Foods to Avoid on Candida Diet

Candida is a group of microscopic yeast that are naturally found in the human body, especially in the areas like the throat, mouth, digestive tract, skin and rectum. They are also found in the vagina of women. Among the twenty different types of yeast present in the body, the most common one is called the 'candida albicans'. Normally, these fungi are not harmful, however, sometimes they begin to multiply, giving rise to candidiasis or yeast infection in the person. One of the most common reason for the occurrence of this disease is a weakened immune system. People who have to consume strong antibiotics while getting treated for certain kind of diseases, may also develop candidiasis. The symptoms caused by candida include skin irritation, cognitive problems, fatigue, abdominal pain, etc. People who have diagnosed with this problem have to follow a strict candida diet plan, because they have to eat foods that aid in destroying the yeast from the body. Moreover, it is necessary for them to know about the candida diet foods to avoid, because eating the wrong type of foods may help the fungi to multiply easily, thus aggravation the condition.

What to Avoid While on Candida Diet

The list is actually very long and I must warn that it includes all the foods that people like to indulge in. Hence, it may seem difficult for the person to avoid eating these foods. Moreover, a person suffering from candidiasis craves for these foods, because the yeast needs the supply of such foods to thrive in the body. Hence, people should put in their best efforts to actually avoid the foods that are mentioned below.

Sugar: Sugar is the most important thing that has to be excluded from your diet while getting treated for candidiasis. This is because sugar is the biggest culprit which helps the production of yeast in the body. Therefore, you have to avoid all foods that contain sugar, including brown sugar, date sugar, maple sugar, honey, white sugar, maple syrup, rice syrup, corn syrup, etc. Even fruits that contain natural sugars, which are normally said to be healthy have to be eliminated from your diet. Any type of fruit or juice, be it fresh, dried canned or frozen, can help in the growth of yeast. Some think that adding sweeteners or sugar free substitutes are safe. However, even they can cause the yeast to grow and multiply. Therefore, before buying any food product, just check the label, and if you find things like fructose, sucrose, glucose, lactose, etc. in the ingredient list, avoid it.

Alcohol: Alcohol contains a high level of sugar and people suffering from candida have to avoid it completely. Alcoholic beverages like brandy, gin, vodka, white or red wine, whiskey, scotch, etc., have the ability to manifold the fungi present in the body. People who have the habit of having a drink everyday will have to stop doing it totally till they get better.

Caffeine: You may need that cup of coffee early in the morning before you begin your busy routine. However, if you have candidiasis, you have to sacrifice this till you get cured completely. Just as caffeine is a stimulant that boosts your mind, it also has the ability to boost the growth of the fungi. Therefore, it is important to cut caffeine and other stimulants from your diet.

Chocolates: For many people, chocolate may be the food stuff that they have the most difficult time trying to avoid. If you normally have a sweet tooth, it will definitely increase when you are suffering from candidiasis. However, you have to be determined and keep telling yourself that chocolates are bad for your health, and surely you will be able to control your craving.

Foods Containing Yeast and Gluten: Foods that are made with the help or nutritional yeast like breads, muffins, crackers, pastries, etc., should not be consumed by people who have candidiasis. The yeast in the body feed on these foods and thus multiply in number. People suffering from yeast infection may also be sensitive to foods that contain gluten. Hence, it is best to avoid glutenous foods like barley, wheat, pasta and rye.

Nuts and Condiments: Nuts, especially peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, etc., have a mold in them which can cause the growth of the fungi, and hence an individual suffering from yeast infection should refrain from eating them. Condiments like horseradish, mayonnaise, relish, soy sauce, ketchup, etc., should also be avoided as they have a high content of sugar in them.

Apart from these foods, you also have to restrict yourself from having cheese and foods that are very spicy. Instead, indulge in lots of fresh vegetables, however, it is advisable to take out mushrooms from your diet because they help the yeast to thrive. You also have to eat a lot of proteins that are found in foods like chicken, beef, eggs and fish. Like most people, you may be thinking that you are deprived of delicious food that you love to eat while on a candida diet. However, once you notice the positive changes, you will begin to love this diet. Moreover, you do not have to avoid these foods for a long time. If you follow the candida diet carefully and be determined to avoid the foods that are forbidden, you will definitely get cured of candida.