Diet for thrush: antifungal menu for prevention and treatment

Photo: TS/Fotobank.ru

Thrush is one of the most annoying female ailments. Even after successful treatment, the fungal infection often returns again and again. As an effective prevention and aid in the treatment of this disease, doctors recommend a special diet.

• If you have thrush, it is recommended to start every morning with fresh live yogurt for breakfast.
  Even if there are no visible signs of thrush, yogurt is an excellent means of preventing this fungal disease. Pieces of fruit or berries should not be added to yogurt, but unsweetened muesli will only be beneficial. View gallery

Thrush in men and women

The correct medical name for the disease is candidiasis (candidomycosis, blastomycosis, moniliasis), which comes from the causative agent - a fungus of the Candida species. The problem is popularly called thrush.

The causative agent of the disease is a fungus of the Candida species.

Candida fungi are opportunistic microorganisms that are part of the microflora even in a healthy person. They are located on the skin and mucous membranes. Under normal conditions, their number is controlled by the body. Under the influence of unfavorable conditions, the fungus begins to multiply, which leads to the development of the disease.

Due to physiological reasons, thrush affects mainly the fair sex. This is facilitated by the structure of the genital organs, as well as hormonal changes in the female body. In men, the disease develops much less frequently.

Thrush mainly affects women due to the structural features of the genital organs.

In addition, there is the so-called spousal thrush, in which the causative agent of the disease is transmitted through sexual contact from a partner. However, the probability of infection in this case is not so high - about 30%.

Classification: chronic, systemic, deep thrush and other forms

According to the method of localization, candidiasis is divided into:

1. Superficial - affects only the surface of the skin, nails, oral cavity, and external genitalia.
2. Deep - often has no external manifestations or other symptoms, but the fungi spread to internal organs.

Also distinguished:

1. Systemic thrush is the most complex type of disease. In this case, the damage affects several groups of organs, usually the bronchi, lungs and gastrointestinal tract, rarely the eyes. First of all, the genitourinary system suffers.
2. Cutaneous - most often occurs in the area of ​​skin folds or in the scalp.
3. Allergic - caused by intolerance to a substance, often in hygiene products.

Depending on the form of manifestation, there are 3 types of thrush:

1. Carriage. In this case, a person is only a carrier of microorganisms. Their number exceeds the norm, but there are no symptoms. This type is rare.
2. Acute candidiasis. The symptoms are pronounced, the course of the disease is rapid.
3. The chronic form is caused by a severe weakening of the immune system. Often develops due to ineffective treatment of acute candidiasis. The symptoms are very mild, but serious harm is caused to the body.

Summarize

• The candidiasis diet is designed to destroy excess Candida fungi.
• It involves avoiding sugar, gluten, alcohol and some dairy products.
• The focus is on high quality, low sugar foods, organic meats and healthy fats.
• Relief of symptoms may occur over varying periods of time depending on the individual and may depend on your diet and the duration and severity of symptoms.
• The first signs of improvement may include increased energy levels and improved concentration, as well as a decrease in indigestion.
• Although you may see relief from your symptoms, there have been few and conflicting studies on the effectiveness of this diet.
• However, if you have been diagnosed with candidiasis, it may be helpful to find out if this diet works for you.

Tags: Candidiasis

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When is an anti-candidiasis diet needed?

Diet is an integral part of complex therapy for thrush, the main cause of which is decreased immunity. Therefore, medications will not give a long-term effect if you do not start with the main thing - strengthening your defenses. And for this you need to eat more vegetables and fruits.

To strengthen the body's defenses, it is necessary to consume more vegetables and fruits

The next step is to restore the microflora. With thrush, the number of beneficial microorganisms is reduced, so dairy products, especially yoghurt, are simply necessary in the diet. They contain live bacteria that contribute to the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and can reduce the risk of relapse of the disease by almost 2 times.

Thus, a diet for thrush is an effective way to improve the condition and reduce the manifestations of the disease. Like other therapeutic measures, nutritional adjustments should not be postponed until later. It is necessary to introduce useful changes into the diet as soon as the doctor has made the appropriate diagnosis.

