Mushrooms And Candida

A variety of dried mushrooms and fungi, often considered in a candida diet, are displayed on a dark tray, showcasing different shapes, sizes, and colors against a green background.

Are Mushrooms OK With Candida?

The question of whether mushrooms are safe to consume during Candida overgrowth is a topic of hot debate. Traditionally, many anti-Candida diets recommend avoiding mushrooms due to their fungal nature, under the assumption that consuming any fungi could potentially exacerbate a fungal infection.

However, recent studies and a deeper understanding of the role of mushrooms in diet present a considerably more nuanced perspective. While a diet low in sugar and yeast-containing foods—such as bread, yeast spreads, and alcohol—is often recommended for those dealing with Candida, the role of mushrooms is considerably more controversial.

You might come across alarming claims like:

“No mushrooms or fungi if you have Candida.”
“Avoid all moldy or yeasty foods like cheese with Candida.”
“Limit or eliminate fermented foods with Candida.”
“Avoid all gluten-containing foods with Candida”

While many scientifically-supported and peer-reviewed studies on fermented foods and Candida are valid, I’ve noticed that much of the hype surrounding Candida and mushrooms, mainly online, is often misleading.

Some Label Certain Foods As “Good” or “Bad”

Much of this talk is based on hearsay, similar to the misinformation surrounding the soy debate. People may warn you to avoid certain foods, labelling them as “bad” or “no good.” However, just because information is shared by a friend, colleague, or even a “reputable source”, doesn’t mean it’s accurate, comprehensive, or even remotely relevant to your health.

Even if a webpage is written by a medical doctor, dietitian or an expert and has been “fact-checked,” it doesn’t necessarily make it the gospel truth. Information can be presented for different purposes and with various agendas in mind, so it’s important to stay vigilant and critically evaluate any health-related content.

Why Do Some Avoid Mushrooms with Candida Overgrowth?

Candida overgrowth, a common fungal infection caused by yeast-like fungi, raises the question: are mushrooms safe to consume when dealing with Candida, or should they be like sugar, strictly avoided by those with Candida overgrowth?

Due To Their Fungal Nature

A pile of white mushrooms is displayed on a white background. Some mushrooms are whole while others are sliced.

Mushrooms are fungi, and the concern is that consuming them might worsen fungal infections like Candida by introducing more fungal elements into the body.

Since mushrooms belong to the fungi family, some health care professionals caution against their consumption, believing they might exacerbate Candida overgrowth due to their close relationship with yeast.

Currently, there are no universally accepted scientific guidelines, and whether mushrooms are “safe” for those prone to Candida remains a grey area.

Further down this page you can read about Dr. Rippon, a doctor and research scientist known for being the father of medical mycology. Dr. Rippon said: “Eating yeast or mold containing foods does not promote the growth nor manipulation of any Candida species. Any reactions to yeast-containing foods or beverages may be caused by an allergy to certain yeast products”.

Due To Cross-Reactivity

A study from last year showed that our knowledge of allergenic-proteins that may cause recognised and clinically relevant cross-reactivity between fungi, and fungi and foods, is extremely limited. This means that dietary fungi might compete with Candida in the gut is not supported by any scientific evidence. (Xing et al., 2022)

Due To Their Mold Content

Some mushrooms, particularly those that are commercially grown, may contain mould, which can be problematic for individuals with mold sensitivities. My recommendations are to avoid lots of raw mushrooms (in salads, etc) if you have a chronic or recurring fungal or bacterial infection, at least until any infection is under control along with any symptoms. Fungal spores don’t represent much of an immune problem when mushrooms are well-cooked.

A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a light blue shirt, stands thoughtfully with his hand on his chin against a plain white background.

Can I Have Mushrooms On The Candida Diet?

You might be wondering, “Can I eat mushrooms while treating Candida or following an anti-Candida diet? Aren’t I supposed to avoid all fungi?” The answer is yes, you can include mushrooms in your diet.

There’s no scientific proof either that has confirmed all mushrooms are “off-limits” for those with Candida issues. It’s worth noting that medicinal mushrooms might offer an entirely different perspective, and in-fact be therapeutic and beneficial for those with Candida overgrowth.

Here’s a few reasons why mushrooms are OK for most individuals and the Candida diet:

Candida Prefers Sugar Over Other Fungi

Even though Candida can live on virtually any food, this fungus thrives on easily accessible sugars, not mushrooms. Foods like candy, bread, soda drinks, chips, alcohol, and chocolate are the real culprits that feed Candida.

Mushrooms, on the other hand, are very low in simple sugars and don’t provide a suitable food source for Candida, making them safe to eat for the majority. Our clinic has not found mushrooms to be an issue with Candida patients in general, even after more than 30 years of working with thousands of Candida patients. It would be quite rare for us to make the recommendation of “mushroom avoidance”, unless the patients was extremely immune-compromised.

