Candida cleanse: Does it treat candidiasis?

I've been told by a nutritionist that I have intestinal candidiasis and that I have to eat a "candida cleanse" diet by eliminating sugar, cheese, white flour and yeast. Does this really work?

- Russell / Texas

Answer

Be careful accepting this diagnosis. No studies have proved that having intestinal candidiasis — a large number of fungi-like Candida albicans in your intestines — causes any symptoms of illness, nor that treatments like a "candida cleanse" diet will treat intestinal candidiasis effectively.

Some holistic medicine practitioners believe that intestinal candidiasis causes signs and symptoms such as fatigue, depression, poor memory, moodiness, headache and cravings for sweets. They believe that by following a strict "candida cleanse" diet that excludes sugars and yeasts, you can get rid of the excess yeast that causes these symptoms. However, this treatment technique is not well supported by research.

Eliminating many foods from your diet may be too restrictive. If the diet seems to help and you plan to follow this diet in the long term, consider working with a dietitian to make sure you aren't missing any important nutrients.

If you have the signs and symptoms listed above, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to help you identify another cause that might be better addressed with conventional treatment.