Candida affects over 70 percent of people worldwide. This common fungal infection usually occurs in the mouth and GI tract, or on the skin. It has the ability to penetrate epithelial barriers, leaving your immune system vulnerable to disease. Statistics indicate that over 60 percent of the fungal infections acquired in hospitals are caused by candida.

Its symptoms are non-specific, which makes diagnosis difficult. Most people experience bloating, bad breath, vaginal itching, brain fog, insomnia, mood swings, and fatigue. In severe cases, candida infection can lead to infertility, endometriosis, erectile dysfunction, and even death.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat candida naturally. Certain foods contain probiotics and antioxidants that kill pathogens, build up good bacteria, and starve the yeast. Others, especially those high in sugar and gluten, promote candida overgrowth.

Add these foods to your diet to cure candida naturally:

Cloves

Rich in eugenol, cloves act as a natural antifungal agent. This spice suppresses candida growth both in the mouth and stomach. Research indicates that clove oil has a fast killing effect on yeast cells, fights inflammation, and improves circulation. For this reason, it’s widely used for treating bacterial and fungal infections, acne, and gum, disease. A study published in Oral Microbiology & Immunology has found that clove is just as effective against candida overgrowth as the drug nyastin, but without its side effects.

Cinnamon

If you’re struggling with candida, add cinnamon to your meals. This spice is best known for its fat burning effects. However, it also appears to be effective in the treatment of H. pylori, candida albicans, and other infections. Due to its antifungal properties, it kills candida cells within days. A 2012 study conducted on 60 patients has found that 72 percent of those who took supplements containing cinnamon and pogostemon oil got rid of candida in just two weeks.