Is Cheese Good for a Fungal Infection?

January 12, 2026 •

2 min read

While some studies suggest a link between high sugar intake and fungal overgrowth, the impact of dairy is more nuanced. When it comes to the question, "Is cheese good for a fungal infection?", the answer is complex and depends heavily on the type of cheese and the overall diet.

Quick Summary

The impact of cheese on a fungal infection is not straightforward. Certain cheeses should be avoided due to lactose and mold content, while some probiotic-rich types may offer beneficial gut support, but moderation is key.

Key Points

Avoid Moldy and High-Lactose Cheeses: Cheeses like brie and blue cheese can contain mold and lactose that may exacerbate fungal infections like Candida.
Probiotic Benefits are Limited: While some aged cheeses contain probiotics, other fermented foods like yogurt and kefir are more reliable and potent sources for balancing gut flora.
Sugar Feeds Fungi: The lactose in many dairy products, including cheese, is a form of sugar that can feed yeast and contribute to fungal overgrowth.
Moderation is Key: For general health, moderate cheese consumption can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet, but for active fungal infections, more restrictive measures may be necessary.
Prioritize Proven Antifungal Foods: Instead of cheese, focus on incorporating garlic, coconut oil, turmeric, and fermented vegetables into your diet to actively combat fungal issues.

Understanding Fungal Infections and Diet

Fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida overgrowth, are often linked to a person's diet. Fungi thrive on sugar, and a high-sugar diet can fuel their growth and exacerbate symptoms. Many dietary strategies to manage fungal infections, often called the Candida diet, focus on eliminating sugar, refined carbohydrates, and sometimes certain types of dairy.

The Case Against Certain Cheeses

Most dairy products, including many cheeses, contain lactose, a natural milk sugar, which could potentially feed yeast. Soft and aged cheeses, like brie and camembert, made with molds, could worsen symptoms for those with sensitivity or an active infection. Highly processed cheeses with additives are also best avoided.

The Probiotic Perspective: Are Some Cheeses Beneficial?

Some fermented cheeses, aged but not heated, may contain probiotics that could help balance gut bacteria. Examples include aged cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss. However, probiotic content varies, and unsweetened yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables are more reliable sources.

Cheese and Inflammation

Some studies suggest moderate consumption of certain dairy, including cheese, may have anti-inflammatory effects within a balanced diet. This depends on the type and portion, as high saturated fat and sodium in many cheeses can contribute to inflammation.

A Practical Approach to Cheese Consumption

Cautious, moderate cheese consumption is advisable for those with fungal infections. Avoid soft, moldy, and high-lactose cheeses, prioritizing anti-inflammatory, low-sugar foods. Monitor your body's response.

Anti-Fungal Foods to Embrace

Focus on proven anti-fungal foods like garlic (contains allicin), coconut oil (rich in caprylic acid), cruciferous vegetables, turmeric and ginger, and fermented vegetables (probiotics).

Comparing Cheeses and Antifungal Diets


Feature	Probiotic-Rich Aged Cheeses	Soft & Moldy Cheeses	Candida-Friendly Fermented Foods
Examples	Aged Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda	Brie, Camembert, Blue Cheese	Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Unsweetened Yogurt
Potential Benefit	Probiotics support gut health.	None; potentially negative impact on infection.	Introduce beneficial bacteria.
Potential Risk	High in saturated fat and sodium; variable probiotic count.	High in lactose (sugar) and mold, which can feed fungi.	Some store-bought options contain added sugars or preservatives.
Recommendation	Moderate consumption only; check labels.	Avoid completely during an active fungal infection.	Recommended for promoting gut health.

The Role of Probiotics

Probiotic-rich foods, especially unsweetened ones, are crucial in anti-fungal diets for rebalancing the gut microbiome, which can be disrupted by factors like antibiotics, stress, and high-sugar intake, leading to fungal overgrowth. These foods also support immune response through anti-inflammatory effects. For more on supportive diets, Medical News Today offers details on the Candida diet.

Conclusion

Cheese is not universally good for fungal infections. While some fermented cheeses have probiotics, their drawbacks like saturated fat and potential lactose make them questionable. An effective strategy involves limiting sugar and high-lactose dairy while increasing proven antifungal foods and potent, unsweetened probiotics. A personalized approach is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, it's best to reduce or eliminate most cheeses during an active fungal infection. Very small, moderate portions of aged, low-lactose cheeses like Parmesan or Swiss might be tolerated by some, but it is best to avoid them for more effective results.

Some proponents of the Candida diet suggest goat cheese due to its potential to contain caprylic acid, an antifungal agent. However, this is not a scientifically proven treatment, and moderation is still advised.

No. While some fermented cheeses might be problematic, unsweetened yogurt and kefir with live, active cultures are often recommended. They provide beneficial probiotics that can help restore gut balance and fight off yeast overgrowth.

While cheese itself does not directly cause inflammation in most people, its high content of saturated fat and sodium can be a concern when consumed in excess. The context in which it is eaten (e.g., on a pizza with processed meat) can contribute to an overall inflammatory diet.

For probiotic content, look for aged but unheated varieties like aged cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda that specifically list 'live cultures' on the label. However, yogurt and kefir are generally superior and more reliable sources of probiotics.

Yes, moldy cheeses like blue cheese or brie should be avoided if you have a fungal infection. They can potentially add to the fungal spore load in your body.

Eliminating dairy high in lactose, especially milk and soft cheeses, is a common strategy on anti-fungal diets. However, unsweetened probiotic yogurts and fermented vegetables are often encouraged to support gut health.