Berries in the Candida Diet

A type of yeast called candida albicans exists in the human body all the time, with little or no consequence. This yeast generally is present in the mouth, throat, intestines and urogenital area, reports Everydiet.org. However, when there is an overproduction or an imbalance of this yeast with other flora in the body, a condition called candidiasis occurs. This can cause problems such as thrush, leaky gut syndrome and vaginal yeast infections. Candida diets and candida cleanses seek to prevent or eliminate candidiasis by avoiding foods that feed candida, such as sugar and carbohydrates 2. Although candida diets generally discourage fruits, particularly during the cleanse phase, some berries are acceptable.

Strawberries

Because candida typically thrives on sugar, many of the high sugar fruits are discouraged while on a candida diet, reports Disabled World. In fact, if you are on a candida cleanse for active candidiasis, it's best to avoid fruits entirely, due to their natural fructose content. However, on a candida diet for prevention, you can eat low-sugar fruits such as fresh strawberries. Dried fruit is discouraged overall.

Blueberries

Blueberries, which boast the health benefit of being rich in antioxidants, also are among the low-sugar berries you can enjoy on a candida diet. According to the Greatest Herbs on Earth, you can have 2 cups of blueberries per day after the initial cleanse phase. Avoid sweetening the berries.

Maqui Berries

Also known as the wineberry, this popular "super food" berry may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could aid your body in recovering from a candidiasis infection, reports Candida Food 2. Because these berries may not be readily available at your local supermarket, you may need to consume them as supplements. Candida Food recommends looking for a supplement with no sugar added and a high fruit concentration.

Raspberries

Another relatively low-sugar fruit, raspberries are another berry appropriate for inclusion in your candida diet, according to the Greatest Herbs on Earth 2. You can have 2/3 of a cup of raspberries during the preventative phase of your candida diet.