Pickles and smoked meats

Canned food, which includes all kinds of marinades and pickles, can hardly be called sweet, but sugar is almost always present in its composition and causes a sharp jump in blood glucose levels. No less harmful are store-bought sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard), as well as smoked products containing acetic acid, which increases acidity and destroys the protective barrier of the digestive tract. Due to the consumption of such products, immunity may decrease, which will significantly complicate the healing process.

Source: depositphotos.com

Principles of proper nutrition: what you can and cannot eat with candidiasis

The anti-candida diet is different from weight loss diets. You need to eat well, and the diet must be balanced, otherwise the treatment will not give the desired effect.

Basic principles of nutrition:

1. You need to include more fresh vegetables in your menu. Adherents of a healthy diet recommend consuming them only raw, but this statement is very controversial. Large amounts of unprocessed vegetables can have a bad effect on your intestinal health. Therefore, it is recommended to stew or boil them. Fried foods should be avoided.
2. Fruits are welcome during a diet, but not all of them. The main requirement is that they should not be too sweet. Therefore, it is better to give preference to green apples, plums, etc.
3. The menu should include dishes made from lean poultry and fish. For variety, legumes are introduced into the diet.
4. Nuts and seeds are allowed in small quantities.
5. During treatment, you need to consume more fermented milk products, although regular milk will not be superfluous either.

Prohibited products:

1. You need to give up fast food. Canned foods and semi-finished products are not welcome - you can eat them, but infrequently and in small quantities. It is better to give preference to natural, fresh food during treatment.
2. When following a diet against thrush, all sweets are strictly prohibited. In this case, we are talking not only about chocolate, cakes, etc., you will even have to exclude refined sugar, as it promotes the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. For the same reason, it is not allowed to eat sweet fruits and juices from them.
3. All products that contain yeast should be excluded from the diet, since such food will also promote the growth of bacteria. Bread, pastries, and some drinks, such as beer, are prohibited.
4. You should avoid alcohol during treatment.

Don't worry that eliminating certain foods will make you feel worse. On the contrary, such a diet will help normalize the gastrointestinal tract and remove toxins and waste from the body. At the beginning of treatment, men may experience dizziness and weakness, despite the fact that some types of meat are included in the menu.

Fractional meals are ideal, when food is consumed in small portions in 5-6 meals (3 main meals and 2-3 snacks).

Allowed and prohibited foods for thrush - photo gallery

If you have thrush, you can only eat unsweetened fruits.

The menu should include dietary meat

Fermented milk products contain bacteria that are beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract

Sweets are prohibited for candidiasis

Baking promotes bacterial growth

Alcohol is completely avoided during treatment

It is recommended to stew or boil vegetables

Additional recommendations when using a diet to treat thrush

1. Milk is a very healthy product, but some doctors tend to prohibit it during the treatment of candidiasis. However, no one has yet been able to prove that it provokes the proliferation of the fungus. Therefore, if it is difficult to give up this product completely, you can somewhat limit its use.
2. It is worth considering that some products from the list of permitted products for candidiasis may be prohibited for any other diseases. For example, fresh cabbage in case of pathologies of the pancreas can cause an exacerbation of pancreatitis, and lemon and garlic will worsen the condition of a stomach ulcer.
3. When treating, do not forget about the compatibility of products. Here you need to turn to the principles of separate nutrition. It is better not to consume carbohydrates and proteins with each other, as they are poorly absorbed together. It is better to combine them with fresh vegetables.
4. You need to drink a lot of water every day. It is better to do this either before eating (at least 15 minutes before) or after (after 2-3 hours). The recommended amount is 1.5–2 liters.
5. If you have intestinal candidiasis, you must additionally exclude all acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, from your diet. They increase acidity, thereby promoting the active proliferation of fungi and slowing down the healing process.
6. For oral candidiasis, sour foods are also excluded; in addition, you need to avoid spicy foods and seasonings, as well as dairy products. It is best to eat pureed food at room temperature with a little salt.

This diet must be followed throughout the entire period of treatment. After the disease is defeated, you should not immediately return to your previous diet. It's better to wait another 3-4 weeks.

The above recommendations apply equally to the treatment of candidiasis in both women and men. There is a difference in diets depending on gender, but it comes down mainly to the calorie content of dishes and the size of portions. Men should have more carbohydrates and proteins in their diet to maintain immunity.

