Candida is a type of yeast that is commonly found in living things, including humans. However, if humans have excessive levels of Candida in the body, it may result in yeast infection or Candidiasis. This yeast flourishes in areas that are highly acidic and where adequate food, such as sugars, is found.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Yeast Infection
As a rule, people experiencing yeast infection must avoid acidic and sugary foods. Processed foods must be avoided as well, since they are usually loaded with refined carbohydrates, sugars and preservatives that may serve as food for these organisms.
You should cut down, or better yet, completely eliminate intake of aged cheeses, chocolate, fresh and dried fruits, alcohol, mushrooms, fermented foods and vinegar, glutinous foods including pasta, sweets including sugar, maple syrup and honey; foods that have yeast and mold and sweetened yogurt. You must also avoid soft drinks such as colas, fruit teas, sweetened coffee, condiments that has vinegar and sugar in it such as ketchup, barbecue sauce and steak sauce; vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and beetroot; inorganic meat (antibiotic-fed animals), frozen dinners and microwavable meals, any artificial sweetener and milk.
Foods That Help Eliminate Yeast Infections
On the other hand, there are foods that slow down or inhibit the growth of yeast. These foods also help build up the body’s immune system. They also help promote growth of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli, which aids in eliminating yeast infection.
Here are some of the top Candida-fighting foods:
Garlic – known to boost the growth of good bacteria in the body and is a powerful fungicide, as well. As an anti-fungal tonic, you can drink a glass of water infused with crushed garlic.
Onions – like garlic, onions have potent antifungal property. Aside from this, it also has anti-parasitic and antibacterial functions.
Coconut Oil – one of the most effective antifungals and a potent Candida eliminator. Coconut oil has Caprylic and Lauric acid, two useful substances that prevent overgrowth of Candida yeast and help strengthen the body’s immune system. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of pure coconut oil a day, until your yeast infection clears up.
Aside from the foods mentioned above, eating leafy vegetables, nuts and seed, low sugar fruits and black beans can help stop the overgrowth of Candida yeast. Protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, pork and fish are also advised; however, you must only eat the ones that are hormone-free and antibiotic-free. Eating non-glutinous grains such as brown rice, millet, oat bran and rice bran also helps in the decrease of these harmful organisms. Additionally, taking chlorella and olive leaf supplements also help clear out candidiasis. Make sure you drink plenty of water as well, for this flushes out toxins and balances the bacterial and yeast levels in the body.
You may find it difficult to avoid the above mentioned restricted foods. However, if you steer clear of the restricted foods and consume only the Candida-fighting foods, your yeast infection will surely clear out in a couple of weeks, depending on its severity.
