Find out “What foods should you avoid when you have oral thrush?” Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the mouth. It can cause white patches and sores inside your cheeks and on your tongue, as well as a coated or furry tongue. While it’s not uncommon for people to get oral thrush at some point in their lives, it is important to know what foods you should avoid so that you don’t make the infection worse. In this article, we will look at which foods you should avoid when you have oral thrush and why.
What is oral thrush?
Oral thrush is a type of yeast infection that can develop in your mouth and throat. It’s also called oropharyngeal candidiasis. Oral thrush most commonly occurs in infants and young children, but it can also affect adults.
Oral thrush can cause white or yellow patches on your tongue, inner cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. These patches may bleed if you scrape them. You may also have a burning sensation in your mouth or throat. Oral thrush is usually not painful.
Oral thrush is caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. This yeast is normally present in your mouth, but it can overgrow if you have certain conditions that allow it to thrive. These conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Certain medications, such as steroids or antibiotics
- A weakened immune system
Symptoms of oral thrush
Symptoms of oral thrush can include:
- White or yellow patches on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or on the roof of the mouth
- Redness or soreness in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of taste
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- A burning sensation in the mouth
Causes of oral thrush
There are many different causes of oral thrush, but the most common is Candida albicans. This type of fungus is found in the mouth, and when it overgrows, it can cause thrush. Other causes include:
- Dentures: If you wear dentures, they can collect food and moisture which can allow Candida to grow. Be sure to clean your dentures regularly.
- Smoking: Smoking can irritate the mouth and make it more susceptible to infection.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps keep the mouth moist and clean, so a dry mouth can lead to thrush. This can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions.
- Immune system problems: A weakened immune system can’t fight off infection as well, leading to oral thrush. This can be due to HIV/AIDS, certain medications (like corticosteroids), or cancer treatment.
Foods to avoid with oral thrush
If you have oral thrush, there are certain foods you should avoid in order to prevent the condition from worsening. Foods that are acidic or high in sugar content can exacerbate the symptoms of oral thrush, so it’s best to avoid them. This includes citrus fruits, berries, sweetened beverages, and sugary snacks. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco products can also irritate the mouth and throat, so it’s best to avoid them as well. Instead, focus on eating bland, soft foods that won’t irritate your throat or cause further discomfort.
According to a December 2015 review published in Frontiers in Microbiology, an unbalanced dietary intake of carbohydrates, refined sugar, and dairy products that are high in lactose could promote candida growth. These foods reduce the pH levels in the mouth.
The review also indicates that nutrients frequently deficient in chronic candidiasis sufferers include essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and folic acid. They may also be deficient in zinc, magnesium, and selenium.
Based on this information, the foods to avoid with oral thrush include:
- Sugary drinks, candies, cookies, and cakes
- Fruits high in sugar, such as bananas, grapes, and figs
- Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are high in lactose (some cheeses do not contain lactose)
- White flour and bread and any other products that contain gluten (gluten may promote inflammation in those who are intolerant or allergic)
- Sugar substitutes, such as honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, and aspartame
- Processed meats
- Condiments, such as barbecue sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and mayonnaise, as often contain added sugar
- Butter substitutes like margarine and soybean oil because of their high content of saturated and hydrogenated fats
Natural remedies for oral thrush
Oral thrush is a common fungal infection of the mouth and throat. The most common symptom of oral thrush is a white, creamy film on the tongue and inside of the cheeks. Other symptoms can include soreness, redness, and difficulty swallowing. If you have oral thrush, you may be looking for natural remedies to ease your symptoms.
One home remedy that may help is gargling with warm salt water. This can help to kill the fungus and reduce inflammation. You can also try swishing coconut oil or hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for a few minutes each day. These substances can help to kill bacteria and fungi.
Another home remedy is to eat yogurt or take probiotics. These contain live bacteria that can help fight off the infection. You can also try eating more garlic, which has natural antifungal properties. Finally, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Final Note!
When dealing with oral thrush, it is important to be mindful of what kinds of food you are consuming. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods, as well as processed foods, can help reduce your risk of developing an infection. Additionally, eating a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables can help boost your body’s natural defenses against bacteria and other infections. Remember that even though avoiding certain types of food may seem difficult at first, the results can make all the difference in keeping your mouth healthy and helping you fight off this uncomfortable condition.
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