The Connection Between Yeast Infections and Diet: Top Tips to Eliminate Yeast Infections by Eating Right

While yeast infections are very common, many people don't understand the underlying causes and risk factors. An important concept to understand is that the bug that causes yeast infections, Candida albicans, actually exists in our bodies even when we are healthy and don't have an overt infection. This is perfectly normal and not a cause for concern. It is only when the inner environment of the body becomes unbalanced that Candida will overgrow and cause infection.

So what does this have to do with diet? In fact, what you eat can have a tremendous effect on the likelihood that the Candida that naturally occurs in your body will take over and invade healthy tissues. Think of it this way: If you've ever baked bread, you know that all it takes for yeast to grow is a warm location and some sugar. Since your body is already at the perfect temperature, all that Candida needs to run rampant is an excess of sugar.

Because sugar is the primary food source of yeast, eating too much sugar (or any foods that are quickly converted to sugar once consumed) can cause spikes of glucose in your bloodstream and therefore cause Candida to overgrow. It's not as simple as "avoiding sugar," however. First of all, there are a lot of hidden sugars in processed foods. If you take a look at nutrition labels, you may be surprised to see how much sugar is added to foods like crackers and soups.

Second of all, you also have to keep in mind that foods that are quickly processed by the body into sugar are just as bad as eating the sugar itself. Refined carbohydrates, like white flour and white rice, are quickly converted into glucose after you eat them. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods that have a high glycemic index, which is a measure of how much and how quickly the bloodstream glucose level will spike up after you eat them.

While these foods can do a lot of damage when you're trying to fight off a yeast infection, it would be a mistake to only focus on the negative. On the positive side, eating a wholesome diet with plenty of fiber, vitamins and nutrients can be your body's best weapon in the fight against infections, including Candida. For example, eating a lot of fruit and vegetables will give you the right nutrients to ensure that your immune system is functioning in tip-top shape.

It's also a good idea to make sure your getting plenty of fiber in your diet. Your body needs fiber in order to eliminate wastes and toxins from the digestive tract, and lots of fiber helps your digestive system stay healthy.

When you do eat carbohydrates, instead of choosing those made with white flour, opt for whole grain and whole wheat varieties. Not only are these not processed into sugar as rapidly as the white varieties, but they'll help you get plenty of fiber. Similarly, instead of eating unhealthy sources of proteins and fats, go for lean proteins like fish, chicken, nuts and beans, as well as healthy fats like the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil.