The Candida Diet is a diet plan that focuses on preventing and treating the overgrowth of Candida, which is a fungus responsible for yeast infections, thrush and some skin infections. By following this diet, you may put a stop to rampant yeast–naturally.
The presence of Candida albicans, which are responsible for localized yeast infections of the vagina, mouth and skin, are not cause for alarm. This fungal organism normally lives in your digestive tract as well as in the vagina. It’s when the organism gets out of control that infection follows. This may happen if your immune system is depressed or while you are taking antibiotics. Sometimes birth control pills, cigarette smoking and food allergies cause problems as well. Even pregnancy and diabetes can lead to Candida overgrowth.
If you choose to follow the Candida Diet, you will limit or avoid certain foods that seem to encourage Candida growth. After a period of time without symptoms, you may begin to slowly reintroduce restricted foods to your diet. The following foods are on the lists of things to avoid while you’re on the Candida Diet:
1. Sugar
Sugar is one of the main foods you should avoid while following the Candida Diet. It encourages Candida overgrowth. You’ll need to avoid all types of sugar, including white and brown sugar, corn syrup, maple sugar and molasses. Raw sugar and honey, which many people consider to be healthier than white sugar, make this list as well.
Read labels carefully while following this diet. Look for ingredients like fructose, lactose, glucose, monosaccharide, polysaccharide and sucrose, and avoid them. Avoid those that contain maltose, glycogen and sorbitol as well. If you find these ingredients on a food the label, the food contains a type of sugar.
While fruit is considered a healthy part of just about any diet, that’s not the case with the Candida Diet. Fruit contains natural sugar. As such, it is to be avoided.
2. Yeast
Yeast-containing foods are a no-no while you’re on this diet. You’ll have to give up baked goods that contain yeast, including bread, crackers, muffins and deserts. Any food that contains yeast is excluded as well, including pizza made with it.
3. Gluten
Anything that contains gluten is restricted while you follow this diet. This means you can’t eat wheat, rye, or barley. Following this restriction may take some extra work on your part because there are so many foods that contain gluten, including pasta, breads and many snack foods.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is restricted as you follow the Candida Diet. This includes not only vinegar itself, but also marinades and pickled foods. Foods made with vinegar, like mayonnaise and barbecue sauce, are excluded as well.
5. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are not on the menu while you’re following the Candida Diet. This includes mushrooms found in prepared foods. For example, you’ll need to choose sauces that do not contain them.
In addition to foods you’re supposed to avoid on this diet, there are several you’re supposed to limit, which range from peanuts and certain cheeses to coffee and alcoholic beverages. Since there are so many foods that are restricted on this diet, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor before following it. Your doctor may provide advice on meeting your nutritional needs while you battle yeast.
