What is the best thing to eat for a yeast infection? A nutritional guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Research indicates that an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to an overgrowth of Candida, the yeast responsible for most yeast infections. When considering what is the best thing to eat for a yeast infection, focusing on foods that restore balance can be a helpful, complementary approach.

Quick Summary

Diet can influence yeast infections by affecting gut flora. Eating probiotic-rich foods, non-starchy vegetables, and lean protein, while limiting sugar and refined carbs, may help manage Candida overgrowth alongside medical treatment.

Key Points

Emphasize Probiotics: Consuming unsweetened yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi can introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut to help balance your microbiome and manage yeast levels.
Cut Out Sugar and Refined Carbs: Eliminating sugary foods, high-fructose fruits, and refined grains is crucial, as yeast feeds on sugar to grow and thrive.
Focus on Non-Starchy Vegetables: Base your meals around non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and asparagus to provide nutrients and fiber without feeding Candida.
Include Antifungal Foods: Incorporate natural antifungal foods such as garlic and coconut oil into your diet to help combat Candida.
Prioritize Healthy Fats and Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources and healthy fats like those in avocado and olive oil to provide satiety and energy while reducing inflammation.
Support Medical Treatment: Dietary changes are a complementary strategy to help prevent Candida overgrowth but are not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, especially for active infections.

Yeast infections are often caused by an overgrowth of Candida. While many factors contribute to this condition, diet plays a significant role in influencing the balance of micro-organisms in your body. The so-called “Candida diet” is designed to starve the yeast by removing its primary food sources, namely sugar and refined carbohydrates. It's important to understand that dietary changes are a supportive measure and should not replace conventional antifungal medication, especially for persistent or severe cases. Always consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Foods to eat for yeast infection management

Incorporating specific foods into your diet can help create an environment that is less hospitable to Candida overgrowth. This approach focuses on strengthening your gut microbiome and reducing inflammation.

Probiotic-rich foods

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria and yeasts in your body. For yeast infections, specific Lactobacillus strains have been shown to be particularly beneficial.

Plain Yogurt and Kefir: Opt for plain, unsweetened versions with live active cultures. The Lactobacillus in these products can help inhibit Candida growth.
Sauerkraut and Kimchi: These fermented vegetables are excellent sources of probiotics. Just ensure they are genuinely fermented, not just pickled with vinegar.

Non-starchy vegetables

Vegetables should form the foundation of your diet. They are low in sugar and high in fiber, which supports gut health without feeding Candida.

Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
Leafy greens like spinach and kale
Asparagus, cucumbers, and zucchini
Onions and garlic (known for antifungal properties)

Lean proteins and healthy fats

High-quality protein and fats provide energy and satiety without contributing to Candida growth. They also have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Proteins: Wild-caught fish (especially salmon), pasture-raised chicken and eggs, and lean turkey.
Fats: Avocado, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which has shown antifungal activity.

Low-sugar fruits

While many fruits are high in sugar, some can be enjoyed in moderation. The fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar.

Berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
Lemons and limes
Olives

Gluten-free grains

While some restrictive Candida diets recommend eliminating all grains, some gluten-free options may be tolerated. These provide complex carbohydrates and fiber.

Quinoa
Millet
Buckwheat

Foods to avoid to reduce Candida overgrowth

Candida thrives on sugar, so the most impactful dietary change is to eliminate or severely restrict the foods that fuel its growth.

Sugar and simple sweeteners

This is the most critical food category to avoid. Yeast feeds on sugar, so cutting it off is essential.

Table sugar (sucrose, glucose)
High-fructose corn syrup
Honey, maple syrup, agave
Dried fruit and most fruit juices
Sweets, pastries, and other sugary treats

Refined carbohydrates and gluten

Foods made with white flour and those containing gluten can be inflammatory for some individuals and are broken down into simple sugars.

White bread, pasta, and baked goods
Wheat, rye, and barley

Alcohol and certain dairy products

Most alcohol is fermented with yeast and high in sugar, directly promoting Candida growth. Dairy products high in lactose can also exacerbate issues for some people.

Beer, wine, and spirits
Milk and soft cheeses (plain yogurt and kefir are exceptions due to their probiotic content)

Diet vs. Medical Treatment: A Comparison


Feature	Dietary Changes (Candida Diet)	Medical Treatment (Antifungal Medication)
Purpose	Supportive, preventive, and may reduce symptoms	Treats and eliminates the underlying Candida overgrowth
Mechanism	Starves yeast of sugar, introduces beneficial bacteria, reduces inflammation	Directly kills the Candida fungus
Efficacy	Limited scientific evidence for treating active infections, but beneficial for overall gut health	Highly effective and recommended by doctors for treatment
Recurrence	Can help prevent recurrent infections by supporting a balanced microbiome	May not prevent recurrence on its own; a combination with diet can be most effective
Side Effects	Initial detox-like symptoms (fatigue, headaches) possible	Potential side effects depending on medication, but generally safe
Duration	Can be followed for several weeks and adapted long-term	Typically a shorter course of treatment, prescribed by a doctor

Conclusion

While making dietary changes can be a beneficial step in managing yeast infections and promoting overall gut health, it is a complementary strategy, not a replacement for medical care. The best approach involves combining an anti-Candida diet—rich in probiotics, non-starchy vegetables, and lean proteins, and low in sugar and refined carbs—with antifungal treatments prescribed by a doctor. By starving the yeast and nurturing a healthy internal environment, you can take proactive steps to manage Candida overgrowth and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. A registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance to ensure you meet your nutritional needs while following a Candida-friendly diet.

For more in-depth information on the Candida diet, you can refer to [Healthline's Candida Diet Guide](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-diet).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain, unsweetened yogurt containing live active cultures can be helpful. The probiotics in the yogurt, specifically Lactobacillus, can help restore a healthy balance of microorganisms, though it should be used alongside medical treatment.

You should avoid foods high in sugar, such as candy, fruit juice, and pastries, as well as refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta. Limiting alcohol is also recommended, as yeast thrives on sugar.

While anecdotal evidence and some lab studies suggest that diet can affect Candida growth, there is currently a lack of robust human studies to prove the effectiveness of a specific 'Candida diet' as a medical treatment. However, the general principles of a healthy, low-sugar diet are beneficial for overall gut health.

For active infections, medical treatment is necessary for a timely recovery. For preventing recurrent infections, dietary changes may take weeks or longer to influence your microbiome. Many find consistent dietary changes beneficial for long-term health.

Not all fermented foods are recommended. While plain probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut are encouraged, you should be cautious with products fermented with yeast, such as beer, and those with high sugar content, like many kombuchas.

Some studies suggest that the caprylic acid in coconut oil has antifungal properties. While human studies on its effects are limited, incorporating coconut oil into your diet or applying it topically (with caution) is a common folk remedy.

Strict Candida diets may suggest avoiding all fruit initially due to its natural sugar content. A more balanced approach allows for low-sugar fruits like berries and citrus in moderation, as their fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels.