Candidiasis
Most women periodically face a fungal infection called candidiasis, or thrush. Generally, thrush occurs with weakened immunity and chronic stress. It can also occur if a woman is taking antibiotics or eating too much sugar. The main task of the diet is to avoid the growth of yeast cells.
What to avoid
Sugar: this feeds yeast cells, allowing them to multiply much faster, including in the vagina. This means that for the fastest recovery it is very important exclude sugar and simple carbohydrates. This is especially true for women with diabetes, as they are 63 % more likely to get thrush.
Starchy vegetables: for the same reason it is worth minimizing the amount of potatoes, beets, carrots, and corn in the diet. They contain a lot of starch, which is converted into glucose in the body.
Gluten: you should also limit your intake of wheat, rye, barley and other foods with gluten. There is evidence that the fungus candida albicans can cause symptoms of celiac disease, as it contains compounds similar in composition to gluten and triggers reactions that provoke the disease.
Canned and smoked foods: pickles, smoked meats, sauces and spicy dishes increase the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract and create favorable conditions for the reproduction of candida in the intestine. In addition, such dishes contain glucose or maltose.
Some drinks: for the duration of treatment, avoid alcohol, sodas, energy drinks, milkshakes and sweet juices.
What to eat
Lean proteins: eggs and skinless poultry are best, as well as bone broth and fish.
Non-starchy vegetables: include broccoli, kale, eggplant, tomatoes, and low-sugar fruits (limes, lemons, grapefruit, and apples).
Probiotics: these increase the number of bacteria beneficial to the vagina and gastrointestinal tract and reduce the recurrence rate of candidiasis. Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt, which are full of probiotics.
Endometriosis
This is a hormone-dependent disease that affects 10-15 % of women of reproductive age worldwide. During treatment, you should limit products that can affect the hormonal balance and increase estradiol. This hormone stimulates blood flow to the uterus, the growth of its mucous membrane and the production of prostaglandins.
What to avoid
Processed food products: semi-finished and canned foods increase inflammation in the body because they contain a lot of fat, sodium and sugar, but little fiber and essential nutrients.
Red meat: it increases estrogen levels in the blood, and endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease.
Women who eat more than two servings of red meat daily have a 56 % higher risk of developing endometriosis than those who eat one serving or less per day.
What to eat
Helpful omega-3 fats: these fats have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, walnuts, avocados, chia and flax seeds are rich in them.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grain products: fiber, vitamins and minerals help lower estrogen levels, which helps manage endometriosis.
Products rich in iron: against the background of endometriosis, heavy menstruation occurs, so to avoid anemia, it is worth adding iron-rich foods to the diet.
Dairy products: women who consume dairy products in sufficient quantities have a higher level of vitamin D and a lower risk of endometriosis.
Vitamins A, C and E: as antioxidants, these vitamins protect the body from oxidative stress. They are rich in colorful fruits and vegetables.
A very powerful antioxidant is curcumin. It suppresses endometrial cells, reducing estradiol production, and also has anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic, antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
