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Alex Manos | 23 Jan 2025 | Gut Health

Candida: Everything You Need To Know

Understanding Candida: Causes, Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally resides in the human body, typically in areas like the mouth, gut, and skin. While it’s usually harmless and kept in check by a healthy immune system and a balanced microbiome, it can overgrow and cause various health issues. This condition is known as candidiasis and is particularly common in the gut, though it can affect other areas as well. In this blog, we’ll explore what candida is, the symptoms of overgrowth, testing methods, and evidence-based treatments, including diet, supplements, and herbs.

What is Candida?

Candida is a genus of yeast, with Candida albicans being the most common species associated with infections. It plays a role in digestion and nutrient absorption but can become problematic when overgrowth occurs. Factors such as a high-sugar diet, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, antibiotic use, and a weakened immune system can disrupt the balance of gut microbes, allowing candida to proliferate. (source)

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Candida overgrowth can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the site of infection. Common symptoms include:

  • Digestive issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation (source).
  • Fatigue: Chronic tiredness linked to immune system activation and nutrient deficiencies caused by candida.
  • Skin issues: Fungal infections, eczema, or rashes.
  • Oral thrush: A white coating on the tongue or inside the mouth.
  • Recurrent infections: Such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or vaginal yeast infections.
  • Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally sluggish.
  • Food cravings: Especially for sugar and refined carbohydrates, which feed candida.

How Do You Test for Candida?

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Testing for an overgrowth can involve several methods:

  • Stool test: This is one of the most reliable methods to detect candida overgrowth in the gut. It identifies candida species and levels in the stool.
  • Urine organic acids test (OAT): This test measures byproducts of fungal metabolism, such as D-arabinitol, which can indicate systemic overgrowth.
  • Blood tests: Antibody tests for IgG, IgA, and IgM can detect immune responses to candida, indicating an overgrowth or infection.
  • Physical examination: For oral or vaginal candidiasis, a doctor may visually examine the affected area and take swabs for lab testing.

How Do You Treat Candida Overgrowth?

Treating an overgrowth involves restoring balance to the gut and controlling the growth of yeast. This typically requires a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and anti-fungal treatments.

The Candida Diet

The diet focuses on starving the yeast by eliminating foods that promote its growth and incorporating foods that support gut health. Key elements include:

Foods to avoid:

  • Sugar and refined carbohydrates (e.g., sweets, white bread, soda).
  • Alcohol and fermented foods like beer and wine.
  • Processed foods and artificial sweeteners.
  • Yeast-containing products like bread and pastries.

Foods to include:

  • Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower).
  • Healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil, coconut oil).
  • High-quality protein sources (e.g., eggs, fish, meat, poultry).
  • Low-sugar fruits (e.g., berries).

Probiotics

Probiotics have been shown to be effective against candida, particularly lactobacilli, as they suppress Candida growth and biofilm development (source, source).

The probiotic S. Boulardii and L. Reuteri have been shown to be as effective as nystatin, a commonly prescribed anti-fungal, in treating candida albicans in infants (source, source).

Recommended Product: Saccaromyces Boulardii, L. Reuteri, and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG.

Antifungal Herbs and Supplements

Certain herbs and natural compounds have anti-fungal properties:

  • Oregano oil: Contains carvacrol and thymol, which have strong anti-fungal effects (Manohar et al., 2001).
  • Caprylic acid: A fatty acid derived from coconut oil that disrupts the candida cell membrane.
  • Garlic: Allicin, a compound in garlic, has anti-fungal properties and can help reduce candida overgrowth.
  • Berberine: Found in plants like goldenseal, berberine has shown antimicrobial and anti-fungal activity.
  • Enzymes may help break down Candida and their biofilms (the shields they build around themselves) to make other treatments more effective. CandiGold Pro combines enzymes with probiotics for an effective 2 week cleanse.

Medications

In severe cases, anti-fungal medications like fluconazole or nystatin may be prescribed. These treatments are often used for systemic or chronic infections.

Maintaining Long-Term Gut Health

Preventing overgrowth requires maintaining a healthy gut environment. Key strategies include:

  • Eating a diverse, fiber-rich diet to support beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Reducing stress, as chronic stress can weaken the immune system and disrupt the gut microbiome (source).
  • Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, which can kill beneficial bacteria and allow yeast to thrive.
  • Incorporating regular exercise, which has been shown to support gut health and immune function (source).

Final Thoughts

Candida overgrowth is a common but often overlooked condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from digestive issues to brain fog. By addressing the root causes—such as gut imbalances, poor diet, and lifestyle factors—and incorporating evidence-based treatments like diet changes, probiotics, and anti-fungal herbs, you can restore balance and reduce symptoms. If you suspect an overgrowth, testing and working with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and guide an effective treatment plan.

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