Systemic candidiasis

January 2005     View PDF     En español

Preventing fungal infections naturally

There is a strong connection between what you eat and the health of your immune system. Nevertheless, nutritional ways to prevent and treat conditions like candidiasis are complicated and controversial. While there isn’t a magic recipe that prevents or treats yeast infections in everyone, following some basic guidelines may lower your risk of yeast becoming a problem.

Most nutritionists agree that sugar, yeast, dairy, wheat, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are the main culprits because they help yeast to grow. To prevent this, they recommend eating as little as possible of these types of foods.

Another approach is to eat larger amounts of foods that may keep yeast from growing. For example, some nutritionists believe garlic has natural antifungal properties that may help prevent candidiasis. Fresh garlic is considered best, although commercial garlic “pills” help reduce the odors. Fresh garlic can be mixed into other foods, eaten raw (up to six cloves a day), or minced and put into empty gelatin capsules. (NOTE: It’s unknown if large amounts of garlic interfere with anti-HIV therapies, but it may increase the risk of side effects from using ritonavir [Norvir].)

Another factor that can contribute to uncontrolled yeast growth is using antibiotics. “Friendly” bacteria are found naturally in the body and establish a healthy balance while eliminating unfriendly yeasts. Many common antibiotics, like tetracycline and penicillin, kill these bacteria which then allow yeast to grow, especially in the vagina. It is not unusual, even for people with healthy immune systems, to experience a fungal infection after using antibiotics.

In order to lessen this effect from antibiotics and promote healthy bacteria in general, many nutritionists recommend adding Lactobacilli acidophilus bacteria to your diet. It can be found in yogurts and certain milks (look for Lactobacilli acidophilus on the label). You can also take it in pill form, available at many health food stores.

Oral candidiasis can change how you taste and enjoy foods. It can also make eating and swallowing difficult. Avoiding acidic, spicy or hot foods as well as cigarettes, alcohol and carbonated drinks may help. All of these can irritate the insides of your mouth. Soft, cool and bland foods (like oatmeal, mashed beans, apple sauce, etc.) are recommended.

Liquid food supplements are often used to ease mouth infections and/or for weight maintenance. Remember supplements are not intended to replace solid foods. Many of these are high in sugars, which can help yeast grow. If you use supplements, make sure they contain mainly complex carbohydrates, are high in protein and have low-to-moderate sugar levels. For more information on food supplements, read Project Inform’s publication, Nutrition and Weight Maintenance.

Overall, the best way to naturally prevent fungal infections is to eat healthfully and regularly, avoid excessive sugar intake and avoid or decrease alcohol and cigarettes.

Tips for preventing candidiasis

• Decrease or avoid sugars (corn and maple syrup, glucose, fructose and sucrose). Sugar is food for Candida and helps it grow. Read the labels on packaged foods for these sugars.
• Decrease or avoid alcohol. Alcohol converts to sugar and helps Candida grow.
• Drink milk or eat yogurt that contains acidophilus bacteria—“friendly” bacteria that helps your body fight off “unfriendly” germs, like Candida.

Drug interactions

LAST      NEXT

Chart for treating candidiasis