What is the cause of Candida overgrowth? And how can we combat Candida overgrowth in our daily life?
Do you crave sugary foods, struggle with brain fog, experience bloating after meals or battle frequent fungal (i.e yeast) infections? Although these symptoms are relatively common, when compounded, they can be indicative of a deeper issue, especially when they recur. Our gut contains trillions of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, including something called candida. Candida albicans is a strain of yeast that naturally exists on the skin and in our mouth and digestive tract. When present in small amounts, it tends to be harmless. In fact, as part of the microbiome, it helps our digestion run smoothly.
However, an overgrowth of candida, called candidiasis, can occur and often causes a myriad of health problems - it has even been linked as a contributor to certain autoimmune conditions (yes, really!). Before we get into all of that, take a look at some of the types of candida overgrowth:
Types and Symptoms
There are many different types of candidiasis, occuring on the skin, in the mouth, presenting as a vaginal yeast infection, and more. Symptoms of candidiasis vary based on the severity and location of the infection.
Candidiasis of the mouth or throat is commonly referred to as oral thrush, or oropharyngeal candidiasis. It can cause symptoms such as white patches on the palate, tongue, inner cheeks, or gums, a cottony feeling in the mouth, redness or inflammation, slight bleeding, a loss of taste, pain or soreness in the mouth or throat, or pain when swallowing.
“Cutaneous candidiasis” is the medical term for this skin infection. Because Candida thrives in warm, moist environments, cutaneous candidiasis often develops in the folds of the skin (like elbows, behind the knees and under the breast tissue) and can cause the following symptoms: inflamed skin that may crack, peel or itch, red circular patches surrounded by red pustules, and hair loss, if the infection occurs on the scalp.
A Candida infection on or inside the vagina is called a vaginal yeast infection or “vaginal candidiasis.” These infections are common, and some possible symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include white, clumpy vaginal discharge (similar to cottage cheese consistency), vaginal itching or soreness, pain during sexual intercourse, and pain or discomfort when urinating.
“Candidemia” is the medical term for a Candida infection of the bloodstream. The symptoms vary, according to the location of the infection in the body. However, it can cause generalized symptoms, such as a fever and chills. When severe enough, the condition may also cause septic shock, with symptoms such as elevated heart rate, rapid shallow breathing, and low blood pressure
Causes
Under normal conditions, Candida is harmless. The bacteria living on and in the body combined with the efforts of the immune system help keep Candida populations under control. However, a person may develop candidiasis if their good bacteria are suppressed or their immune system is weakened. Some common causes of candidiasis include:
The overuse of antibiotics
Anti = against, Bio = life. When you take an antibiotic, not only does it kill off the bad guys, the good guys get wiped out too. With the good bacteria removed, candida has an ideal climate to grow in. Taking a probiotic in conjunction with your antibiotic can help prevent that.
A diet high in sugar & processed foods
When broken down, those carb-heavy foods become the perfect fuel for yeast to grow, multiply and thrive off of. Eating these foods also depletes the immune system, increases inflammation and contributes to the overall toxic load our systems have to handle.
Autoimmune conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Hashimoto’s
The two conditions (candida & autoimmunity) actually go hand-in-hand. Candida can contribute to a condition known as leaky gut, which essentially means that the lining of your intestinal wall becomes damaged and in turn permeable.. Not only does this increase inflammation, it wears down the immune system and makes you more susceptible to chronic illness.
How can we combat Candida overgrowth in our daily life?
Of all contributing factors, the most influential tends to be diet. Eating a clean, whole foods diet is fundamental for optimal health. In the case of candida, it is essential. To truly kick candida to the curb, most sugars and all processed foods need to be removed. The following foods you will definitely want to avoid while trying to alleviate symptoms:
Foods That Feed Candida:
Alcohol & Caffeine
Grains & Gluten
Dairy
Fermented Foods
Beans & Starchy Vegetables
High-Glycemic Fruits
Bottom line, when broken down these foods become simple sugars, which are definitely a no-go. It is essential to avoid these at all costs to give our immune systems a nice break and heal the lining of our gut. Even more importantly, let’s get into the list of foods that can prevent candida overgrowth and are associated with improving health overall:
Dr. Lana’s approach to healing candida overgrowth naturally includes incorporating foods into your diet that act as a natural remedy for candida.
