So you’ve been diagnosed with Candida, but now you need your Candida diet shopping list.
I’m asked a lot about the candida infection because it’s becoming a quite common diagnosis.
I’ve written about candida in the past when comparing SIBO, SIFO, and Candida Overgrowth.
For your basic refresher:
This post is strictly devoted to Candida and a candida diet plan to help you eat a healthy diet while trying to heal.
What is a Candida Overgrowth?
Candida refers to a category of yeasts that are typically found in small amounts in the mouth and intestines and on the skin.
In smaller amounts, there is nothing wrong with Candida.
Healthy bacteria in the body keep Candida levels under control.
However, when the Candida grows uncontrollably, it’s known as a Candida Overgrowth (from the Candida albicans species; a yeast overgrowth) and is the most common cause of fungal infections in humans.
This can be problematic for two reasons:
- In those with an already compromised immune system.
- Having too much yeast breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic byproducts into your body. This can cause the gut to become leaky.
I’ve written at length about Leaky Gut Syndrome. In fact, I have a book on it, too. If you’re interested in learning more about the topic, you can get started with it by reading How to Heal Leaky Gut Syndrome Fast.
Candida Causes, Signs and Symptoms
Here are the main candida overgrowth symptoms:
- Skin and nail fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and toenail fungus
- Feeling tired and worn down or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Digestive tract issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
- Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis
- Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and/or brain fog
- Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
- Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Vaginal infections – recurrent vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching
- Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
- Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
For this post, I’m focusing on research that points tohealing foods for a Candida yeast overgrowth.
Candida Diet Food List
First, it’s important to make note that…..
“A consistent antifungal diet of at least 5–6 weeks is also essential. It is important to deprive the yeast of their base food. Sugar, sweets, white flour products, and alcohol should be strictly avoided.
Sweet fruit should also be avoided in the first 4 weeks. The focus is on a wholesome diet with lots of lettuce, vegetables, and whole grain products. The high-fiber diet not only strengthens the immune system but also presumably exerts a mechanical cleaning effect by sweeping the fungal nests out of the villi through its fibrous structure and at the same time stimulating the bowel movement.
High-content phytochemicals with an antimicrobial effect make the whole-food diet the ideal antifungal diet—however, success is only permanent if there is a consequent change in diet.’
In the acute diet phase of 4 weeks, patients even have to do without sweet fruits because Candida can also utilize fructose. Only sour apples, lemons, and grapefruit are allowed.
The focus is on a high-fiber diet, which means a lot of salad and vegetables as well as whole grains. Their fiber exerts a mechanical “cleaning effect” by sweeping out the fungal nests between the villi, and they stimulate the movement of the intestine. In addition, fiber is cheap because it cannot be broken down by the yeast in the intestine. We therefore recommend our patients to eat whole foods.” (source)
In other words:
- Stop the candida growth by removing their base foods (sugar, sweets, white flour products, and alcohol).
- Even natural sweeteners, natural sugars, fruits, and fruit juices should be avoided.
- Whole foods are the focal point. These, though, are good things for overall health.
Taking this, and other things, into account here is a great list of foods for getting started today.
Click HERE to save this candida diet shopping list for an anti-candida diet for later. You can print it out and bring it right with you to the grocery store!
- Almonds
- Avocado and Avocado Oil (healthy fats in general)
- Basil
- Bone Broth (always a good idea for gut healing!)
- Chia Seeds
- Cilantro
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Coconuts and Coconut Oil. (One study suggest that coconut oil could become the first dietary intervention to reduce GI colonization by C. albicans. Dietary coconut oil both reduced C. albicans murine GI colonization and altered the metabolic program of the colonizing cells.)
- Eggs
- Flaxseeds
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ghee butter
- Grapefruit
- Hempseeds
- Lemon juice
- Olives and Olive Oil
- Oregano
- Organic meat (fresh, not packaged; ie. no hot dogs or deli meat) – p.s. HERE is the best place to buy grass-fed meat online)
- Parsley
- Turmeric.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables (or low-starch vegetables):
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Arugula
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Beans (green, Italian, yellow or wax)
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chayote (it’s a squash)
- Chicory
- Collard greens (leafy greens in general)
- Cucumber
- Dandelion greens
- Green onions
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce (endive, escarole, romaine or iceberg)
- Mustard greens
- Okra
- Onions
- Peppers
- Radicchio
- Radishes
- Scallions
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Turnip greens
- Turnips
- Water chestnuts
- Watercress
- Zucchini
- Walnuts
- Wild salmon (wild-caught fish in general)
Foods to avoid on a Candida Diet
I think too often we focus on the “do not eat” list instead of “eat more of this.” We must figure out ways for eating more, not less.
Therefore, while I don’t want to focus on the foods to avoid on a Candida diet, I’ll share a basic list.
