Must-have Candida Diet food List to help you prevent recurring candida yeast infection.
Have you ever contracted a candida yeast infection?
Well
I am not only referring to vaginal yeast. But also, other infections that may result from an imbalance of candida yeast in your body. This infection may include mouth thrush, skin issues, and throat inflammation.
IF YES, How was the feeling?
I, albeit not pleasant.
Candida yeast infection is a problem for many women. According to statistics, about 1.4 million American women suffer from vaginal candidiasis annually.
Not to mention the candidiasis infections in other body parts like the mouth, skin, and gut. And you may find the number raising with each passing day.
But you may wonder,
What is candidiasis infection anyway?
Candidiasis is a widely known fungal infection caused by Candida yeast. According to CDC, candida yeast resides naturally in our bodies.
This fungal live in your mouth, throat, gut, skin and vagina without causing health issues.
But if it overgrows, it may lead to vaginal candidiasis, oral thrush in the mouth, throat, and even cause oesophagus inflammation.
Sometime your skin will also get inflated, resulting in acne-like rashes, dryness, and scaly patches.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Candida can cause infections if it grows out of control and enters deep into the body.
In some instances, the infections can invade the bloodstream or internal organs like the kidney, and brain, making it fetal.
How do you know if you have a candida yeast infection?
Depending on the affected body part, you may experience the following symptoms.
Symptoms of Candida yeast infection
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include;
- Vulva itching or soreness
- Discomfort and pain during intercourse
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Abnormal white vaginal discharge that is thick
- Redness and rashes in the vulva.
Symptoms of Candida yeast infection in your mouth. (oral thrush)
- White patches on the tongue, palate and inside of the cheek. inflammation of throat
- Redness or soreness.
- Cotton-like feeling in the mouth.
- Inability to taste.
- Pain while eating and swallowing.
- Cracking lips
- Fishy mouth odor
Symptoms of Candida yeast infection on your skin
- The appearance of a red rash.
- Having dry, scaly patches.
Risk and Prevention
Everyone is at risk of getting candidiasis infections. However, it’s common with :
- People consuming refined carbs and sugar
- people with high-stress levels
- prolonged use of catheters
- Microbial imbalance
- high alcohol consumption
- use of specific birth control methods
- suffering from impaired immunity
- pregnant women
- use of strong antibiotics
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7 Candida Diet Tips to Fight Recurring Yeast Infections
1. Use More Coconut Oil
Pure organic coconut oil has been my all-time oil for fighting candida yeast infection.
Studies show that plants, too, suffer from fungal disease.
As such, they possess their natural defence mechanisms against fungi and other pathogenic attacks.
These defence mechanisms range from having a thick epidermis or producing toxic chemicals to keep the pathogens away.
And that is where pure coconut oil comes in handy.
Coconut oil consists of lauric acid, which is a natural fungal fighter. Studies show that if you’re lucky to buy pure coconut oil, you get almost 50% lauric acid.
Okay, I know you may be wondering.
What is the big deal about lauric acid and candida yeast infection?
Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid widely known for its antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
According to studies, lauric acid is very effective in fighting candida yeast. Many scientific reviews suggest that capric and lauric saturated fatty acids can kill various strains of C. albicans.
They do so by disrupting or disintegrating their plasma membrane, thus inhibiting growth.
Pure coconut oil, the richest dietary source of lauric acid, can relieve candida yeast infections.
Most people find applying coconut oil to the affected area very soothing and effective for candidiasis infection.
For effectiveness;
♦. Rub the coconut oil into your skin fold, where the yeast infection is.
♦. You may also use coconut oil as a mouthwash to treat oral thrush — in a method referred to as oil pulling.
1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil is enough. Swish it in your mouth for 15 minutes, then spit the coconut oil. It would be best if you didn’t eat or drink anything for the following 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you may use mouthwash products with coconut daily, like GuruNanda oil pulling for oral health.
♦. For vaginal yeast infections, you may need to apply coconut oil to a clean tampon and then insert the tampon. See how I beat yeast infection in just three days.
Furthermore, you may incorporate coconut milk into a variety of meals. This, too, has played a significant role in preventing recurring candida yeast infection for coastal women.
2. Strengthen Your Immunity with a Healthy Lifestyle
Immunity is your natural defence system. It consists of a network of many cells and processes meant to keep you healthy by preventing or fighting off diseases.
Many studies show that candida yeast is fungal that exists naturally in our bodies without harming us.
However, any disruption in our body that interferes with our immunity may allow these cells to overgrow and cause infections.
According to the Harvard School Of Public Health, the most common factors that depress our immune system include
- Old age.
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Chronic diseases
- Stress and depression
- Environmental toxins
- Lack of enough sleep
As such, for you to support the well-being of your immunity, you must invest in the following;
A good diet
A well-balanced diet with various micronutrients can go a long way in enhancing your immunity.
Good nutrition can boost immune cell growth. It also enhances antibody production, supports cell repair and regeneration after sickness.
Suitable nutritional also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for a healthy body.
To be safe;
Eat more plant and animal food for vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein.
