Candida are yeast that live in our bodies that can cause adverse reactions like rashes but is it true that they can also cause you to crave unhealthy food? Yes! Some of your unhealthy eating habits and food cravings could be down to an overgrowth of candida bacteria and the more candida gets, the more it wants. A yeast infection diet can require some strict dietary habits for at least a month to help you starve that bacteria out of your body but it can be worthwhile and result in not only a yeast infection free body but one that no longer craves excessive refined carbohydrates, sugars and junk food.

Candida albicans feed on sugar and the more your body eats the food candida wants, the more rapidly it will grow which can result in many unpleasant symptoms. Stop feeding your candida and you'll stop it from growing. Continue feeding the unhealthy bacteria the foods that help them proliferate and you'll continue to deal with adverse problems such as cravings, mood swings, rashes, sinus problems and weight gain. There is a long laundry list of possible health problems as a result of this type of bacterial overgrowth and more time and research is being dedicated to this condition than ever.

What should you eat on a candida starvation diet?

It's good to eat healthful food but it's most important to avoid specific foods while trying to starve the albicans out of your body. Cravings can be difficult at first but if you consider the long term health benefits, it can make the battle much easier. Once you've helped your body return to a better pH level, you can slowly reintroduce some of the foods in moderation. Be wary of going back to your old eating habits full tilt as you can encourage new growth and be back where you started if not careful. Look for more alkaline food and less acidic food to achieve a better pH.

Foods to avoid include: vinegars, fungi such as mushrooms, sweeteners such as sugar, syrup and honey, refined carbs and food with high levels of gluten, caffeine, alcohol, dairy food and junk or fast food. Minimize dairy food, especially ripened or aged cheeses.

What should you eat while starving out the bacteria?

Organic apple cider vinegar is an exception to the rule about avoiding vinegars. The organic version that contains the mother (a cloudy looking substance in the vinegar) can be very healthy. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular brand available at many health food stores for a reasonable price. Probiotic cheese or yogurt are dairy exceptions because they contain live bacteria that can overpower the unhealthy yeasts and create a more harmonious environment. Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water to cleanse your system. It's also a great idea to exercise as sweating helps your body release toxins as well.

Once your digestive system has a better balance of flora, you will not only see your yeast infection symptoms disappear but you will quickly find that you no longer have heavy sugar cravings. While you might find the beginning days of your candida starvation diet to be a struggle, the benefits can be very worthwhile.