According to some sources, eating and avoiding certain foods can reduce or prevent Candida yeast infections. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.
People following the candida diet limit or avoid certain foods, such as sugar, gluten, alcohol, and some dairy products, that may promote the growth of Candida yeast in the body. The diet also involves eating healthful fats and anti-inflammatory foods.
These recommendations make for a healthful diet for most people. However, research has not yet confirmed the diet’s effectiveness in reducing yeast infections.
In this article, we provide more information about the candida diet, including its effectiveness, its potential benefits, and the foods that people include and avoid when following the diet.
The genus Candida includes more than 100 different species of yeast that live on the skin and in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina.
Candidiasis refers to a fungal infection that results from an overgrowth of Candida. It can affect the mouth (oral thrush), throat, esophagus, and vagina (vaginal candidiasis).
Normal concentrations of Candida yeast promote gut health and nutrient absorption and also aid digestion. However, having too much of this yeast in the body or on the skin can lead to infections.
Symptoms of candidiasis of the mouth, throat, or esophagus include:
- white patches on the inside of the mouth
- inflammation and soreness of the throat
- pain while eating or swallowing
- persistent dryness of the mouth
Symptoms of candidiasis of the vagina include:
- itching or soreness of the vagina and vulva
- pain when urinating
- pain during intercourse
- thick, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese
The candida diet requires people to avoid foods and drinks that could increase the risk of Candida overgrowth. These include gluten, sugar, alcohol products, and certain types of dairy.
The diet focuses instead on eating lean proteins, healthful fats, nonstarchy vegetables, and probiotics. The aim of these foods is to help minimize inflammation and balance the concentrations of bacteria inside the gut.
According to the findings of a
Theoretically, people may have a lower risk of developing Candida infections if they eliminate foods that contribute to yeast growth. However, current scientific evidence has yet to confirm the diet’s effectiveness.
Researchers have examined how different dietary substances promote or reduce the growth of Candida in a range of studies in cells and animals. However, they do not know whether similar results would apply to humans.
Due to the lack of high quality, large-scale human studies, researchers do not know how likely the candida diet is to be effective.
Many factors can affect a person’s risk of developing Candida overgrowth,
As a result of these multiple factors, it is difficult to predict how dietary changes will affect an individual’s risk.
What does the research say?
Little research has looked directly at the effects of diet on Candida infections. However, the candida diet is healthful overall, so there are few risks to trying it.
Some research supports the idea of replacing sugar with sugar alternatives, such as xylitol. In a
The findings of another
The authors of a
The candida diet prohibits any form of gluten. The theory is that gluten may harm the intestinal lining and that it may also play a role in contributing to dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the concentrations of gut microbiota.
Removing gluten from the diet can benefit people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, according to the authors of a
People who want to follow the candida diet should try incorporating the following types of food into their diet:
- Nonstarchy vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, onions, and tomatoes.
- Low sugar fruits, such as citrus fruits, olives, and berries, but only in moderation.
- Lean proteins, including chicken, eggs, and fish.
- Healthful fats, such as avocado, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and flaxseed oil.
- Fermented foods, for example, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt.
- Gluten free grains, such as quinoa, oat bran, buckwheat, and rice.
- Low mold nuts and seeds, which include almonds, coconut, flaxseed, and sunflower seeds.
- Certain dairy products, such as butter and ghee, and products that contain live active cultures, such as kefir and yogurt.
- Natural sugar free sweeteners, including stevia, monk fruit extract, erythritol, and xylitol.
- Probiotics.
The candida diet strictly prohibits the consumption of sugar, gluten, alcohol, and dairy products that contain high quantities of lactose.
While on the candida diet, people should avoid the following foods:
- Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, beans, and peas.
- High sugar fruits, which include bananas, mangoes, figs, and raisins.
- Certain meats, such as processed meats and farm-raised fish.
- Grains that contain gluten, including wheat, barley, and rye.
- Dairy products high in lactose, such as milk and soft cheeses.
- Processed fats and oils, for example, canola oil, soybean oil, and margarine.
- Simple sugars and artificial sweeteners, such as sucrose, aspartame, agave, maple syrup, corn syrup, and honey.
- Some types of nut and seed, including peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and cashews.
- Certain drinks, such as caffeinated coffee and tea, sugar sweetened beverages, and alcohol.
Supporters of the candida diet claim that it can lower the risk of yeast infections and prevent gastrointestinal Candida overgrowth.
The diet involves eliminating gluten, sugar, and certain dairy products.
Although laboratory research suggests that these substances may contribute to yeast growth, no substantial evidence exists to support using the candida diet as a treatment for yeast infections.
However, the dietary changes that the candida diet specifies may have beneficial health effects for people with or without a Candida infection.