The Impact of Diet on Yeast Infection

Background

Yeast infection is caused by microscopic bacteria called Candida. These bacteria live on the surface of our body, particularly the genital area and the mouth, and also in our gastrointestinal tract. They are needed by our bodies to keep unhealthy bacteria in check.

In a normal healthy person, the Candida is kept in balance by healthy pro-biotic bacteria and a normally functioning immune system.

Unfortunately under various different circumstances our body’s healthy internal balance can be disrupted. When the happens the Candida can then multiply out of control and, if we don’t take action quickly, it can change from a yeast form into a fungal form which creates root-like structures which can penetrate the walls of our intestines.

This allows the yeast and bacteria to invade the whole body and this is when we start to see the symptoms that we recognise as yeast infection. The condition can then potentially cause issues for our entire system as well as localised infections.

The impact of diet

Medical studies support the theory that diet can be highly effective in the treatment and prevention of various medical conditions including yeast infection.

It is not usually necessary to change your diet forever but some of the recommended changes should not be too surprising as they are generally acknowledged to be factors in a normal healthy diet anyway – whether you have a yeast infection or not.

The actually length of time that you will need to follow these guidelines will depend on the strength of the infection as well as the ability of your body to recover. As a guide, six weeks or so is normally recommended.

What should I avoid eating?

The general principle is that we are looking to eliminate anything that the yeast can feed on.

It is very important to try to avoid anything containing sugar as much as possible – yeast loves sugar. This includes cakes, pastries, doughnuts, sweetened drinks, natural sugar and processed sugar. Basically avoid anything containing any type of sugar or sugar substitute as much as possible.

Try to avoid refined carbohydrates, including white flour, white pasta, white rice and any type of cereals. Try to replace refined carbohydrates with whole grain products.

Try to avoid milk and dairy products including cheese and yoghurts. Your body treats lactose as sugar and the yeast will feed on it.

Avoid alcoholic drinks as much as you can. Yeast is used during the fermentation process and many beers and wines in particular contain a lot of yeast and sugar. Alcohol can also weaken the immune system. A strong healthy immune system is part of what is needed to prevent Candida overgrowth.

Try to avoid any fermented or malted food products including bread, pizza, cakes, biscuits and anything coated in bread or bread crumbs.

Remember that diet is only a small part of a proper holistic treatment

Please remember that while diet can have a major impact on the prevention and treatment of Candida, it is only a small part of the proper holistic treatment that I would recommend as a comprehensive permanent cure.