How to Fight Candida Through Diet
According to researchers at Rice University, it is estimated that 70 percent of people have Candida colonies in their intestines, mouths, or on their skins [1]. In most cases, this yeast is commensal, meaning it does not harm people, even though it depends upon them for food. However, if Candida colonies grow too large, they can lead to a yeast infection.
Although Candida yeast infections are non-life threatening, they can be a common and painful problem for a significant number of Americans, primarily American women.
In this article, we will review five diet strategies to help fight Candida infections. *
Probiotics
While several factors may make an individual more susceptible to Candida infections, such as diabetes and a suppressed immune system, but research has shown antibiotic use increases one’s risk of developing a Candida yeast infection because antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria [2] [3].
These beneficial bacteria are part of the body’s defense system to counterattack Candida growth by competing for space and nutrients [4].
In a 2012 study, researchers noted that probiotic supplements could help replenish the body’s natural levels [5], and accordingly, in a 2016 study, researchers noted supplemental probiotics could be used to help alleviate these infections [6].
In a 2015, twelve-week study, researchers investigated the effect of a daily intake of probiotic Lactobacilli on the prevalence and counts of oral Candida in elderly patients. The researchers found that the probiotic supplement significantly reduced the amount of Candida yeasts in their mouths [7].
Further, in a 2014 study, researchers noted that supplemental probiotics significantly increased the efficacy of traditional anti-fungal medications in patients with thrush [8].
Many studies have further examined this effect and noted Lactobacillus probiotics might help to combat vaginal yeast infections [9] [10] [11] [12].
Coconut Oil
Many plants have natural defenses against yeast and fungi, with some plants producing compounds that are toxic to fungi. Of these plant defenses, lauric acid has some of the most robust anti-fungal properties.
Coconut oil is nearly 50% lauric acid, which makes it one of the most potent dietary sources of this lauric acid, which is difficult to consume through diet.
In several test-tube studies, researchers have noted that lauric acid is effective against Candida yeasts [13] [14] [15]. Therefore, coconut oil may have similar effects.
These anti-microbial, anti-fungal effects are also why coconut oil is used for mouthwash in a process known as oil pulling.
Curcumin
We have examined the efficacy curcumin, one of the main components in turmeric, in many scenarios.
In several test-tube studies, researchers noted that curcumin might kill Candida yeast and hinder its proliferation [16] [17] [18] [19].
In another study, researchers investigated the possibility of using curcumin supplementation in patients with HIV [20]. The researchers found that curcumin may reduce the ability of Candida yeast to attach to the mouths of people who have HIV and noted curcumin’s effects were more effective than fluconazole, an antifungal drug [20].
Garlic
Typically used as a food seasoning, garlic has robust anti-fungal properties, thanks to its active component called allicin [21].
In a 2011 animal study, mice were given allicin and fluconazole, and after, the researchers noted, “These results demonstrate the efficacy of anticandidal effects of allicin both in vitro and in an animal model of candidiasis and affirm the potential of allicin as an adjuvant therapy to fluconazole” [22].
Similar to curcumin, studies have shown that allicin may inhibit yeasts’ ability to attach to the cells in peoples’ mouths [23].
Low-Sugar Diet
A lot of research has shown that yeasts prolificate quicker when sugar is readily available in their environment [24] [25] [26], and research has shown that high blood sugar levels increase one’s risk of Candida infections [3] [27] [28] [29].
In a 1993 study, researchers noted that sugar increased the growth of Candida in mice with weakened immune systems [30].
In a 1976 study, researchers found that rinsing with dissolved sugar was associated with higher yeast counts and yeast infections in people’s mouths [31].
Therefore, adopting a low-sugar diet may help to alleviate and prevent yeast growth, and there are many additional health benefits of such a diet.
Healthmasters’ Candida Yeast Defense
Healthmasters offers a product called Candida Yeast Defense that supports healthy microbial balance, provides nutrients that support antioxidant activity, and promotes overall gastrointestinal health.
Healthmasters’ Candida Yeast Defense has health-supporting ingredients, such as oregano extract, ginger, turmeric, and olive leaf extract, and you can read about the product here.
If you have questions about Healthmasters’ Candida Yeast Defense, feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[1] https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-06/ru-bid062504.php
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20711079
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16258321
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3897061
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22570464
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26826375
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26202995
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23952962
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30565745
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17627679
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25291115
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20410904
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4670656/
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17651080
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11600381
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178679
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21358761
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24145527
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20017731
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19038979
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25153873
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21204918
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2318745
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3091791
[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23737992
[26] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3083063
[27] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12388993
[28] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17560449
[29] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5336692
[30] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8423091
[31] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1062849
* This article is for informational purposes only. By providing the information herein, Healthmasters and its associates are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any disease or medical condition. Before beginning any natural, integrative, or conventional treatment or regime, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
