Candidiasis diet: what to eat to fight the infection

To help cure candidiasis faster, it is recommended to consume propolis, bear herb tea, mint or chamomile, and probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, for example. Furthermore, it is recommended to increase the consumption of healthy fats that can be found in fish and coconut oil, and to consume vegetables and whole grains, which strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, being useful for treating candidiasis and preventing new infections. .

It is also important to reduce carbohydrate consumption and avoid sweet foods and alcoholic beverages, as they encourage the multiplication of the fungus. Candida albicanswhich is responsible for candidiasis, worsening symptoms such as itching and discharge.

However, although these foods help to cure candidiasis faster, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions to carry out appropriate treatment.

Foods that help cure candidiasis

Foods that help cure candidiasis are those that strengthen the immune system, improve intestinal flora and help control vaginal pH, such as:

1. Probiotics

Probiotic foods, such as natural yogurt, kefir and kombucha, are rich in bacteria that promote intestinal health and improve the functioning of the immune system, helping to reduce the development of pathogenic microorganisms, preventing and controlling candidiasis.

Probiotics can also be consumed in capsule form, which must be recommended by a doctor or nutritionist. See more about probiotics and how to consume them.

2. Propolis

Propolis is made by bees from tree sap and is considered a great natural remedy to combat Candida albicans, as it is rich in flavonoids, which act by increasing the functioning of the immune system and preventing the development of this fungus in the body. Propolis can be consumed daily in the form of tea, with water and lemon or just diluted. Learn more about propolis.

3. Natural herbs

Several natural herbs can help control the development of candidiasis and reduce inflammation, as they may have antimicrobial and/or anti-inflammatory activity, such as mint, chamomile, oregano, thyme, ursine herb, rosemary, ginger, cinnamon, anise , cilantro, parsley, basil, garlic and onion. These herbs can be consumed with meals or in the form of tea or infusion to make the most of their properties. Check out some home remedies for candidiasis.

4. Healthy fats

The essential fatty acids present in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, and in other foods such as avocado, olive oil, grape and chia seeds, flaxseed and pumpkin, reduce inflammation in the body and increase the activity of the immune system, helping to cure candidiasis faster.

Furthermore, according to some studies, coconut oil contains properties that help reduce the development of Candida sp., making it a very useful food to include in your diet against this type of infection.

5. Whole grains

Whole grains have their nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, preserved, helping to strengthen the body and increase defenses. Therefore, whole grain bread, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth and oats can be included in your diet, helping to fight candidiasis more quickly.

6. Fruits and vegetables

It is important to consume all types of vegetables, such as broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, onion, cauliflower, among others, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, strengthening the body’s defenses.

Fruits should also be consumed, with preference given to fruits that have less sugar, such as blueberries, strawberries, pears, cherries, apples, guavas, raspberries, plums, watermelons, melons and papayas.

Foods that make candidiasis worse

Prohibited foods are those rich in sugar, as they alter the vaginal pH, and processed foods rich in preservatives and chemical additives, as they worsen immunity. Therefore, you should avoid consuming:

• Sugar and sweets in general, such as corn syrup, honey, candy, cakes, pudding and fruit juice;
• Drinks: ready-made juices, soft drinks, alcoholic and energy drinks;
• White flour and prepared with yeastcakes, white breads, savory snacks, cookies;
• Some dried fruitssuch as pistachios, walnuts and peanuts;
• Some dairyespecially those rich in lactose, such as milk and fresh cheeses;
• Fried foods and processed foodssuch as canned goods, snacks, French fries, frozen food, fast food and concentrated broths;
• Processed meatssuch as sausage, sausage, bacon, ham, turkey breast and mortadella.

In addition to these foods, stress, poor sleep quality, the use of antibiotics, contraceptives, corticosteroids and laxatives can alter the intestinal flora or reduce the activity of the immune system, favoring the emergence of candidiasis.

Menu to combat candidiasis

The following table provides an example of a 3-day menu with foods that help fight candidiasis:

The quantities included in the menu, as well as its composition, may vary according to the person’s age, gender and health status, and, therefore, it is important that the nutritionist is consulted so that the best nutritional plan can be indicated.

This candidiasis diet must be followed for at least 3 months to achieve the desired results of improving symptoms and preventing new attacks, and does not exclude the use of medications prescribed by the doctor.