Candidiasis : which foods to eat to avoid candida albicans
Neil Goffart
Neil Goffart
Although candidiasis is rarely diagnosed in Belgium or France, as it is still too little known within the medical profession, it is in fact very common, in men and above all in women. It rarely has serious consequences, but the effects of candidiasis can be disastrous in immunocompromised individuals. That is why it is essential not only to manage treatment carefully, but above all to prevent the infection, through the diet. Let us discover together the foods to favour in order to avoid candida albicans.
What is commonly called candidiasis in fact refers to the fungus known as Candida Albicans. In reality, there are more than 150 species of candidiasis, but most are not malignant and remain benign.
So what exactly is candida albicans ? It is an infection caused by a yeast, in other words a fungal organism. This micro-organism has been present in our body from the very start, particularly in our intestines. But when we experience a hormonal imbalance, an immune imbalance or an imbalance of the microbiota, the fungus proliferates and releases toxins in the mucous membranes. This is what we call candidiasis. While the resulting fungal infections are mostly benign, they can prove dangerous in immunocompromised individuals.
Anyone can encounter candida albicans, but not in the same way. Symptoms will not show up as severely in immunocompetent patients, meaning those with a working defence system, as in immunocompromised people or elite athletes.
However, when candidiasis occurs in someone whose body is weakened and whose immune defences are reduced, treatment becomes decidedly more complex. This includes patients on immunosuppressive treatment, patients with autoimmune diseases, patients living with HIV, patients being treated for cancer or who have had a transplant.
Diet is the first step in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiome. Reducing certain sugars, favouring fibre-rich foods and following a varied diet are strategies that are often recommended.
In some situations, however, targeted micronutritional support may also be considered to accompany these dietary adjustments.
Some nutritional complexes combine various natural active ingredients selected to support digestive balance and the gut microbiome. Such as garlic, which helps increase the body's antioxidant capacity.
This is notably the case with Candovits, a formula developed by the LEPIVITS laboratory that combines several ingredients including liposomal vitamin C, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to support the balance of the intestinal ecosystem and of the microbiome.
There are several types of candidiasis, depending on the area affected. Cutaneous candidiasis mainly occurs where perspiration collects : armpits, groin, between the fingers and in skin folds (under the belly, behind the knees, the crook of the elbow, etc.).
What about the other targets of candida albicans ?
This harmful micro-organism develops on the mucous membranes and on the skin, but the lesions it causes are generally not serious. The fungus can, on the other hand, reach the digestive system or the lungs. It first attacks the genital areas [1], then spreads to the mouth, the digestive tract and the intestines.
This infection is above all brought about by the diet. Discover without delay the foods that encourage candidiasis and those that help avoid it.
There are risk factors of varying significance in the development of candida albicans [2]. Although the infection affects healthy people as well as more vulnerable ones, studies show that the main targets have diabetes, a lack of hydration or a pH imbalance in the body.
The other aggravating factors are recurring stress, taking certain medicines (the contraceptive pill, antibiotics) or indeed pregnancy. Doctors also recommend impeccable personal hygiene and, in particular, drying yourself thoroughly after showering, as fungal infections develop more quickly in a damp environment.
In immunocompetent people, the main cause of candidiasis is dietary hygiene. It is important to follow a healthy diet low in fast-acting carbohydrates, in order to limit the proliferation of the fungus.
It all comes down to the dosage of nutrients, particularly in the gut microbiome and the skin. Here is a non-exhaustive list of pro-candida foods :
Of course, they are also found in healthier foods, such as bananas, carrots, dried fruit, plant-based drinks or pulses, but in smaller quantities. So which anti-candida diet should you follow ?
Although candidiasis is rarely diagnosed in Belgium or France, as it is still too little known within the medical profession, it is in fact very common, in men and above all in women. It rarely has serious consequences, but the effects of candidiasis can be disastrous in immunocompromised individuals. That is why it is essential not only to manage treatment carefully, but above all to prevent the infection, through the diet. Let us discover together the foods to favour in order to avoid candida albicans.
In theory, avoiding candidiasis comes down to eating a balanced diet that is as healthy as possible for your gut microbiome. Many species of lactobacilli [3] support the protective immunity of the mucous membranes. So favour lactic ferments (except in the case of concurrent antibiotic treatment, consult your doctor), particularly formulas that also contain prebiotics. Sugars, on the other hand, are best avoided.
In short, an anti-candidiasis diet consists of :
These dietary recommendations are aimed above all at preventing the risk of candidiasis, as this amounts to looking after your gut flora. However, this dietary advice will not necessarily be the same during treatment for candidiasis. In particular, you will then need to avoid whatever encourages the fungus to proliferate, namely sugars, whether fermented or not, as these feed candida through a fermentation process. Certain anti-candida bioactives can help you strengthen your immune system and help the body restore a balance.
In summary, the biggest risk factor for candidiasis is a poor diet, particularly where there is an imbalance of the gut microbiome, caused by an excess of micro-organisms. The candida albicans invasion is rapid and calls for serious, immediate management if you do not want to aggravate pre-existing intestinal diseases.
Diet is a key factor in preserving the balance of the gut flora. In some cases, a complementary nutritional approach may also be considered.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Candida albicans is a yeast that is naturally present in the body, particularly in the gut. In certain situations involving an imbalance in the gut microbiota, hormones, or immune system, it can proliferate excessively and lead to candidiasis.
The article particularly recommends limiting highly sugary and processed foods, soft drinks, sweets, biscuits, alcohol, certain fried foods, and foods rich in rapidly absorbed carbohydrates, as these may contribute to dietary and intestinal imbalance.
A varied diet can include plenty of vegetables, certain fruits, unsalted nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, plant-based fats, and certain fermented foods. The main objective is to support the balance of the gut microbiota.
A diet particularly high in rapidly absorbed sugars can contribute to an imbalanced intestinal environment. As part of the recommendations presented in the article, reducing sugar intake is therefore one of the main dietary adjustments considered.
The gut microbiota helps maintain the balance of the digestive ecosystem. When this balance is disrupted, certain naturally occurring yeasts, such as Candida albicans, may proliferate more extensively. A varied, fibre-rich diet helps support this intestinal balance.
A food supplement is not a substitute for a balanced diet or for appropriate management of candidiasis. However, certain micronutrient complexes such as Candovits may be considered alongside dietary adjustments to support digestive balance, depending on their composition and authorised health claims.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/myc.13248
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26806384/
[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26390-w
[4] https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5182/
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