Is the candida diet the key to managing thrush?

Most women experience the discomfort of thrush – an overgrowth of candida yeast – at some point. Can following a candida diet help to ease symptoms?

The signs of candidiasis or thrush – an overgrowth of the Candida yeast – are all too familiar to many.

Women are particularly prone to certain medical conditions, and it is estimated that up to 75 per cent of females will have thrush at some point in their life.

The solution? It may just come down to what you eat.

Candida diet: What are the signs and symptoms of thrush?

Candida is a natural fungus found living on your body and generally doesn’t cause any problems when in balance.

When that balance is disrupted, it can cause an overgrowth of candida, resulting in a yeast infection in the mouth, throat or vaginal area.

Typical signs of thrush can include white patches on the cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth and throat.

This can also mean redness, soreness, a cotton-like feeling in the mouth, loss of taste and feeling some pain when eating or swallowing.

Not to be confused with bacterial vaginosis, thrush in the vaginal area can cause irritation, itchiness of the vagina and vulva, and soreness.

Sex may become painful and women can also produce a thick discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese, Jean Hailes dermatologist Dr Tanja Bohl says.

Candida diet: What causes thrush?

“A range of situations can trigger thrush or candidiasis,” Dr Bohl says.

“It can arise after a course of antibiotics, and it can flare the week after a period because hormones change and allow Candida to grow.

“If you’re ill and your immune system is affected, that can also lead to an overgrowth.”

You may also be more prone to thrush during pregnancy, if you have uncontrolled diabetes, or if you use a contraceptive pill or hormone therapy that increases levels of the oestrogen hormone.

What is the candida diet?

While more research on the effectiveness of a candida diet is still needed, it essentially restricts certain foods to prevent yeast overgrowth and thrush.

“The candida diet is a healthy diet because it removes preservatives, refined sugars and foods that our body doesn’t need,” Dr Bohl explains.

“So it can help improve your general health and your ability to fight off Candidiasis.”

Western diets that are typically high in fat and sugar, and low in vegetable fibre, have been suggested to be primary cause of fungal infection worldwide.

Some studies in animals also suggest that simple sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose can lead to a higher growth of candida, dietitian Dr Anika Rouf adds.

Can I drink alcohol on a candida diet?

If you’re on a candida diet, there’s evidence to suggest it may be better to leave your alcohol-bingeing days behind.

According to a 2021 study on patients with Alcohol-use disorder (AUD), those who sustained from drinking were associated with lower candida overgrowth.

Can I eat bread and rice on a candida diet?

“An anti-candida diet also means removing white flour, yeast and dairy foods,” Dr Rouf says.

While research is limited, it may be worth looking into bread that do not contain wheat, rye or barley, such as gluten-free breads.

White rice should also be generally avoided as they are considered a refined carb with low dietary fibre.

How to follow the candida diet

Foods to eat on a candida diet:

• Lean chicken, fish and meats
• Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus, onion, eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms and cucumber
• Healthy fats like avocado, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil and eggs
• Fermented foods such as probiotic yoghurt and sauerkraut
• Low-sugar fruits such as apples, avocado, berries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, and grapefruit
• Grains like millet, quinoa and oat bran
• Sweeteners like Stevia and xylitol
• Herbal teas and non-caffeinated drinks
• Nutritional yeast

Foods you should avoid on a candida diet:

• Starchy vegetables including beans like chickpeas, lima beans and black beans
• Corn products, including popcorn
• Fruits high in sugar like bananas, dates, grapes and mango
• Foods containing wheat, rye and barley
• Refined oils such as canola oil, sunflower oil and margarine
• Cheese, milk and cream
• Peanuts, cashews and pistachios
• Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, agave, cane sugar, corn syrup and honey
• Coffee, energy drinks, fruit juice, beer, wine and spirits

How long should I follow a candida diet?

There is no general set amount of time when it comes to following a candida diet, which could take weeks or months before you may experience any positive effects.

“Diet alone is not enough to fix the problem and there is nothing you can specifically eat that will make the infection go away,” Dr Bohl says.

Meanwhile, Dr Rouf adds that diets claiming to reduce candida overgrowth and its symptoms can be restrictive, and therefore be difficult to maintain long-term.

They also restrict food groups, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, she says.

If you think you have thrush, both experts recommend seeing a GP for treatment, who can provide you medication if needed.

For more alternative diets advice:

• Going through menopause? The Mediterranean diet may help
• Is the Harvard Plan the healthiest diet you’ve never heard of?
• Is your diet and lifestyle causing your bloating?
• Low FODMAP: Common myths busted (and recipes to try)

Written by Sarah Marinos in 2021.  Updated by Melissa Hong, January 2024.