From the Guidelines
The best diet for treating Candida overgrowth is one that reduces sugar and refined carbohydrates, emphasizing non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Components of the Diet
- Eliminate added sugars, alcohol, refined grains, and high-sugar fruits as these feed yeast growth
- Consume vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach; lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and eggs; healthy fats including olive oil and avocados; and low-sugar fruits like berries in moderation
- Incorporate anti-fungal foods such as garlic, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar
- Probiotic-rich foods like unsweetened yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can help restore gut flora balance
- Stay well-hydrated with water and herbal teas
Duration and Additional Recommendations
- Most people should follow this diet for at least 4-6 weeks, though some may need longer depending on the severity of their overgrowth
- Supplement this dietary approach with good sleep, stress management, and regular exercise for best results, as maintenance of adequate nutrition and hydration is essential for immunocompromised hosts 1
Considerations
- While specific antifungal therapies are recommended for certain cases of candidiasis 1, the dietary approach remains a crucial component of treatment, focusing on reducing the growth of Candida by limiting its preferred fuel sources.
From the Research
Diet and Candida Overgrowth
- The relationship between diet and Candida overgrowth is complex, with some studies suggesting that dietary modifications may help reduce Candida colonization 2, 3.
- A high-sugar diet did not increase the frequency of Candida-positive samples in healthy subjects, but may have an effect on selected subjects with elevated oral Candida counts 4.
- A diet low in refined carbohydrates and high in healthier wheat flour substitutes and cheese may be associated with reduced Candida colonization 3.
Treatment of Candida Overgrowth
- Dietary modification, in combination with antifungal treatment, may be effective in reducing Candida overgrowth and improving symptoms 2.
- Probiotics, particularly lactobacilli, have been shown to suppress Candida growth and biofilm development in vitro and may be a useful alternative for the management of candidiasis 5.
- Other interventions, such as a carbohydrates-exclusion diet, probiotic supplementation, antifungal agents, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and microbiota transfer therapy (MTT), may also be beneficial in reducing Candida overgrowth and improving symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness 6.
Specific Dietary Recommendations
- Reducing refined carbohydrate intake may help reduce Candida colonization 4, 3.
- Increasing consumption of healthier wheat flour substitutes and cheese may be associated with reduced Candida colonization 3.
- A carbohydrates-exclusion diet may be beneficial in reducing Candida overgrowth, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness 6.