Mushrooms Support Beneficial Gut Flora

Mushrooms have prebiotic properties, meaning they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These healthy bacteria compete with Candida in the gut, reducing its ability to thrive. They do this by consuming available nutrients, occupying space on the gut wall that Candida might otherwise colonize, and even producing antifungal compounds that directly combat Candida.

Immune System Enhancement

Mushrooms are known to boost immune function, which is crucial when dealing with Candida overgrowth. A stronger immune system can more effectively target and eliminate Candida cells, helping to restore balance in your gut microbiome.

Medicinal Mushrooms Have Anti-Fungal Properties

Certain mushrooms, such as reishi and chaga, have been shown to possess antifungal properties against Candida. For instance, reishi has been found to reduce the adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida albicans, a protective mechanism that makes Candida more difficult to eradicate. By breaking down this biofilm, reishi may help prevent chronic Candida infections.

Gut Healing Benefits of Chaga

Chaga mushroom has a special affinity for the gut, where it exerts strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties are beneficial for healing and protecting the gut lining, which is often compromised in individuals with Candida overgrowth.

Adaptogenic Support with Reishi

Reishi is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with stress, including adrenal fatigue, which can both precede and exacerbate Candida overgrowth. By supporting adrenal function, reishi can indirectly help manage Candida by reducing one of its major triggers—stress.

So, there’s no need to avoid mushrooms while treating Candida. Medicinal mushrooms have been valued for a thousand years or more for their immune-boosting properties and their ability to help combat infections. In fact, medicinal mushrooms like reishi and chaga can be valuable allies in your fight against fungal infections. The enemies of Candida are sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and stress, and not mushrooms.

A close-up of a wall with extensive mold growth near the baseboard, alongside a wooden floor and partially visible window.

Mushrooms Are OK – Mould Is Not OK

Mushrooms can be a healthy and beneficial addition to your diet, even if you have Candida. Their immune-stimulatory properties can support your body’s natural defences, and they are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. Incorporating mushrooms into your meals can be a smart choice for enhancing your nutritional intake.

However, it’s important to differentiate between mushrooms and mould. While mushrooms are generally safe and nutritious, mould is a different matter. Exposure to black mould in your home can be harmful to your health, potentially exacerbating conditions like Candida. It’s crucial to ensure that your living environment is free of mould to protect your health. I’ll delve deeper into the effects of black mould and how to manage it in the lifestyle section of this website.

The difference between mushrooms and mold lies primarily in their structure, function, and how they impact human health. While both are fungi, they serve different roles in nature and can have vastly different effects on the body.

What Are Mushrooms?

Structure
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi, designed to produce and release spores for reproduction. They are often visible and can be found growing above ground or on organic matter like wood.
Edibility
Many mushrooms are edible and provide nutritional benefits, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and bioactive compounds. Some mushrooms, like shiitake and reishi, have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. Many medicinal mushrooms even have anti-microbial properties.
Health Benefits
Edible mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties, prebiotic effects, and antioxidant content. Certain mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, making them beneficial in conditions like Candida overgrowth.
Safety
While edible mushrooms are safe for consumption, some wild mushrooms can be toxic, even deadly. However, cultivated and carefully selected wild mushrooms that are known to be safe can be included in a healthy diet.

What Is Mould?

Structure
Mould refers to a group of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. Mold typically appears as fuzzy or slimy patches and can thrive on various surfaces, especially in damp environments.
Impact on Health
Mold, particularly toxic types like black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), can be harmful when inhaled or ingested. Mould exposure can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems. For individuals with weakened immune systems or conditions like Candida overgrowth, mould exposure can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to very poor health.
Avoidance
Unlike mushrooms, mould should be avoided, especially in any living or working environments. Controlling moisture and ensuring proper ventilation can help prevent mould growth.

Key Difference Between Mushrooms and Mould

Consumption: When mushrooms are properly identified and prepared, they are safe and beneficial to eat. In contrast, mould should not be consumed and can be harmful to health.
Health Impact: Mushrooms can support health, particularly immune function and gut health, whereas mold can undermine health, particularly respiratory and immune function.

Understanding the distinction between mushrooms and mould is essential, especially when managing conditions like Candida overgrowth. While mushrooms can be a positive addition to your diet, mould should be avoided at all costs.

A man with short hair and a mustache, wearing a dark suit and shirt, poses in front of a dark background.

The Medical Mycologist’s Viewpoint

Concern about mushrooms in the diet of people with Candida is not supported by Dr. John Rippon’s views as a medical mycologist either.

