Candidiasis - foods to fight the infection

Have you ever wondered how many different microorganisms live in our body? Yeast fungi, including Candida albicans, are naturally present among them.
When present in normal amounts, fungi help with digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

But what happens when the balance is disturbed?

When our body is under stress, our immunity drops. In such cases, fungi multiply easily in large quantities and infect certain parts of the body. This problematic fungal infection originates from a strain called Candida albicans. It can cause yeast infections in areas around the mouth, ears, nose, skin, nails, abdomen, intestines, and intimate parts.

What are some of the signs of an imbalanced state?

Symptoms can vary, but they often include:

• redness or irritation in the oral cavity
• cracks at the corners of the lips
• discomfort in the intimate area
• itching
• burning sensation
• bloating or heartburn
• skin irritation

These manifestations can be related to various conditions, so it is important to seek medical advice for persistent symptoms.

Diabetes, cancer treatment, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and wearing dentures are factors that make men and women of all ages susceptible to fungi.

However, scientists are divided regarding the condition "candida hypersensitivity" and whether it truly exists. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, upon reviewing the evidence presented by its proponents, has stated that this condition is speculative at best. This is likely because the infection is not considered serious in most cases and can be treated with prescription antifungal medications.

Among the most effective ways to manage the infection are making changes to one's lifestyle and diet.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE FOODS RECOMMENDED BY EXPERTS THAT COULD HELP PREVENT FUNGAL OVERGROWTH

• Low-sugar diet - restricting sugar is crucial for controlling the growth of Candida fungi. Sugar participates in building cell walls and enhances their expansion into small colonies, which eventually turn into an infection.
• To determine which foods might trigger the reaction, the doctor may recommend an elimination diet. This diet involves avoiding some of the most common products known to cause eczema.
• Turmeric - a spice often used in Indian cuisine, turmeric has powerful antifungal properties. The active ingredient is called curcumin, which is known to inhibit the growth of Candida yeast and even kill it.

A study has found that curcumin can prevent the formation of oral candidiasis in HIV-positive patients. So far, however, only test-tube studies have proven the positive effect of curcumin; therefore, more studies involving humans are needed.

• Coconut oil - Plants possess natural toxic compounds that kill fungi. One such compound is lauric fatty acid, known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid, making it one of the best natural sources for fighting Candida yeast.
• Apple cider vinegar - contains enough acid and enzymes to stop the growth of harmful and unwanted yeast in the body.
• Probiotics - live bacteria called probiotics are necessary for the body to block the growth of harmful bacteria. They are found in foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, pickles, and kimchi.

How do they work? Probiotics help balance the intestinal microflora. Simply put, they are the necessary supplement for maintaining the dominance of good bacteria over bad ones. When good bacteria "rule" over the bad, we cleanse ourselves of toxins, boost our immune system, and even enjoy fresh, beautiful, and radiant skin. And to ensure we get the necessary daily amounts, we recommend the synbiotic Lactoflor BioPlus, about whose beneficial qualities you can read more here.

• Garlic - it is believed that raw garlic has strong antifungal properties due to the presence of allicin, which is released when fresh garlic is crushed.