♦. Eat a variety of Citrus fruit; they are rich in vitamin C, which enhances the production of white blood cells for body defence. Citrus fruits include lemons, oranges, tangerines, and lime.
♦. Eat Grapefruits; ensure you eat grapefruits, moreso, the grapefruit seed extract. GSE is made from pulp, seeds, and membranes of grapefruit. Some studies point out their ability to improve your health and fight Candida.
♦. Eat Red bell pepper is a great source of vitamin c and beta carotene for immune boosting.
♦. Leafy green vegetables, like Steamed broccoli and spinach, are great sources of iron.
♦. Eat Sunflower seeds; For phosphorous, magnesium, vitamins B-6 and E.
♦. Drink Green tea; it contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant.
♦. Poultry like chicken and turkey are a source of protein, with B-6 essential for forming red blood cells.
♦. Liver; Excellent for iron, vitamin B, folate, vitamin A, and copper
♦. Papaya; is loaded with vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium, and anti-inflammatory papain properties.
Keep fit
Keeping fit is also part of boosting your immunity. Experts show that moderate-intensity exercise for about 60 mins is suitable for building immunity.
Besides raising your body’s metabolism by engaging in moderate physical activity can stimulate cellular immunity.
By doing so, you’ll experience an increased circulation of immune cells in your body. This helps you to prepare for a future infection by detecting it earlier.
Start with simple exercises like aerobics for about 30-45 minutes daily. This will help increases the recruitment and circulation of the immune system’s best defensive cells.
Also,keep yourself active by skipping rope. This too is a simple and easy to start with exercise.
Get enough rest
Create time for resting by working on your work schedule. Resting gives your body time to repair itself. Additionally
- Maintain a healthy weight by keeping fit and eating healthy.
- Quite smoking
- Incorporate Stress Management tactics like meditation.
3. Fortify your microbiome composition through probiotic and prebiotic diet
Your body consists of many bacteria, viruses, and fungi collectively known as the microbiome.
According to science, some bacteria are harmful and can cause sickness. Some bacteria, however, are beneficial and can help your immune system, heart, weight, and digestion.
A healthy microbiome consists of diverse microorganisms. However, a slight disruption of your microbial composition can kill beneficial bacteria.
Also,studies suggest that, things like sicknesses, the use of strong antibiotics, and a high sugar-based diet can cause a poor balance between good and bad bacteria.
A poor lifestyle promotes the growth of harmful bacteria leading to competition for nutrients in a specific habitat.
And if the beneficial bacteria which are a part of your body’s natural defences are weakened, you may suffer from candidiasis infections.
So
what is the best way to promote the growth of good microorganisms?
♦. Eat probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are live bacteria often found in dietary supplements and fermented food.
Eating fermented food like yoghurt with active cultures can be an excellent way to stay healthy.
Similarly, taking probiotic supplements introduces beneficial bacteria to your system.
Studies suggest that probiotics may fight Candida infections. Many research show that probiotic strains like Lactobacillus reuteri can significantly reduce the amount of Candida yeasts in mouths and vagina.
Also, be sure to eat prebiotics for probiotic nourishment.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients. Their main function is to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.
Prebiotic foods include whole grains, leafy green vegetables, garlic, and beans. Besides having your probiotic meal, be sure to eat lots of prebiotic food for a healthy body.
Probiotic for Women: 11 Reasons Why Every Woman Needs a Probiotic Once In a While
4. Go Low on a High-Sugar Diet
Studies indicate that yeasts thrive on sugar. As such, if you’ve suffered or are suffering from any type of yeast infection, it would be best to consume food that is low in sugar.
Scientific evidence shows that high sugar levels in your bloodstream may increase your risk of Candida infections.
A recent study suggests that exposure to sucrose through mouth rinse increases candida growth in the mouth.
Similarly, it can increase the risk of developing vaginal candidiasis.
Although we have limited studies on this subject, eliminating high sugar consumption is good for your health.
A lower sugar diet lowers the risk of yeast infection and can help manage weight.
Additionally, it’s an effective way of preventing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
For a start;
Get a low-sugar diet plan or cookbook for at least a 30-day trial and see how your body responds. Some of these books have amazing recipes tailor-made for healthy living.
Stop eating food consisting more than 22.5g of total sugars per 100g.This include;
- Sugar sweetened drinks like sports drinks and sodas
- Dairy desserts, like ice cream
- candy, cakes and cookies
5. Do More Healthy Herbs and Spice
For many years communities have used herbs and spices to foster healing. Studies associate the increased use of herbs in homes with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
Herbs and spices may be your best bait if you’re looking for remedies to alleviate your recurring candida yeast infection.
Here are the best herbs and spices for yeast infection
Garlic
Garlic consists strong antifungal and antibacterial properties.
According to research, these antifungal properties result from allicin, a substance formed when you crush fresh garlic.
Many studies point out the ability of garlic to fight candida yeast infection.
For instance, a study involving mice found that using garlic was effective against C. albicans.
