Candidiasis diet: foods to eat and avoid for relief

Candidiasis, an infection caused by the yeast Candida, often leads to symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, and skin irritation. A targeted diet can help relieve these symptoms and inhibit the overgrowth of yeast. The so-called Candidiasis diet aims to avoid foods that promote the growth of Candida and focus on those that support gut health. This article explains what a Candidiasis infection is, which symptoms may occur, and what risk factors may contribute to its development. It also presents foods to eat and foods to avoid.

Table of contents

• What is Candidiasis?
• How common is Candidiasis?
• Symptoms of a Candidiasis infection
• Risk factors of a Candidiasis infection
• Is Candidiasis contagious?
• Is Candidiasis an STI?
• Diet and Candidiasis
• Summary

What is Candidiasis?

The Candida genus includes more than 150 species, about 20 of which can cause infections in humans. Candida albicans is the most common cause of Candidiasis and is responsible for the primary fungal infection in both adults and children. Candidiasis occurs when this yeast, which naturally exists in small amounts on the skin, in the vagina, or in the mouth, multiplies excessively. The balance between healthy bacteria and yeast can be imagined like a scale: as long as the balance is stable, healthy bacteria prevent excessive yeast growth. However, factors such as stress, an unbalanced diet, a weakened immune system, or chronic diseases can disrupt this balance. When this happens, the scale tips in favor of the yeast, leading to the development of a Candidiasis infection (Macias-Paz, I. U. et al, 2023; Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

How common is candidiasis?

Candidiasis is a common infection that affects approximately 75% of all women at least once in their lives in the form of a vaginal yeast infection. Oral candidiasis and skin infections caused by Candida are also widespread, especially in people with weakened immune systems (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Symptoms of a candidiasis infection

Symptoms vary depending on the site of infection, but typical signs of candidiasis include:

• Vaginal: Itching, redness, whitish discharge, burning sensation.
• Oral (mouth): White coatings, patches or sores in the mouth, pain, redness.
• Skin: Redness, rash, scaling, swelling, inflammation.
• Systemic (in cases of immunodeficiency): Fever, chills.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Risk factors for a candidiasis infection

There are several risk factors for developing a candidiasis infection, including:

• Use of antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, medications that cause dry mouth, or medications that kill healthy bacteria
• Uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy)
• A diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, or yeast
• High alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Increased stress levels
• Low physical activity

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, 2022, Jawhara S., 2023.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce these risk factors.

Is candidiasis contagious?

Candidiasis infections, especially those caused by Candida albicans, can be contagious under certain conditions. Transmission often occurs through direct skin or mucous membrane contact (e.g., in the case of vaginal candidiasis). This means the pathogen can be sexually transmitted. However, transmission usually only occurs if the recipient’s immune system is weakened (Schwarz, R., n.d.).

Is candidiasis an STI?

Candidiasis is not a classic sexually transmitted infection but rather a yeast infection that occurs when the natural balance of yeast in the vagina is disrupted. In women, candidiasis primarily affects the vagina but can also involve the outer labia and surrounding tissue. In men, candidiasis can affect the penis, particularly the glans, and in some cases the foreskin and surrounding skin. The main difference is that the infection more frequently occurs in the vaginal flora in women, while in men it typically appears externally on the skin of the penis (Soa Aids Nederland, 2023).

Want to check your health?

Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for protecting your own health and that of your partner. Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea often present without symptoms and therefore go undetected for a long time. This can lead to serious complications that can be avoided with early diagnosis. Homed-IQ offers various testing options: The Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test specifically checks for the most common bacterial infections. The STI Test Plus expands on these by including additional analyses, offering a more comprehensive health picture. All tests can be carried out conveniently, safely, and anonymously at home.

Diet and Candidiasis

The concept of the Candidiasis diet aims to control Candida overgrowth by avoiding sugary and processed foods while supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting gut health. Many people report feeling more energetic and better overall after changing their diet. However, there is limited evidence that diet alone can effectively impact a severe yeast overgrowth. Depending on the area of the body affected, antifungal treatments are often used to treat a yeast infection (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Flop Foods for Candidiasis

The following foods should be avoided to prevent Candida overgrowth and support gut health:

• Sugary foods: Candida feeds on sugar, and a diet high in sugar promotes its growth, increasing the risk of a Candidiasis infection.
• Processed and high-fat foods: These disrupt the balance of gut flora and promote inflammatory processes. A disturbed microbiome and weakened immune defense create an environment where Candida can thrive.
• Animal proteins and BCFAs: Increased fermentation of animal proteins and the formation of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) can further disrupt the microbiome and encourage Candida growth.

Source: Van Ende, M. et al., 2019; Jawhara S., 2023

Top Foods for Candidiasis

These foods can help restore balance in the body:

• Cinnamon: Has antimicrobial properties and has proven effective against Candida and other fungi. Its main components, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, can damage fungal membranes.
• Coconut oil: Contains monolaurin, which inhibits Candida colonization and biofilm formation. It also reduces Candida’s fatty acid uptake, altering its growth.
• Ginger: Contains 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, which suppress hyphal and biofilm formation in Candida. Especially effective when combined with the antifungal fluconazole.
• Olive oil: Its main component, oleic acid, has antifungal properties against Candida and supports gut health.
• Fermented vegetables: Contain probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which inhibit Candida and strengthen the immune system.
• Apple cider vinegar: Supports immune response and may inhibit Candida growth.
• Yogurt: Probiotic-enriched yogurt may reduce Candida colonization in women and is a good source of calcium and beneficial bacteria.

Source: Jawhara S., 2023

Summary

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast Candida, which can occur vaginally, orally, on the skin, or systemically. A specific diet, the so-called “Candidiasis diet,” can help control fungal growth and alleviate symptoms. The diet recommends avoiding foods that promote Candida (such as sugar and processed foods) and favoring foods that support gut health (such as cinnamon, coconut oil, ginger, and fermented vegetables).