Toenail fungus isn’t just a surface problem. It’s a sign your body is fighting off an infection. While treatments like laser nail therapy are the most effective way to eliminate nail fungus, there’s something else that can support your healing: your diet.
At Laser Nail Therapy, we always remind patients that while no food alone can cure nail fungus, the right nutrients can help your body build a stronger immune response, promote faster nail growth, and create an environment that’s less friendly to fungal infections.
So if you’re wondering what to eat (or avoid) while treating toenail fungus, here’s what we recommend.
How Diet Affects Nail Fungus
Fungus thrives in warm, moist, and sugar-rich environments—not just on your feet, but throughout your body. That’s why people with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or frequent sugar spikes are more prone to recurring fungal infections.
A balanced diet that supports your immune system and reduces inflammation can help your body recover more efficiently from fungal infections. It also encourages stronger nail growth, so as your infected nail grows out, a healthy new one can take its place.
Top Foods That Support Your Body During Toenail Fungus Treatment
Here are the best foods to support your system while undergoing treatment (especially laser therapy):
1. Probiotic-Rich Foods
A healthy gut = a stronger immune response. Probiotics help balance your gut bacteria and may help reduce systemic yeast and fungal overgrowth.
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Yogurt with live cultures
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Kefir
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Kimchi
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Sauerkraut
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Miso
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Tempeh
These foods may not directly cure fungus, but they help your body maintain a fungus-fighting internal balance.
2. Garlic
Garlic has natural antifungal properties thanks to a compound called allicin. Eating it raw or cooked can support your immune system.
Try:
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Fresh garlic in dressings or sauces
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Roasted garlic in vegetables or soups
You can also take garlic supplements—but talk to your doctor first, especially if you’re on medication.
3. Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens your immune system and promotes nail health. It’s also an antioxidant, which helps your body fight off infections.
Best sources:
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Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
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Strawberries
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Bell peppers
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Broccoli
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Brussels sprouts
4. Leafy Greens and Cruciferous Vegetables
These support detoxification and supply important vitamins like A, C, and E—all crucial for skin and nail regeneration.
Great choices:
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Kale
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Spinach
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Arugula
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Cabbage
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Cauliflower
5. Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is essential for nail growth and repair. If your body isn’t getting enough, nails can become weak and slow to grow out—giving fungus more time to spread.
Include:
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Eggs
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Chicken or turkey
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Beans and lentils
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Tofu
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Nuts and seeds
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support nail health. They can also improve circulation, which is key when fighting off fungal infections in the feet.
Good sources:
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Salmon
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Sardines
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Chia seeds
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Walnuts
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Flaxseeds
Foods to Avoid While Treating Toenail Fungus
Just as important as what to eat is knowing what to cut back on. Certain foods can feed fungus or suppress your immune system, making recovery harder.
1. Sugar
Fungus feeds on sugar, both the refined kind and even natural sugars, in large amounts.
Try to avoid:
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Soda
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Candy
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Baked goods
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Sweetened coffee drinks
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Juice with added sugar
2. White Flour and Refined Carbs
Like sugar, refined carbs can spike your blood sugar and provide an easy food source for fungal organisms.
Watch out for:
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White bread
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Pasta
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Crackers
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Pastries
Opt instead for whole grains like quinoa, oats, or brown rice in moderation.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can weaken your immune system and also affect gut health, making it easier for fungal infections to linger.
If you’re treating an active case of nail fungus, consider cutting back or abstaining entirely until your nails have cleared.
Laser Nail Therapy + Nutrition = Real Results
While no food alone will eliminate toenail fungus, a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet can absolutely support your body’s recovery and help prevent reinfection. Combined with advanced laser treatment, you give yourself the best possible chance at long-term success.
At Laser Nail Therapy, we offer FDA-cleared laser treatments that:
✅ Penetrate deep under the nail to destroy fungus at the source
✅ Requires no medications, creams, or downtime
✅ Are fast, painless, and non-invasive
✅ Have very low recurrence rates when combined with proper aftercare
Best of all? We offer free consultations so you can get real answers and a customized treatment plan that works for you.
Let’s Talk – Book Your Free Consultation Today
If you’re battling toenail fungus and want lasting results, it’s time to treat the problem from the inside and the outside.
Call us today at 1-800-123-4567 to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll help you clear the infection and guide you on the right steps to keep it from coming back. Healthy nails, and healthy habits, start here.