yeast which are to be avoided by people suffering from candidiasis. A candidiasis diet needs to be followed till the severity of the symptoms starts reducing. Usually it takes at least four weeks before any improvement is noticed in the patients. In some severe cases it could even take several months. Doctors only start introducing normal diet foods in the patient’s diet once significant improvements are noticed in the symptoms.

Candidiasis Foods to Avoid, Eat

Chronic candidiasis is a result of eating foods which are contaminated with fungi and molds. The most common examples of such foods are processed and unprocessed food grains. Food fed to livestock is moldy most of the times and hence presence of molds in meat is also common. Eating such contaminated meats can help the fungus enter the body and destroy good bacteria which is present in the digestive system. Chronic candidiasis can also be caused by eating certain fruits and nuts. A chronic candidiasis diet excludes foods that could be contaminated with molds and fungus. It also limits daily consumption of sugar and sugar rich foods which can cause chronic yeast infections. Alcohol and beer are also excluded completely in a chronic candidiasis diet. Simple dietary changes can help in controlling chronic candidiasis but it is always important to consult a doctor before making any changes in your diet to fight yeast infections. By following a systemic candidiasis diet blood sugar can be maintained at the required levels. Very often people who are on such a diet experience dizziness which is a result of low blood sugar. Adding a mid morning and mid afternoon snack to your daily diet can help avoid such occurrences. It is also important to drink plenty of water through the day to get rid of harmful toxins from the body. There are a number of healthy candidiasis diet recipes which can be prepared easily at home using basic ingredients like healthy oil, vegetables and meat. Candidiasis diet therapy recipes like zucchini soup, cauliflower soup and cucumbers with oil or avocado make great snack options for patients suffering from candidiasis. The vegetable soups can be prepared by steaming the vegetables and then mixing them in a blender with the desired amount of salt and oil. Steaming, baking and roasting are the best cooking methods to prepare candidiasis diet recipes.

Candidiasis infections are more common in uncircumcised men as compared to those who have been circumcised. The infection in such cases affects the penis and could be a result of sexual activity with an infected partner. Candidiasis causes an inflammation in the penis head also known as balanitis. Specific symptoms in men with this condition include impotency, painful sexual intercourse, burning sensation or pain while urinating, itching and redness. There is no special candidiasis diet for men who are suffering from yeast infections. Dietary requirements remain almost the same for all individuals suffering from candidiasis irrespective of gender. Candidiasis is also very common during pregnancy but can be controlled with a good diet. The Candida in the body gets unbalanced due to hormonal changes in pregnancy and hence controlling it with a proper diet is crucial for the health and well being of the developing fetus. Following a candidiasis diet during pregnancy would mean eliminating foods like cheese, cow’s milk and other dairy products which can increase the risk of yeast infections and worsen existing infections. Drinks and beverages which can increase glucose levels in the body should also be avoided completely. For pregnant women suffering from candidiasis foods to avoid also include fruits, fermented bread and other foods which are subject to fungi and molds. In addition to these dietary restrictions, doctors also prescribe certain drugs which can help in controlling Candida infections during pregnancy. Candidiasis must be effectively controlled in pregnant women as it can directly impact fetal development. An anti candidiasis diet in general stresses on eliminating foods which encourage yeast infections. All forms of sugar like white and brown sugar, honey, corn or maple syrup, date sugar, molasses and turbinado encourage the growth of yeast and need to be avoided completely. Fruits are also excluded in an anti candidiasis diet as they contain natural sugars which can aid in yeast growth. Gluten rich foods like barley, rye and wheat and even products like pastas and breads made from these ingredients are to be completely avoided while following a candidiasis diet. Other foods like peanut butter, peanuts, pistachios, processed cheese, processed, dried, pickled or smoked meats and all other refined or processed foods also need to be avoided as far as possible. These dietary changes can help control the symptoms of candidiasis and also cure the condition completely.

Submitted on January 16, 2014