Exercise caution when approaching the following foods on any candida cleanse:
- high-sugar fruits (this would be most fruit, especially in the beginning)
- gluten (this includes white flour and actually all 124 Wheat and Gluten Sources and Alternate Names)
- deli meats and farm-raised fish
- refined oils and fats
- condiments
- certain dairy products
- sugar and artificial sweeteners (192 Sugar Sources and Alternate Names)
- nuts and seeds that are higher in mold (peanut, cashew, pecan, pistachio)
- caffeine
- yeast, in general
- mushrooms
- alcohol
- sugary beverages
- nitrates
- sulfites
If you’re consuming foods with live bacteria, i.e.fermented foodslike Kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles, they can be contributing to your overgrowth of candida.
However, sources do state that Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is okay to consume.
Apple cider vinegar showed antifungal properties against Candida spp., thus representing a possible therapeutic alternative for patients with denture stomatitis.
LEARN ALL ABOUT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM BY CLICKING HERE
And, in general (like with most other gut-healing diets), foods that are inflammatory and contain low nutrients should be avoided and/or limited as they are risk factors for an overgrowth of yeast.
Choose an anti-inflammatory diet every chance you get, as it’s the best way to approach diet from a high-level viewpoint.
Can I Have Nutritional Yeast on a Candida Diet?
This is one of the top questions I’m asked when it comes to “can I have this for a Candida diet?”
Here is what the research says:
Stay Away from Nutritional Yeast with a Candida Overgrowth
Nutritional yeast, or “nooch”, is a dried, inactive form of a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It looks like yellow fish flakes, and even though it’s high in B vitamins, it’s definitely not a superfood. Yeasts almost always contain high levels of mold toxins. They also encourage a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans to grow in your body, which changes the fungal biome of your gut. (source)
Nutritional Yeast is fine for a Candida Overgrowth
Dr. Seymour Pomper, an expert in yeast explains that because nutritional yeast has not been associated with the Candida albicans strain related to yeast infections, it has proved to be one of the best remedies for chronic candida symptoms, a specific type of yeast infection. It has also shown profound effects on E.coli, salmonella and staphylococcus. (source)
In other words, you can find research onboth sides of the coin.
So what do I personally think?
I think that whether or not Nutritional Yeast works for you will be 100% trial and error. Start slow and go, if you really want to try it. Don’t eat a ton at any given setting. See how you react to any dietary changes, record them in your food journal, and make the best decision for you.
Whatever you do, donot get caught up on Nutritional Yeast asthe thing that will heal or not heal the overgrowth.
Sources: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
A Common Issue
Let’s say you are eating (or not eating) everything from above, but these things still linger:
- experience headaches
- digestive system off
- joint pain
- other problems in various parts of the body
I want you to remember something very important: you cannot diet harder.
Therefore, please remember to seek help from a medical professional.
You might have heavy metals exposure, other infections, low stomach acid, a hormone imbalance, blood sugar regulation problems, chronic stress, etc.
You can’t outrun a terrible diet, but the perfect diet might also not be the only thing you personally need.
Alright, now that you have an entire list of candida foods to enjoy and avoid, you can get started today.
Hoping to learn about many more digestive issues, symptoms you’re experiencing and how to get started healing? Then Gut Healing for Beginners is for you! Learn all about it HERE.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
- 90-Day Gut Healing Journal
- 7 Essential Oils for Gut Health
- Gluten Free Breakfast Stir Fry {Low-FODMAP Bonus}
Xox,
SKH
Sarah Kay Hoffman
You will heal. I will help.
FAQs
What foods destroy Candida? ›
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, cabbage, and radishes, are among the most powerful foods that kill Candida. They contain isothiocyanates, which are sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds that inhibit the growth of Candida.
Do eggs make Candida worse? ›Protein: Lean protein, such as eggs and skinless poultry, are usually allowed on the Candida diet, as are bone broth and certain fatty fish. Low-mold nuts and seeds are also approved. The Candida diet also excludes red, organ, and processed meats.
What fruits are OK on candida diet? ›...
Candida Diet Fruit List
- Olives.
- Avocados.
- Starfruit.
- Cranberries.
- Raspberries.
- Blackberries.
- Strawberries.
- Casaba melon.
Using diet alone it could take three to six months before the candida is back under control. Your doctor may also suggest the use of an anti-fungal medication such as Diflucan or Nyastatin for a month or longer to speed up the process.
How do you cleanse your body of Candida? ›Follow a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet to boost your immunity and starve the Candida yeast. Take a detox supplement to support your liver and reduce your Candida symptoms. Use a high-quality probiotic supplement to restore your gut flora. Take a natural antifungal to inhibit and reverse the Candida overgrowth.
How do I get rid of Candida permanently? ›- Eliminate your sugar intake. ...
- Cut down on carbs. ...