Dr. John Rippon wrote the first book on Medical Mycology, and had an intimate knowledge on the topic of Candida and yeast. He was the first doctor to diagnose and name vaginal yeast infection.

When Dr. John Rippon was interviewed about this topic by Dr. William Crook (The Yeast Connection, 1983), this was his reply:

Dr. Crook: “How about mushrooms, brewer’s yeast, mouldy cheese, ferments, and other yeast-containing foods which often cause trouble. Do they do this by encouraging the growth of Candida?

Dr. Rippon: No. Eating yeast or mold-containing foods does not promote the growth nor manipulation of Candida species. Any reactions to yeast-containing foods or beverages may be caused by an allergy to certain yeast products”.

Dr. Rippon: “There are countless families of yeasts. All too frequently, physicians and the public are using the term “yeast” to include everything. Some yeasts are harmless and made guilty by inference”.

“Eating yeast or mold-containing foods does not promote the growth nor manipulation of any Candida species. Any reactions to yeast-containing foods or beverages may be caused by an allergy to certain yeast products”.

Supermarket Mushrooms: To Eat or Not to Eat?

The debate on whether mushrooms contribute to Candida overgrowth is on-going. Some believe that mushrooms could potentially “promote the growth” of Candida yeast. The theory is that because mushrooms are fungi, they may cross-react with Candida microorganisms, confusing the immune system into thinking they are the same.

Some health-care practitioners suggest that this “fungal confusion” could trigger an inflammatory response as the immune system attempts to neutralise what it perceives as a fungal threat.

Some experts argue that introducing a new fungus into the gut may actually “compete” with Candida for resources. Studies clearly show that Candida can thrive in any environment, at any pH level, and can consume any type of food.

What is clear is that there is no scientific proof that we need to avoid all mushrooms if we have Candida issues, and I’ve yet to see any research validating such viewpoints.

So, should you include mushrooms in your stir-fry or leave them out?

Dietary mushrooms don’t have to be avoided, but medicinal mushrooms might be worth considering for their immune-boosting and infection-fighting benefits. If you are keen to eat common button mushrooms, just make sure they are cooked, and not consumed raw.

A variety of mushrooms are spread out on a wooden surface, showcasing different shapes, sizes, and colors—including white, brown, orange, and red hues—making them one of the top 20 anti inflammatory foods.

Medicinal Mushrooms are OK With Candida

There is a commonly-held belief that if you have a Candida yeast infection, you must avoid ALL mushrooms and fungi because they are members of the same family, and your immune system may confuse them with Candida. However, this is not how our immune system functions.

The families of yeast and fungi are vast, with each having distinct characteristics in the way they feed, grow, reproduce, and affect each other. The notion that “all mushrooms and fungi” are off-limits if you have Candida is an assumption not based on facts, just here-say.

Recent research suggests that certain food-derived yeasts may actually exhibit antifungal activity against Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species, reducing virulence and infection in clinical settings.

Some yeasts associated with food may even have probiotic qualities and are generally safe for consumption. For example, Saccharomyces boulardii is the only probiotic yeast currently available commercially, but there is speculation that many more yeast species will be recognized as beneficial in the future.

Some of these yeast species could potentially serve as effective alternatives to traditional antifungal medicines.

Considerations for Including Mushrooms in Your Diet:

Medicinal Mushrooms:
While some may argue that all mushrooms should be avoided, medicinal mushrooms like shiitake and oyster species have been used for centuries for their health benefits.
One study found that shiitake mushroom extract had extensive antimicrobial activity, effective against 85% of the organisms tested, including mold and yeast species. (Hearst 2009)
Some of yeast species can even pose as an effective alternative to antifungal drugs. (Kunyeit 2020)
Personal Experience:
Many Candida patients have reported that culinary or medicinal mushrooms, particularly when cooked or even eaten raw in salads, do not cause problems. This includes store-bought mushrooms, canned varieties from Asian stores, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, and even foraged mushrooms, though caution is advised when foraging due to the potential for toxicity.

It’s important to remember that the fungi family is immense. Just because you are dealing with one of the five Candida species responsible for 92% of all Candida infections does not mean you need to avoid all 6 million species of fungi.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to see what works for their gut and to avoid taking an overly restrictive approach when it comes to fermented foods or any healthy food groups in the context of Candida management.

A variety of dried mushrooms and fungi, which can be considered for a candida diet, are displayed on a dark tray against a green background.

The Case For Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms are unique organisms, neither plant nor animal, that have evolved natural defences against bacteria and molds.

These antimicrobial properties are one reason they have been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries. Medicinal mushrooms are rich in amino acids, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins, including folate.

