Foods to Avoid if You Have a Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are uncomfortable and embarrassing, yet they are very common, being one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor.

For people uncomfortable with taking medicines to clear the infection it is possible to get rid of a yeast infection by purely dietary means.

These are some of the foods to be avoided while fighting a yeast infection.

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Sugar

Sugar feeds a yeast infection, exacerbating the symptoms and prolonging the discomfort. Anyone who has ever tried their hand at baking bread and seen the way the yeast reacts violently, bubbling and expanding, when mixed with sugar will have an instant understanding of why it is important to dramatically reduce, or completely cut your sugar intake while fending off a yeast infection.

Fruit and Dried Fruit

Dried fruit can contain sulfites which can have a negative effect on the body, but both fruit and dried fruit are full of fructose, a sugar, which acts as a growth spur to the yeast infection.

It may seem counter-intuitive to be told to not eat fruit in order to feel better, but very high-sugar fruits should definitely be avoided. Low sugar fruits include apples, grapefruit and water melon and small portions of these might be alright.

The best test is to try them and see if symptoms are worsened; if so, cut them out of the diet until the infection is under control.

Chlorinated water

Some sufferers have reported that drinking chlorinated water can aggravate a yeast infection.

For this reason many people prefer to drink bottled water or distilled water when trying to cure a yeast infection, although the label of any bottle must be read to ensure that there is no chlorine in the water.

Drinking at least 8 glasses a day of pure water is very good for general health and will help to rid the body of toxins and impurities that might be prolonging the fight against the yeast infection.

Mushrooms

While some mushrooms have health benefits, many of them can cause an inflammatory reaction in the yeast infection, causing more sensitivity and tenderness for the sufferer and prolonging the course of the infection.

Some mushrooms have traces of mould on them, which is not removed completely and can cause further health problems. Until the condition is under control it is best to avoid mushrooms altogether.

Vinegar

Most types of vinegar contain yeast, which depletes stomach acid and can cause inflammation. When used by a yeast infection sufferer vinegars can worsen symptoms and cause an inflammatory reaction.

Oddly enough, Apple Cider Vinegar does not have a negative effect, it can, in fact be helpful to the body and boost health levels. As Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the nicer-tasting vinegars it will be no hardship to switch to this type for the duration of the yeast infection – although you may like it so much that you make the change permanent!

Shellfish

Shellfish should be avoided while fighting a yeast infection.

Shellfish are essentially the ground-sweepers of the sea, living on the sea floor and eating up any detritus that falls their way. As a result many shellfish contain harmful toxins and chemicals, even some heavy metals, which can be appallingly harmful to a human.

Even shellfish reared in an artificial environment, away from pollutants are best avoided by the ill as they can suppress the immune system, allowing infections and harmful bacteria to get a foothold in the body and thrive.

Alcohol

Sadly, alcohol is an absolute no-no while suffering a yeast infection.

Alcohol is brewed with yeast and stuffed full of sugar, both components admirably suited to breeding up a yeast infection to epic proportions. Drinking alcohol while in the throes of a yeast infection can be likened to trying to put a fire out by throwing oil on it, it can dramatically increase the hold the infection has and worsen symptoms, discomfort and the length of time needed to eradicate it.

Refined Breads and Carbohydrates

White breads should not be eaten for much the same reason as alcohol.

They are made using yeast and being refined carbohydrates have little nutritional value to help the body fight off the infection. Into this group can also be included white rice, regular pasta and even potatoes – all the starchy comfort foods!

While some of these may not actively promote the infection they do hinder the body from the battle of clearing the infection, as more of the body’s resources have to be diverted to the digestive system to work these bulky foods though the system.

Processed Foods

Foods like ham, bacon and anything with a list of ingredients that need a dictionary and run-up to read, should be avoided.

Preservatives and artificial colorings are unnatural products and the body cannot cope with them as easily as it can with more natural, pure products. While suffering from a yeast infection try to eat as simple a diet as possible, with an emphasis on small amounts whole-grain carbohydrates, lean cuts of organic meat and fresh organic vegetables, with plenty of pure, clean water.

Avoid fizzy drinks and cordials as far as possible to try to clean out your system, all the better to enable the disease-fighting processes in your body to work unhindered.

Cheese

Blue cheeses are full of mould – that is what causes the ‘blue’ part – and can feed an infection, but even regular cheese is best avoided when fighting a yeast infection as it contains small amounts of mould due to the cheese-making process.

The best dietary advice for avoiding and fending off yeast infections is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Remove any processed, over-refined products from the diet, avoid caffeine and alcohol and stay away from junk food.

Eating whole grain, high-fibre foods not only actively helps to reduce the infection, but boosts the body’s immune system, helping it to fight the infection effectively and quickly.

You may also want to check out the 10 foods not to eat if you have fungal or yeast overgrowth.