Anti-candidal diet during pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, some medications for candidiasis are strictly prohibited. Therefore, proper nutrition becomes most important in treating thrush.

During this period, the menu should include more vegetables and unsweetened fruits, and dairy products. You can eat meat and fish, but be sure to eat low-fat varieties; fried ones are not recommended.

Diet is the main method of treatment during pregnancy

It is especially important to replace regular tea and coffee with herbal infusions. But here you need to consult a doctor and carefully monitor your condition, since medicinal plants can cause allergies.

During breastfeeding, you need to take into account not only which group the product belongs to - “allowed” or “prohibited”, but also how the child reacts to it. The immune system of newborns is still very weak, so allergies can occur even to the foods that the mother ate. Doctors usually give women during lactation a list of foods that should be avoided. Potential allergens, even if they are recommended for candidiasis, are best excluded from the diet.

Starting a diet - clearing candida

Before starting an anti-candida diet, proponents recommend doing a candida cleanse. This is a short-term diet that is believed to reduce stress on your digestive tract and remove toxins from your body.

Doing a cleanse can also prepare your body and get you in the mood for an anti-candida diet. There are many ways to do a cleanup, but the two most common are:

1. Drink only liquids, such as water with lemon juice or bone broth.
2. Eating mostly non-starchy vegetables throughout the day in the form of salads and steamed vegetables along with a small amount of protein.

Some people may experience negative symptoms when starting a cleanse diet, such as fatigue, headaches, mood swings, or changes in sleep patterns.

Keep in mind that a candida cleanse should not last more than a few days.

Once you have completed the cleanse, you can begin the anti-candida diet.

There is no special schedule for an anti-candidiasis diet. Some people may experience relief within a few weeks, while others may take many months to see benefits.

When following a candida diet, it is best to consult a nutritionist to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Before you start a candida diet, there are a few things to consider:

• Start Slowly : Instead of giving up sugar, caffeine, and gluten immediately, try eliminating one of these foods over a period of time to make the process easier.
• Eliminate all possible risk factors : To reduce symptoms as quickly as possible, it is important to eliminate any risk factors that may prevent progress - such as alcohol, poor hygiene or sugary foods.
• It should be short-term : This diet is intended for short-term use until your symptoms improve. It is not intended to completely replace the main diet.

Summary:

To start a candida diet, you must first do a candida cleanse and then strictly adhere to a list of foods that you can eat. When following this diet, it is best to work with a nutritionist.

Diet for candidiasis: menu for the week

At first glance, it may seem that the anti-candidiasis diet is too strict and lacks variety. In fact, it is quite possible, by checking the list of permitted products, to create a healthy menu.

Sample menu for one week - table

Foods you can eat

Organic foods that are low in sugar, unprocessed, and free of chemicals can support healing and reduce symptoms. Focus on including these foods during your candida diet(,):

• Low-sugar fruits and berries : Lemon, lime and berries (can be eaten in small quantities).
• Non-starchy vegetables : Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale, celery, cucumber, eggplant, onions, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes and rutabaga (best eaten raw or steamed).
• Gluten-free grains : Millet, quinoa, oats and buckwheat. You can see a complete list of gluten-free products on this page - Gluten-free diet: list of allowed and prohibited foods.
• High-quality protein : Chicken, eggs, salmon, turkey and sardines.
• Healthy fats : Avocado, olives, unrefined coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil and sesame oil.
• Some dairy products : Butter, ghee, organic kefir or plain yogurt.
• Low mold nuts and seeds : Almonds, sunflower seeds, coconuts or flaxseeds.
• Herbs and Spices : Black pepper, salt, cinnamon, dill, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, paprika, turmeric and thyme.
• Condiments : Apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos and sauerkraut.
• Sugar substitutes : Stevia, erythritol and xylitol.
• Non-alcoholic drinks : Herbal teas, chicory coffee, filtered water, homemade almond milk, coconut milk (look for plain ones), and water with lemon or lime juice.

Summary:

Eat organic, high-quality, low-sugar foods and organic meats and fats to reduce exposure to pesticides and increase nutrient absorption.

Examples of dishes for an anti-candida diet

The main requirement is a variety of food. You should not limit yourself to any one set of dishes. On the Internet you can find many delicious and healthy recipes that do not contradict the rules of the diet.

