Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “Do you know if there is a connection between sugar intake and thrush? Can a diet change help prevent these problems? Thank you!” —Melissa R., Tampa, FL A. Dear Melissa, “Thrush” is an oral overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which is a type of yeast. This is also a common culprit in vaginal yeast infections in women. There is some evidence that this family of yeasts particularly like to eat sugar, and thrive in its presence. Therefore, many integrative medical practitioners recommend that individuals with recurrent problems with thrush and/or vaginal yeast infections greatly limit simple sugars and refined carbohydrates (like white flour, white pasta, white rice) in the diet in an attempt to reduce the growth of this troublesome micro-organism. I do know that sugar does not have any nutritional benefit besides providing calories, and can seriously harm your health, so I recommend everyone avoid it, especially in the form of high fructose corn syrup. In place of sugar and refined carbohydrates, I would recommend a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate diet. The foods I recommend are beef, bison, chicken, turkey, cold water fish, and eggs. For fats, I like coconut oil, olive oil, and flax oil. For complex carbohydrates you can eat fruits, vegetables and occasionally brown rice, quinoa, millet and buckwheat. For people with health issues, I suggest a trial of a gluten-free diet, and eliminate dairy products with the exception of occasional cheese, preferably goat cheese. Choosing primarily from these types of foods will greatly reduce the chance that you will continue to struggle with yeast overgrowth. If it continues to be a problem, you may want to add supplemental probiotics to your daily regimen. For more details on my choices for a healthy diet, you may also visit my website at www.TerryTalksNutrition.com. On the left hand column, you will find “Terry’s Menu Plan for Health and Longevity.” Just click on that icon and it will take you to my menu page.