Although its efficacy is slightly lower than fluconazole, garlic can help reduce the fungal load in your system.
Despite having limited research on the subject, regular consumption of garlic is healthy.
Try using raw garlic often in your meals. You may also take Oral tablets once in a while to promote good bacteria and prevent the growth of Candida albicans yeast.
Ginger
According to an NIH study, ginger extracts have antifungal properties that can effectively fight candida yeast infection.
This study, which sought to evaluate ginger’s antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm properties against Candida species, concluded that; ginger consists of excellent properties against Candida, including other bacterial pathogens.
In another study, the researchers concluded that a Clotrimazole cream with ginger was more effective and beneficial in treating vaginal candidiasis than clotrimazole alone.
To protect yourself against recurring candida yeast infection, eat ginger often.
You can make ginger root tea by chopping it into small pieces and adding it to boiling water.
For effectiveness, you may squeeze the lemon juice into your cup of tea and enjoy the concussion.
Turmeric
Tumeric is popularly used in india as a spice. According to studies, Turmeric consists of Curcumin— an active ingredient that can inhibit the growth of candida yeast in humans.
Several studies suggest that Curcumin consist antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. These properties may inhibit yeasts’ ability to attach to your body’s cells.
Another study that sought to establish the efficacy of the antifungal activity of Curcumin using 23 fungi strains concluded that; Curcumin was a more potent antifungal than fluconazole — a very effective antifungal drug.
Just like ginger, normalize consuming freshly grounded turmeric. You may use it in food as spice or tea.
Also, there are curcumin supplements that have proved equally effective.
6. Incorporate a Monthly Candida Cleanse Routine into Your Diet
Candida cleanse is a short-term diet plan meant to alleviate stress on your digestive tract. It’s also believed to help release toxins from your body.
According to nutritionists, many people take a candida cleanse when they are about to have a candida diet. However, you can still do a candida cleanse even if you’re not on the candida diet.
The candida diet is a planned diet meant to alleviate reduce candida infections symptoms.
The candida diet incorporates wholesome foods that can benefit your digestion system. The main goal is to promote digestion, reduce inflammation and increase metabolism in your body.
For a simple candida cleanse plan;
♦. Drink more fluids.Take a lot of plain water, lemon water and healthy soups. Bone broth is my all-time favourite. Followed by a combo of warm ginger and lemon water for at least a day.
♦. Also, go green for a minimum of two days. Eat more steamed vegetables and salads. You may add a small protein serving if you like.
Some people may have mild symptoms while starting a cleanse. You may feel fatigued, have mild headaches, and have mood swings.
Be sure to consult with your professional healthcare provider if you have a medical condition.
Also, remember that the Candida cleanse should only last up to a few days.
7. Grab Healthy Dietary Supplements
A dietary supplement is a product intended to fill nutritional gaps in one’s diet. Most people supplement their diet by taking a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. A supplement usually provides extra nutrients.
For you to prevent recurring candida yeast infection, try to incorporate the following supplements into your diet once in a while.
♦. Immunity Boosters Supplements
Your immune system is a complex process that consists of cells and chemicals working together for body defence. They constantly defend your body against invading pathogens, including viruses, toxins, and bacteria1
Keeping your immune system healthy all the time can help preventing infection and disease.
And you can comfortably do this by consuming nutritious foods and observing a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, research has shown that supplementing with specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can help improve immune response and potentially protect against illness.
Here are my top picks for immune boosters
Nature's Way Gummy; excellent for family needs
Elderberries have natural anthocyanins. This provides an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. For years,Elderberries have proved effective in immune support.
♦. A supplement for yeast
Which probiotic kills yeast?
Well, some studies indicate that lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 probiotics may help treat and prevent yeast infections.
Here is our top picks
solar yeast cleanse
Now Candida Support
♦. Vaginal pH test kit and Stabilizer
Why does vaginal pH matter?
Your Yoni's pH is crucial in curbing recurring yeast infections. An average vaginal pH level ranges between 3.8 and 4.5. This is moderately acidic, but what constitutes a "normal" pH level can vary slightly based on your stage of life.
Having an acidic vaginal environment is a plus for any woman. Acid environment helps prevent unhealthy bacteria like yeast from multiplying. A high vaginal pH level ranging between 4.5 and above provides a conducive environment for harmful bacteria to grow.
For example, during your reproductive years, your vaginal pH can fluctuate. That is why having a Vaginal pH Test Kit like AZO is crucial to help keep you a braced.
It lowers the risk of experiencing a "fishy" odor, itchiness, and burning sensations after menstruation. Also, have that one supplement you can take for a quick balance like RepHresh, when things are not going well in your Miss. V.
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement for Women
Takeaway
A recurring candida yeast infection is something that can rake your life. While some infections are mild, others can be severe, resulting in swelling of affected areas.
If you have a recurring yeast infection, a lifestyle change can go a long way in improving your health. Have a simple diet strategy for Candida, including supplements. Also, be sure to check with your professional health provider for medication.
DISCLAIMER The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. I’m not a health practitioner and as such, this information should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your professional service provider.
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