Is there anything you shouldn't eat when you have a yeast infection?

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

While there is no definitive clinical evidence that a strict diet can cure a yeast infection, many proponents of the "Candida diet" report symptom relief by eliminating certain foods. This approach focuses on potentially starving the yeast of its primary fuel source and supporting a balanced gut environment. For those seeking relief, understanding which foods to avoid can be a helpful step in managing a yeast infection.

Quick Summary

An anti-Candida diet limits foods that may exacerbate yeast overgrowth, focusing on non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Eliminating added sugars, high-sugar fruits, and refined grains may help manage symptoms, though medical treatment is still necessary for active infections.

Key Points

Starve the Yeast: A Candida diet focuses on eliminating sugars and refined carbohydrates, which are the primary food source for the Candida yeast, to reduce its overgrowth.
Cut All Sugars: Avoid all forms of added sugar, high-sugar fruits like bananas and raisins, and artificial sweeteners, as they can all potentially fuel yeast growth.
Minimize Processed Foods: Processed and refined foods, including white flour products, processed meats, and certain vegetable oils, are discouraged due to their inflammatory effects and high sugar content.
Promote Gut Health: Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
Support, Don't Cure: Diet changes are a supportive measure for managing recurrent infections and promoting overall health, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment of an active yeast infection.
Focus on Whole Foods: Building a diet around lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats can help support your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Understanding the Link Between Diet and Yeast Overgrowth

An overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans is the most common cause of yeast infections. While Candida is a normal part of the body's microbiome, various factors can disrupt the natural balance, including a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, and poor diet. The theory behind the Candida diet is that by limiting foods that feed the yeast, such as sugar and refined carbohydrates, it may help reduce its growth and manage symptoms.

It's important to understand that while diet is a supportive measure, it is not a cure for an active yeast infection. Antifungal medication, prescribed or over-the-counter, is the standard medical treatment. However, adopting a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet can be part of a comprehensive strategy for managing recurrent infections and promoting overall gut health.

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Yeast Infection

For those looking to adopt a yeast-conscious diet, here are the main food categories to limit or eliminate.

Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners

This is arguably the most crucial category to restrict. Candida thrives on sugar, so minimizing all forms can help deprive the yeast of its primary food source.

Added Sugars: Be vigilant about checking food labels for ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, agave, cane sugar, honey, and maple syrup. These are often hidden in sauces, condiments, and processed snacks.
High-Sugar Fruits: While fruit is generally healthy, high-sugar varieties like bananas, grapes, and dried fruit (raisins, dates) can potentially fuel yeast growth. Stick to low-sugar options like berries, lemons, and limes in moderation.
Artificial Sweeteners: Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners like aspartame can negatively affect the gut microbiome and potentially cause inflammation. Plant-based, no-sugar sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit are often used as an alternative.

Refined Carbohydrates and Gluten

Refined grains are quickly broken down into simple sugars, potentially providing an easy fuel source for Candida. The gluten in some grains may also worsen inflammation and gut permeability in sensitive individuals.

Processed Grains: Avoid foods made with white flour, such as white bread, pasta, pastries, and biscuits.
Glutenous Grains: Wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten, which some people with gut imbalances or sensitivities may react to. Gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat are often recommended.

Fermented and Mold-Containing Foods

Though some fermented foods are encouraged for their probiotic benefits, others are restricted on a Candida diet.

Yeast-Based Foods: Bread and other baked goods that use Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) are commonly avoided. Note that this is a different species from the one that causes most infections, but restricting it is part of the diet's philosophy.
Moldy Nuts and Condiments: Some nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, and pistachios, can contain mold and are avoided. Certain condiments, like soy sauce and some vinegars (excluding apple cider vinegar), are also restricted.

Processed Meats and Inflammatory Fats

Processed Meats: Deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs often contain added sugars, nitrates, and other additives.
Inflammatory Oils: Refined vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean oil are high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Use healthier fats like extra-virgin olive oil and coconut oil instead.

Comparison: Candida Diet vs. Balanced Healthy Eating


Feature	Candida Diet Approach	Balanced Healthy Eating
Sugar	Eliminates all added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and high-sugar fruits.	Minimizes added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup; permits moderate, whole-fruit consumption.
Grains	Excludes glutenous grains (wheat, barley, rye) and emphasizes gluten-free pseudo-grains like quinoa.	Encourages a variety of whole grains for fiber and nutrients.
Fermented Foods	Encourages unsweetened yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut with live cultures.	Often includes a variety of fermented foods for gut health.
Meats	Focuses on lean, high-quality proteins; avoids processed and farm-raised meats.	Encourages a mix of lean protein sources for a well-rounded diet.
Evidence	Based on the theory of starving yeast; lacks robust clinical trials to prove efficacy.	Supported by extensive research for preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health.

What to Eat Instead

To replace the foods you are cutting out, focus on nutrient-dense options that support a healthy gut microbiome. Consider incorporating these elements into your diet:

Lean Proteins: Chicken, eggs, turkey, and fish like salmon and herring.
Non-Starchy Vegetables: A wide variety of leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cucumber.
Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, lemon, lime, and avocado can be enjoyed in moderation.
Healthy Fats and Oils: Extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil (which has antifungal properties), and flaxseed oil.
Probiotics: Unsweetened yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are excellent sources of beneficial bacteria.
Herbs and Spices: Use flavorful herbs and spices like garlic, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.

Conclusion

While a direct causal link between diet and treating a yeast infection lacks strong clinical evidence, the principles of the Candida diet align with general healthy eating recommendations. By avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory fats, you can support your immune system and overall gut health, potentially reducing the likelihood of a yeast overgrowth. However, it is crucial to seek medical treatment for an active infection rather than relying on diet alone. A healthy, balanced diet is a long-term strategy for wellness, not a quick fix. Discuss any significant dietary changes with a healthcare professional, especially if you have recurring yeast infections, to ensure it's a safe and appropriate choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avoiding sugar is a supportive measure for managing yeast overgrowth, but it cannot cure an active infection. Medical treatment with antifungal medication is necessary for a cure. A low-sugar diet is a helpful part of a long-term strategy, particularly for those with recurrent infections.

Some fruits are permitted in moderation, specifically low-sugar options like berries, lemons, and limes. High-sugar fruits such as bananas, dates, and dried fruit should be avoided, as their sugar content can potentially feed the yeast.

Traditional bread made with baker's yeast and refined flour is typically avoided on a Candida diet. Instead, focus on whole-grain, gluten-free options like quinoa or millet bread. Some people also avoid all yeast-containing foods, though baker's yeast is not the same as the Candida that causes infections.

Probiotics, found in foods like unsweetened yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut and can help keep Candida growth in check. This is particularly helpful after a course of antibiotics, which can disrupt the microbiome.

Alcohol can destabilize blood sugar levels and irritate the gut lining, which can negatively affect the body's ability to manage a yeast overgrowth. Many Candida diet proponents suggest eliminating or significantly reducing alcohol intake.

There is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of the Candida diet as a treatment for yeast infections. However, its principles align with healthy eating habits that benefit overall gut health and can be a part of a wider wellness strategy.

The diet is often followed for a short-term period of several weeks, or until symptoms improve. It is not intended as a permanent, long-term diet. Any long-term changes to eating habits should be discussed with a healthcare professional.