- Stay away from high-lactose dairy products. ...
- Go for gluten-free products. ...
- Reduce alcohol intake.
Avoid white-starch foods, like white bread, cakes, cookies, white pasta, white rice, potatoes w/o skins, and all refined flours. Whole-grain flour, in moderation, is acceptable; whole-grain brown or wild rice and whole-grain pasta are all OK.
Is Sweet Potato OK on Candida Diet? ›Minimize starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams, corn, winter squash, beets, peas, parsnips, and beans, especially in the early part of your diet. When you switch to a low sugar eating plan, there is often a temptation to eat lots of starchy vegetables as a substitute.
Does cheese worsen Candida? ›Most dairy products should be avoided on the Candida diet. Dairy foods like milk and cheese tend to contain lots of natural sugars (e.g. lactose) and they can also be difficult to digest.
Can you eat salad on Candida diet? ›Salads are great way to incorporate plenty of greens leaves that will support the liver during the detoxification process. Other nutrients included in this salad that are great to fight Candida include Olive Oil, Chia Seeds and Apple Cider Vinegar.
Can I eat pasta with Candida? ›
Pasta is one food that people tend to really crave on a diet like the Candida diet, which is low in sugars and refined carbohydrates. Unfortunately, regular pasta is on the foods to avoid list. Traditional pasta contains gluten. We recommend avoiding gluten completely while fighting a Candida overgrowth.
Does peanut butter make Candida worse? ›Peanut butter
Of course, if you are following the Candida diet then you will already be avoiding peanuts, because they can cause inflammation in those of us who are particular sensitive to their high mold content. Try a high quality almond butter instead.
In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, Dr. Wallman often recommends using herbal supplements like oregano oil and garlic extract to help restore the balance of the yeast. “The herbal supplements have a lot of anti-yeast and antifungal properties to them,” she says.
Is avocado okay for Candida? ›Avocado and eggs are two of the best ways to create a satisfying meal while you're treating your Candida, and this recipe contains a good helping of both. If you feel like you're not getting enough food on the diet, or you want to avoid losing weight, this is a great option.
How long does it take to heal your gut from candida? ›Most mild to moderate cases of candidiasis will clear up in two to three days after you complete treatment. More severe cases of candidiasis may take a couple of weeks to clear up completely after treatment.
How hard is it to get rid of candida? ›It's really hard to get rid of Candida without adjusting your diet—even if you're on an anti-fungal prescription, you need to take away the foods that are contributing to the overgrowth.
Can probiotics make candida worse? ›Can Probiotics Make Candida Worse? You might think that probiotics make Candida worse by adding to both the good and the bad bacteria in your gut. However, probiotics can actually help you maintain the correct balance of gut flora in your body.
Is apple cider vinegar good for Candida? ›According to research ACV has benefits as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. A 2018 study found that undiluted (or mildly diluted) ACV can prevent the growth of candida.
What happens when Candida is leaving your body? ›Candida die-off may cause symptoms of a yeast infection to temporarily worsen, or it may even cause new symptoms, such as a fever or stomach pain. Treatment of viruses, bacteria, and fungi such as candida can cause temporary inflammation in the body.
What kills Candida overgrowth fast? ›- Caprylic Acid. Coconut oil is made up of three fatty acids: caprylic acid capric acid and lauric. ...
- Undecylenic Acid. ...
- Oregano Leaf Extract. ...
- Berberine. ...
- Betaine HCl. ...
- Garlic Extract. ...
- Olive Leaf Extract.
What kills Candida fast at home? ›
- Greek yogurt. Probiotics can be effective against C. Albicans. ...
- Boric acid. ...
- Essential oil of oregano. ...
- Probiotic suppositories and supplements. ...
- Coconut oil. ...
- Tea tree oil. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Garlic.
Caffeine is one of the items that you definitely should cut back on during your Candida diet. As you know, sugar is the one thing especially to avoid on the Candida Diet – it feeds the yeast in your gut and contributes to Candida overgrowth.
What should I eat for breakfast if I have a yeast infection? ›- Boiled or scrambled eggs with yeast free bread or crackers.
- Sugar-free baked beans (Whole Earth is a good brand) on yeast-free toast.
- Porrage with cinnamon, fresh chopped fruit and natural yogurt.
- Live yogurt and fresh fruit.
Foods to avoid
The candida diet strictly prohibits the consumption of sugar, gluten, alcohol, and dairy products that contain high quantities of lactose. While on the candida diet, people should avoid the following foods: Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, beans, and peas.
Foods to eat on a candida diet:
Non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bean sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, mushrooms, salad greens, tomato and zucchini. Healthy fats like avocado, eggs, nuts and extra virgin olive oil. Fermented foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut.
Anything containing gluten – wheat, rye, white bread, and pasta, and also corn and corn products including popcorn – will allow the Candida to thrive and compromise your immune system. Gluten foods and processed foods can raise your blood sugar levels too.
