Candidiasis & Diet: A Dietitian’s Top Tips for Managing Thrush

Historically, women would apply yoghurts topically for the management of

thrush! So, it’s no surprise that yoghurt falls within my recommendations.

Introducing beneficial bacterial strains (aka ‘probiotics’) through our diet has

been shown to help prevent recurrent thrush.

1. Include yoghurt or Kefir: There has been some long-standing evidence

for consuming yoghurt products which contain the strain Lactobacillus

acidophilus.

Consuming at least 230g per day has been shown to help reduce the number

of candida infections experienced over 6 months in women.

Products like ‘Vaalia’ and ‘The Collective’s’ Kefir, contain this strain.

2. Take probiotics: Introduce clinically proven beneficial strains (Lactobacillus

rhamnosus Gr-1, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14) through probiotic supplements.

When taken in conjunction with fluconazole (a medication commonly

prescribed to treat thrush), these two strains have been shown to reduce

candida growth after 4 weeks.

I recommend these two brands as they are readily available:

Blackmores Probiotics + Womens Flora Balance

Or

Life Space Urogen for Women

3. Include prebiotics daily: Keep your gut nourished with plenty of ‘prebiotic’ fibres.

When you introduce beneficial probiotic strains, you also want to provide them with

their favourite fuel! Add prebiotic foods including beans and lentils, onions, garlic and

artichokes to your weekly grocery list*

*If you suffer from IBS, make an appointment with our dietitian to discuss other

appropriate prebiotics to include!

What if I’m lactose intolerant?

The good news is, lactose (a naturally occurring sugar in dairy products) is

digested in yoghurt and kefir better than other sources of dairy. This is

because the good bacteria in the product itself helps the body to digest it!

What’s more is, it appears most people with lactose intolerance are still able to

ingest up to 18g of lactose each day, limiting lactose intake to about 12g per

dairy hit.

On average, yoghurt products provide less than 3g of lactose per 100g, which

means a 230g serving should be well tolerated.

If you’re still concerned, I recommend splitting up your yoghurt ‘doses’ over

the day (for example a 115g ‘shot’ in the morning, and another 115g ‘shot’ in

the afternoon).

For extra gut and women’s health nutrition personalised nutrition advice, book in to

see our dietitian.

References:

1. Corgneau M, Scher J, Ritie-Pertusa L, et al. Recent advances on lactose intolerance: tolerance thresholds and currently

available answers. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017;57:3344-3356. 


2. Savaiano DA. Lactose digestion from yoghurt: mechanism and relevance. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99:1251S-5S. 


3. Savaiano DA, Boushey CJ, McCabe GP. Lactose intolerance symptoms assessed by meta-analysis: a grain of truth that

leads to exaggeration. J Nutr 2006;136:1107-1113. 


4. Wilt TJ, Shaukat A, Shamliyan T, Taylor BC, MacDonald R, Tacklind J, et al. (2010) Lactose Intolerance and Health.

Evidence report/Technology Assessment No. 192. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US), Rockville, MD.

5. Corgneau M, Scher J, Ritie-Pertusa L, et al. Recent advances on lactose intolerance: tolerance thresholds and currently

available answers. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017;57:3344-3356. 


6. Martinez RC, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis with fluconazole plus

probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Lett Appl Microbiol 2009;48(3):269-74.

7. Hilton E, Isenberg HD, Alperstein P, France K, Borenstein MT. Ingestion of yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as

prophylaxis for candida vaginitis. Ann Intern Med 1992;116(5):353-7.

8. Hertzler SR, Clancy SM. Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion. J Am Diet Assoc

2003;103(5):582-7.

9. Monash University: Fibre, Prebiotics & the Gut (Food as Medicine, Future Learn), 2019.