Poached egg

You can diversify the menu with an unusual and healthy French dish - a poached egg, which is prepared as follows:

• Pour water into a small saucepan and bring to a boil;
• reduce the heat slightly so that the boil continues, but less intensely;
• pour vinegar into the water - 1 tbsp. For preparation, you will need ordinary table vinegar, without dyes and flavors, since otherwise the egg will take on an unsightly shade;

  
  Poached egg - an unusual and healthy French dish

• There is no need to add salt, otherwise the egg will turn into “rags”;
• Carefully break the shell and pour the contents into a cup, being careful not to damage the yolk;
• Using a spoon, make a “whirlpool” in boiling water and pour the egg into the very center;
• After 2 minutes, remove the egg with a slotted spoon and place on a napkin to drain.

Cooking poached eggs - video

Baked halibut

For lunch, baked fish, such as halibut, is good. This is an everyday dish that is easy to prepare. You will need:

• fish - 800 g;
• 0.5 lemon;
• 0.5 lime;
• salt and pepper.

Cooking method:

• Squeeze juice from lime and lemon, add salt and pepper;
• put halibut fillet into the prepared marinade and marinate for half an hour;
• preheat the oven to 200 degrees;
• Prepare a heat-resistant dish for baking fish and place in the oven for 5 minutes;
• Place the fish in the pan and bake for 5 minutes, then turn over and bake for the same amount of time.

Baked halibut can be a holiday dish

This dish is also good because it can easily be transformed into a festive one. To do this, just prepare the original mango salsa sauce:

• 2 mangoes and red pepper cut into cubes, mix;
• add 3 tbsp. l. fresh cilantro, lime juice (50 ml), ground black pepper, salt and olive oil;
• mix everything well. The fish sauce is served separately.

Cooking baked halibut - video

Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup with vegetables is very healthy and easy to learn how to cook.

You will need:

• 1 chicken;
• 2 potatoes;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 onion;
• noodles - store-bought or homemade;
• greenery;
• salt and pepper.

Chicken noodle soup with vegetables is very healthy and easy to prepare.

Cooking method:

• prepare the broth - add water to the meat and cook until tender;
• remove the meat, cool;
• Peel the potatoes, cut into cubes and place in a pan with broth;
• when the potatoes become soft, add finely chopped carrots and onions;
• add noodles;
• cook a little more until the noodles are ready.

Making chicken noodle soup - video

Cooking healthy meals

When preparing apple-carrot salad, you can use the following recipe: peel and core a couple of apples, cut into small cubes, grate 2 carrots; low-fat sour cream is suitable as a dressing; for sweetness, you can add a handful of washed raisins to the dish.

Stewed fish with sour cream is prepared from 100 g of fillet, which must be salted, rolled in flour and lightly simmered in a frying pan. Then add sour cream, salt, and dried parsley or dill. It is necessary to simmer for at least 15 minutes. After cooking, the fish can be sprinkled with grated cheese and placed in the oven for 5 minutes.

A dietary dish - potato cutlets - is prepared as follows: 5 root vegetables need to be soaked in water for 2 hours, then boiled in water with salt and mashed; chopped and fried onions and carrots in vegetable oil are added to the potatoes; boiled rice (0.5 cups) is also poured into vegetables, an egg and herbs are added and cutlets are made, which it is advisable to roll in breadcrumbs before frying.

Following the rules of the diet for candidiasis can speed up recovery and normalize overall well-being while taking medications.

In case of candidiasis, the introduction of vegetables, whole grain dishes, and fermented milk drinks into the diet allows you to restore the body and strengthen its defenses.

https://youtu.be/FfT-zLOXmls

Drinks for thrush

Women suffering from candidiasis should not drink alcohol. Every day, such patients need to drink clean water, kefir, teas, and herbal decoctions.

As mentioned above, a diet for thrush in women involves restriction not only in foods, but also in drinks. During this period the patient will have to give up:

• Alcohol in any form;
• Coffee. You can use its harmless analogue called chicory;
• Strong tea;
• Any sweet drinks. It can be juices, soda, compote;
• Drinks that undergo a fermentation process, for example, kvass.

The best solution in the process of treating thrush is to drink simple, clean drinking water. Weak tea or its green form is also allowed.