Fungal infections are among the most common infections affecting humans. They are also quite notorious; spread very fast and can be difficult to treat. The most popular fungus infections are candida or yeast infection, athlete’s foot, and nail fungus.

One of the best ways to treat fungus infections, and other diseases, is prevention. This entails avoiding the key causes of the infection. Several things cause or exacerbate fungal infections, including the kind of foods you eat. Certain foods or nutrients allow the fungus to flourish while others stifle the growth. Avoid the following foods if you have a history of fungus infections:

Yeast

Yeast is one of the biggest causes of fungi infections, especially candida. Candida itself is yeast hence consuming foods rich in yeast will make a yeast-rich environment worse. This will make candida flourish. Foods that are rich in yeast include:

Alcohol: some alcohols are very rich in yeast because they are fermented using yeast e.g. beer and wine. Therefore, if you are sensitive to yeast or have a history of candida, then you should avoid such alcohol.

Bread: yeast is the component that makes bread rise, for fluffiness and lightness. Therefore, if you are looking to avoid candida, stay away from bread containing yeast. Some options do not contain yeast.

Mold

Foods rich in mold can multiply the fungal spores in the intestinal tract thereby enhancing the growth of candida. Therefore, if you have a candida history, you should avoid the following foods:

Dried, pickled, or smoked meats e.g. smoked salmon and hotdogs.

Cheese – some cheese are not moldy but it is better to avoid all cheeses if you have a history of fungal infections

Dried and bottled fruits – they contain mold spores and concentrated sugar

Peanuts should also be avoided.

 Sugar

Processed sugar and artificial sweeteners are key causes of all kinds of fungal infections, including nail fungus. The higher the level of sugar present in the bloodstream, the higher the risk of developing fungal infections. Hence, avoid foods rich in sugar as well as reduce the amount of sugar you add to your coffee. You can use alternatives such as honey and agave. They are mainly fructose and don’t spike blood sugar. This helps you to prevent nail fungus and its symptoms such as discoloration, thickening, crumbling, etc.

Mushrooms

Some species of mushrooms are used as medicinal ingredients to boost the body’s immunity. However, it is best to avoid any food with a fungal component if you are treating or trying to prevent a fungal infection.

Simple Carbohydrates

Another category of foods to avoid is processed foods. This includes white floors, white rice, crackers, pasta, chips, noodles, etc. They often turn into simple sugars in the digestive system.

Foods to Eat to Fight Toenail Fungus

Some foods contain nutrients that enhance the immunity of the body hence enhancing its ability to fight fungal infections. They include:

Garlic: Garlic is a very popular antifungal ingredient. It is used in different ways, both internally and externally, to treat fungal infections. Allicin contained in garlic is the active ingredient that fights fungal infections. It is often used as a food spice.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is another popular home ingredient used for treating fungal infections such as nail fungus. It contains many vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals. It treats all kinds of fungal infections including candida and nail fungus. It can also be used topically.

Prebiotic fiber-rich foods: probiotics are important nutrients for fighting fungus infection. Add probiotic fiber to it for a more effective treatment. Gut microflora ferments these indigestible fiber compounds in the colon, becoming substrates for friendly bacteria in the gut. Beans, onions, apples, root vegetables, and celery are examples of prebiotic fiber.

Apple cider vinegar: it is also a proven anti-fungal ingredient. The acidic content and enzymes contained in apple cider vinegar fight the fungus in the body. It can be used both internally and externally.

Ginger: Ginger is another popular home ingredient used for treating nail fungus. Many other foods fight fungal infections.

Conclusion

Fungal infections have a lot to do with lifestyle hence the treatment has to be comprehensive. It is not enough to take your medications, you also have to eat certain foods that will help fight fungus. However, avoiding foods that can cause fungal infections is perhaps the most important move because this means cutting off what feeds the infection.  Avoid the foods listed above if you are treating fungal infections or trying to avoid fungal infections.