Fight Candida with Food

Fatigue, yeast infections and stomach troubles? You may have candida. Candida albicans (C. albicans), a yeast that lives in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and vagina, doesn’t cause problems at normal levels. But an overgrowth – caused by poor diet, excess alcohol intake, stress or impaired digestive function – can trigger bloating, digestive issues, rashes, yeast infections, fatigue and more.

To protect against candida overgrowth, it’s important to avoid foods like high-sugar fruits, excess carbs, alcohol and sugar in any form. Instead, you should focus on lean meats, non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats. The following 7 foods are also proven to bolster your system against candida.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a traditional remedy to protect against candida and other fungal infections. It’s high in caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid, fatty acids with anti-fungal properties that help inhibit the growth of C. albicans and other pathogens. Lauric acid in coconut is also effective against mouth sores and can prevent candida infections in the mouth (thrush).

How to use it: Cook asparagus, slivered almonds, onions and garlic in coconut oil over low heat; add a tablespoon of coconut oil to any smoothie. Combine MCT coconut oil with a few drops of peppermint oil and swish in your mouth to kill yeasts.

Try: Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agent that appears to inhibit the growth of C. albicans and protect against yeast infections. One study suggested curcumin hampered the ability of yeasts to attach to mouth cells and was actually more effective than fluconazole, an anti-fungal drug.

How to use it: Sauté shredded Brussels sprouts, red peppers, onions and minced ginger root with turmeric and black pepper; toss green beans in curry powder, black pepper and melted coconut oil and roast until crispy; simmer sliced turmeric root, sliced ginger root and black peppercorns in coconut milk then strain and sweeten with stevia. Or, try turmeric supplements that deliver an extra dose of curcumin.

Try: Simply Organic Ground Turmeric

Garlic

Garlic is high in allicin, a compound that’s formed when garlic cloves are crushed or chopped. Allicin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. Studies suggest the compound can protect against candida overgrowth. It may even reduce the ability of candida to attach to cells lining the mouth. Because allicin is damaged by heating, it’s best to eat garlic raw for maximum effectiveness.

How to use it: Crush whole garlic cloves, mix with coconut oil and minced rosemary and use on cooked vegetables. Finely mince garlic cloves and whisk together with apple cider vinegar, olive oil and minced thyme for salad dressing. Or, press garlic cloves through a garlic press and toss with cooked vegetables and olive oil.

Ginger

Ginger contains antifungal compounds called gingerol and shagelol and anti-inflammatory agents. Studies show ginger can inhibit the growth of C. albicans. In one study, an antifungal cream with added ginger was more effective at relieving yeast infections than cream without ginger.

How to use it: Simmer broccoli, cauliflower, onions, curry powder and chopped ginger root in broth and coconut milk then purée into a creamy soup.  Finely mince fresh ginger root and combine with white miso paste, apple cider vinegar and sesame oil for a creamy dressing. You can also simmer grated ginger root and zucchini “noodles” in vegetable or bone broth then top with sliced green onions, bean sprouts, chopped basil and sliced jalapeño peppers for a candida-fighting pho.

Try: Simply Organic Ground Ginger

Kimchi

Kimchi is a spicy, traditionally fermented cabbage dish that’s rich in a variety of probiotics. Those probiotics protect the gut from pathogens and, as studies show, reduce gut inflammation. Kimchi’s probiotic content also protects against overgrowth of candida yeast and may alleviate symptoms of candida. Because it’s dairy-free and also contains garlic and ginger, it’s ideal for an anti-candida diet. Other probiotic-rich, dairy-free foods include coconut kefir, miso, tempeh and traditionally prepared (unpasteurized) sauerkraut.

How to use it: Toss shredded baby spinach leaves with kimchi, black sesame seeds and chopped tomatoes for an easy salad. You can also finely chop kimchi and add it to scrambled eggs topped with cubes of avocado.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy to treat candida overgrowth and protect against yeast infections and thrush. Studies show apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial activities and can inhibit the growth of C. albicans and other pathogens. It may even be more effective than nystatin, an anti-fungal drug, in preventing candida overgrowth in the mouth.

How to use it: Combine apple cider vinegar with chopped ginger, crushed garlic cloves and turmeric and let stand overnight before straining for a potent fire cider. Or, toss shredded red and green cabbage, red onions, chopped cilantro and minced serrano peppers with apple cider vinegar and olive oil for a fast slaw.

Kale

Leafy greens are high in fiber to nourish beneficial gut bacteria and help your body protect against candida overgrowth. Kale is also a crucifer, so it’s rich in compounds that may minimize the growth of C. albicans. Other nonstarchy and cruciferous vegetables for an anti-candida diet include spinach, arugula, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, celery, green beans, cucumber, eggplant, onion and zucchini.

How to use it: Sauté chopped kale and sliced mushrooms in coconut oil then sprinkle with very finely minced garlic; toss quartered escarole and leeks in olive oil and grill until tender; cook eggplant, cauliflower and spinach until soft then purée with avocado, salt and pepper for a dairy-free dip.

Discover more about candida-fighting foods and other ways to stay healthy:

• Kick Candida With These Supplements
• Kefir Could Be Key to Combating Bad Bacteria
• MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: What’s the Difference?
• Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies: Health or Hype?

We independently source all of the products that we feature on cleaneatingmag.com. If you buy from the links on our site, we may receive an affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.