They are also low in sugar, provide prebiotics, and support the growth of healthy probiotic bacteria. Some of their active compounds can modulate or optimise immune function, and certain mushrooms even exhibit antifungal properties, including activity against Candida.

For example, Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress while supporting the immune system. Other medicinal mushrooms like Grifola frondosa (maitake), Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), and Cordyceps sinensis (caterpillar mushroom) are also renowned for their immune-supporting effects. Additionally, Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster), and Flammulina velutipes (enoki) mushrooms have long been valued not only for their flavor but also for their medicinal benefits.

While cooking mushrooms increases their glycemic load by converting complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, it also enhances their antioxidant content. For those seeking more specific health benefits, various mushroom supplements are available at health food stores.

Moreover, incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir into your diet, or taking a probiotic supplement, may help restore gut flora balance.

Benefits Of Medicinal Mushrooms with Candida

Medicinal Mushrooms and Immunity:
Certain medicinal mushrooms like shiitake, maitake, and reishi are known for their immune-boosting properties. They contain beta-glucans, which can enhance the body’s immune response and potentially help in fighting off Candida infections rather than exacerbating them (Venturella et al., 2021).
Prebiotic Effects:
Mushrooms contain prebiotic fibre that feed beneficial gut bacteria, which can help restore balance in the gut microbiome—a key aspect of managing Candida overgrowth (Yu et al., 2023).
Antimicrobial Properties:
Some mushrooms, especially medicinal varieties, have been found to exhibit antimicrobial properties that might be beneficial in controlling Candida and other harmful microorganisms (Ahmad et al., 2024).
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Medicinal mushrooms like reishi and chaga are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly important in managing Candida overgrowth, as chronic inflammation can exacerbate symptoms and compromise immune function (Elsayed et al., 2014).
Gut Health Support:
Mushrooms can help support the integrity of the gut lining and promote a healthy gut barrier. A healthy gut lining can prevent the translocation of Candida and other harmful pathogens into the bloodstream, helping to mitigate systemic infections (Aleman et al., 2023).
Nutrient-Rich Profile:
Many medicinal mushrooms are rich in vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin D), minerals (like selenium and potassium), and antioxidants. These nutrients support overall health and can enhance the body’s ability to combat infections, including those caused by Candida (Bhambri et al., 2022).
Stress-Reduction:
Certain mushrooms, particularly reishi, are adaptogens that help the body cope with stress. By reducing stress levels, which can negatively impact immune function, these mushrooms may indirectly support the body’s defences against Candida overgrowth. Mushrooms can also help with depression.
Blood-Sugar Balance:
Some studies suggest that medicinal mushrooms may help in regulating blood sugar levels. Since high blood sugar can promote Candida growth, maintaining stable glucose levels can be an important strategy in managing Candida infections (Jovanović et al., 2021).
Liver Support:
Certain medicinal mushrooms, like reishi and cordyceps, are known to support liver function. A healthy liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and maintaining a balanced immune response, which is vital when dealing with Candida overgrowth (Chugh et al., 2022).

Mushrooms and Candida Conclusion

While many Candida diets traditionally advise against mushrooms, there’s growing evidence suggesting that certain types of mushrooms, particularly medicinal varieties, may not only be safe but could also offer health benefits during Candida overgrowth.

However, individual tolerance varies, so it’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional experienced in treating Candida if you’re unsure.

There Are Always Rare Exceptions

Man lying in bed looking unwell, with a hand on his forehead and bundled in a blanket.

However, exceptions to the general rule do exist. Occasionally, you may encounter patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or those who have endured severe chronic fatigue syndrome for many years.

These individuals might struggle to incorporate mushrooms into their diets. Often, they have a history of prolonged antibiotic use, which can disrupt their gut microbiome.

Consequently, it might take months or even years for their microbiome to restore itself to a level that can handle fermented foods such as sauerkraut or yogurt.

Though such chronic cases are noted, they are relatively uncommon in my experience. The majority of individuals tend to manage fermented foods reasonably well, depending on the state of their gut health.

Conclusion:

Moderation and Type
If you choose to include mushrooms in your diet during your Candida cleanse, we recommended medicinal mushrooms like shiitake, maitake, or reishi, and to consume them in moderation.
Preparation Method
While some say medicinal mushrooms are less likely to contribute to fungal overgrowth and more likely to provide immune support, in most all cases, we’ve found in our clinic that patients can consume supermarket or commercially grown mushrooms, providing they are well cooked.
Cooking mushrooms can reduce potential mould content and make mushrooms easier to digest, further reducing the risk of exacerbating Candida symptoms.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post, please leave a comment with your experiences with mushrooms and candida!

Eric Bakker N.D.

Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.