Does caffeine worsen Candida? ›Firstly, caffeine's detrimental effect on your immune system reduces your ability to fight Candida overgrowth. This will not only worsen your Candida symptoms; it will compromise your health in the long run. Secondly, caffeine can cause spikes in your blood sugar that feed your Candida overgrowth.
What cheese is OK for Candida? ›So, some Candida patients will tolerate dairy and others may not. You can try cheddar cheese, swiss and cottage cheese- and even yogurt. If you are prone to bloating or constipation you may want to avoid dairy.
What apples can you eat on a candida diet? ›If you've started to reintroduce foods to your Candida diet, this is a tasty but simple breakfast recipe to try. Green apples are one of the fruits with the lowest sugar content, so they're perfect for when you're beginning to reintroduce fruits to your diet.
Can you eat honey on Candida Diet? ›Avoid every type of sugar, including raw brown sugar, molasses and honey, as they feed Candida and other unhealthy yeasts in the bowel. It may be possible to use small amounts of a good quality honey (such as manuka honey) because honey contains natural antibiotics that stop fungi and bacteria from growing.
Is pumpkin OK on candida diet? ›
...
The MAYBE List.
| CATEGORY | FOODS TO EAT |
|---|---|
| VEGETABLES | Beans Beets Carrots Corn (non-GMO) Peas Potatoes Pumpkin Yams |
Generally, the candida diet means staying away from certain foods, such as bread, baked goods, pasta, chips, cereal, fried food, junk food, soda, and coffee. You'll also want to limit your intake of dairy, starchy vegetables, and fruits that are high in sugar.
How do you calm down candida? ›- Eliminate your sugar intake. ...
- Cut down on carbs. ...
- Stay away from high-lactose dairy products. ...
- Go for gluten-free products. ...
- Reduce alcohol intake.
Follow a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet to boost your immunity and starve the Candida yeast. Take a detox supplement to support your liver and reduce your Candida symptoms. Use a high-quality probiotic supplement to restore your gut flora. Take a natural antifungal to inhibit and reverse the Candida overgrowth.
What vitamins help with Candida? ›Vitamin C can boost your immune system
Taking a good Vitamin C supplement will restore your adrenal glands to health, build up your immune system and allow your body to fight off the Candida.
Treatment for candidiasis is extremely effective. Symptoms are bothersome but will start to fade after treatment begins and infections will clear up completely between two to three days or up to two weeks, depending on the type and severity of infection.
Can Apple cider vinegar heal Candida? ›According to research ACV has benefits as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. A 2018 study found that undiluted (or mildly diluted) ACV can prevent the growth of candida. The researchers discovered this effect in a candida culture, which is a small sample of these organisms.
What happens when candida is leaving your body? ›Candida die-off may cause symptoms of a yeast infection to temporarily worsen, or it may even cause new symptoms, such as a fever or stomach pain. Treatment of viruses, bacteria, and fungi such as candida can cause temporary inflammation in the body.
Why is my body full of candida? ›Candida albicans is not a sexually transmitted disease or infection. Candida is a yeast that naturally lives in your body and can overgrow if the balance of yeast and healthy bacteria in your body changes. The balance of yeast could change as a result of sexual activity but having sex does not cause infection.
What snacks are yeast free? ›- • Celery sticks with almond butter.
- • Apple slices with almond butter (after one month)
- • Fresh veggies with hummus.
- • Dr. Hotze's Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar.
- • Dr. Hotze's Chocolate Mint Coconut Fiber Bar.
- • Unsweetened applesauce.
- • Hard-boiled eggs.
- • Fruit kabobs (after one month)
Can I eat rice on Candida Diet? ›
Avoid white-starch foods, like white bread, cakes, cookies, white pasta, white rice, potatoes w/o skins, and all refined flours. Whole-grain flour, in moderation, is acceptable; whole-grain brown or wild rice and whole-grain pasta are all OK.
Can you eat potatoes on Candida Diet? ›The candida diet strictly prohibits the consumption of sugar, gluten, alcohol, and dairy products that contain high quantities of lactose. While on the candida diet, people should avoid the following foods: Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, beans, and peas.
What food makes yeast infection worse? ›- In vegetables: Potatoes, corn, beans, and peas.
- In fruits: High-sugar fruits like bananas, mangoes, figs, and raisins.
- Caffeinated coffee and tea, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol-type beverages.
- Processed meats and farm-raised fish.
On the other hand, there are also many anti-candida diets (the one in my book, Living Candida-Free, included) that allow sweet potatoes as well as other starchy vegetables.
What drinks treat yeast infections? ›Cranberry juice or pills
Drinking cranberry juice has been found to help with urinary tract infections by preventing the formation of the Candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections).