Most nutritionists agree that sugar, yeast, dairy, wheat, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are the main culprits because they help yeast to grow. In people with healthy immune systems, the body is usually able to fight off the excess yeast made by these products. To prevent this, nutritionists recommend eating as little as possible of these foods that contribute to the excess production of yeast. Another approach is to eat larger amounts of foods that may suppress the growth of yeast. For example, garlic is believed by some nutritionists to have natural anti-fungal properties and may help to prevent candidiasis.
Fresh garlic is considered best, although garlic supplements offer the advantage of reduced odors.
Fresh garlic can be mixed into other foods, eaten raw after removing the dry outer skin, or minced and put into empty gelatin capsules, up to six cloves a day. Another factor that can contribute to uncontrolled yeast growth is the use of antibiotics. Friendly bacteria are found naturally in the body and establish a healthy balance while eliminating unfriendly yeasts. These bacteria are similar to Lactobacilli, the bacteria that turn milk into yogurt. Most common antibiotics kill these bacteria which then allows yeast to grow, especially in the vagina.