Causes

• Exposure to fungi: Found in soil, air, water, plants, and on human skin.
• Weakened immune system: Increased susceptibility due to illness, medications, or age.
• Antibiotic use: Disrupts the balance of microorganisms, allowing fungi to overgrow.
• Warm, moist environments: Fungi thrive in damp conditions like sweaty skin folds or communal showers.
• Direct contact: Touching contaminated surfaces, sharing personal items, or contact with infected individuals or animals.

Types of Fungal Infections

Common Examples

• Ringworm (Tinea): Red, itchy, circular rash on skin, scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), or groin (jock itch).
• Onychomycosis: Fungal infection of fingernails or toenails.
• Candidiasis: Yeast infection affecting skin, mouth (oral thrush), or genitals (vaginal yeast infection).
• Tinea Versicolor: Discolored skin patches due to Malassezia fungus.
• Aspergillosis, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis: Affect lungs or other organs, mainly in immunocompromised people.

Dietary Guidance

Foods to Include

• Low-sugar fruits: Apples, berries, lemons.
• Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, bhindi (okra), cucumber.
• Spices: Ginger, garlic, cloves (have antifungal properties).
• Whole grains: Prefer jowar, bajra (millets) over wheat or barley.
• Protein sources: Eggs, chicken, fish.
• Fermented foods: Unsweetened yogurt, buttermilk (chaas) for gut health.
• Healthy fats: Coconut oil (may have antifungal benefits).
• Hydration: Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily.

Foods to Avoid

• Sugar and sweets: No jaggery, sugar, cakes, pastries, ice cream.
• High-sugar fruits: Bananas, grapes, mangoes.
• Refined grains: Avoid wheat, rye, barley.
• Starchy vegetables: Limit potatoes, carrots.
• Dairy: Reduce milk, cheese, cream; prefer unsweetened curd or buttermilk.
• Fried and processed foods: Limit intake.

Additional Tips

• Exercise moderately to boost immunity.
• Practice personal hygiene to prevent spread and recurrence.
• Consult us today for persistent or severe infections.