The candida diet is the main treatment for a medical condition known as yeast infection. Candidiasis is characterized by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the intestinal system that releases toxins into the body and eventually causes health problems. The candida diet eliminates certain foods and ingredients that are believed to aggravate this condition. These eliminated foods feed Candida albicans, stimulating it to grow and multiply. As long as candida albicans has a plentiful supply of food, it will continue to wreak havoc on the body. Sugar, processed foods, dairy products, preservatives, vinegar, glutinous grains, and even fruit are initially banned from the candida diet. With so many foods and ingredients removed, many are frustrated trying to find things that they can still enjoy eating and drinking on the diet.

Since all types of sugar are removed from the candida diet, figuring out what to drink on the diet can be a difficult task. Many of us are used to drinking soda, fruit juices, iced tea, and other sugar-laden beverages, and it is often difficult for candida dieters to quit altogether. Additionally, many of us who have tried other diets may be horrified to find that diet sodas and the “light” varieties of juice that we rely so heavily on are no longer allowed on the candida diet, as they contain artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have been found to feed candida in the same way as regular sugar, and there are other health concerns related to the use of these sweeteners. However, old habits are slow to fade, so to make this transition a bit easier, it is a good idea to identify what drinks can be had on the candida diet.

Water it is the best choice for a healthy diet, not just the candida diet. The human body is made up of approximately 70% water. Water is a vital component of our organs and tissues and we need adequate water intake to ensure optimal body function. When we don’t get enough water, the body steals it from our organs and tissues, and that’s when symptoms of dehydration appear. Symptoms of dehydration can include fatigue, constipation, headaches, weakness, and nausea. Keeping the body properly hydrated with water is also a good idea when trying to overcome yeast infection, as it will help flush toxins out of the body. Most candida diet guidelines suggest not drinking tap water due to the potential toxins it contains, but buying a water filtration jug like Brita can help reduce toxins in tap water. You can also buy bottled or purified spring water if you prefer. Drinking water may seem boring, but it doesn’t have to be with options like club soda and club soda. Try adding lemon or lime wedges to seltzer or club soda and you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a cocktail.

Herbs tea it may be an option for some people on the candida diet. Most candida diet guidelines recommend staying away from tea and coffee due to caffeine and possible mold contamination of tea leaves, but many candida dieters have found that they can tolerate teas from herbs. Green tea is a great option as it provides antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. Pau d’Arco is another herbal tea made from the bark of a tree native to the rainforest. The tea appears to have some medicinal benefits and has helped many people with yeast infections. You can use stevia, a natural plant sweetener tolerated by most of the candida diet to sweeten your herbal teas and then serve them hot or cold.

For more information on living yeast-free on the candida diet, visit Yeast Free Living.