Foods That Fight Candida:
Coconut oil
This oil is high in caprylic acid, which works to break down the cell walls of yeast. For any women dealing with a tricky yeast infection, coconut oil can be a great topical to provide relief. Adding just a drop of tea tree oil to that mixture can also help due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. However, if there are any open sores or cuts, be cautious in using this essential oil - it’s very potent!
Garlic
Eaten raw, this acts as an incredible anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal. It even has been shown to be effective against killing cancer cells. If you’re having trouble eating it raw, there are actually garlic supplements you can take. Garlic can even function as a highly effective intra-vaginal suppository during yeast infections.
Cruciferous Vegetables & Greens
Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels and kale are all examples of these! These veggies are great for repopulating the good bacteria in our GI tract. All of the beneficial microbes help to keep candida at bay and prevent overgrowth.
Ginger
An excellent anti-inflammatory and also anti fungal. One great way to incorporate ginger into your daily routine is to make ginger tea. Simply take boiled water and add sliced ginger root. Drinking before bed is wonderful for soothing your stomach, aiding digestion and decreasing inflammation.
(Video) How to Treat Candida in 6 Steps | Dr. Josh Axe
Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Juice
Both of these act as antifungals. Warm water with lemon in the morning can fight candida and ramp up digestion. Add a splash or two of ACV into your water bottle or over a salad and you’ll be good to go.
Wild Caught Salmon
Eating a diet rich in omega-3s is wonderful for healing leaky gut, which as we know, contributes to some autoimmune conditions.
Probiotics, of course!
Taking a probiotic each day is a simple, highly effective way to give our body a boost and keep the variety of bacterial colonies diverse and optimal.
Normally, Candida albicans is a part of the natural microflora of the GI tract, epidermis, and vagina, and does not cause disease. Some circumstances, such as taking a long course of antibiotics or having a weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing an overgrowth of candida that then turns into a Candida infection. The most common Candida infections, such as vaginal and skin infections, are localized and can be addressed easily. An untreated and prolonged Candida infection carries the risk of leading to a systemic infection in which other organs can become involved. If you notice symptoms that are consistent with those of a Candida infection, contact a doctor in order to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Try sticking to these guidelines for about a month to see if any of your symptoms improve. Although it can seem restrictive, there are so many options to choose from! For breakfast, you can have a dark berry bowl or a green smoothie - just avoid the tropical fruits (bananas, oranges, mango, pineapple), as they are higher in natural sugars. For lunch, have a loaded salad dressed with lemon, olive oil and some pink himalayan sea salt. When dinner rolls around, grab some spaghetti squash and sauté in olive or coconut oil with onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. Craving a snack? Sliced avocado with lime and a little salt or paprika is always yummy and hits the spot!
Even choosing to take things day by day and removing one culprit at a time can be very beneficial. Check out my online store for even more of my favorite herbal remedies and supplements I love to use in the fight against candida!
Concerned about Candida? Schedule a complementary 15-minute introductory call with Dr. Lana
FAQs
What kills Candida fast? ›
- Caprylic Acid. Coconut oil is made up of three fatty acids: caprylic acid capric acid and lauric. ...
- Undecylenic Acid. ...
- Oregano Leaf Extract. ...
- Berberine. ...
- Betaine HCl. ...
- Garlic Extract. ...
- Olive Leaf Extract.
- Drinking only fluids, such as lemon water or bone broth.
- Eating mainly vegetables, such as salads and steamed vegetables, alongside a small amount of protein throughout the day.
Using diet alone it could take three to six months before the candida is back under control. Your doctor may also suggest the use of an anti-fungal medication such as Diflucan or Nyastatin for a month or longer to speed up the process.
What foods destroy Candida? ›- Wild fish.
- Grass-fed beef.
- Pasture-raised poultry, including chicken.
- Eggs.
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts)
- Leafy greens (kale, dandelion, lettuces)
- Nonstarchy vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, onions, shallots)
- Spices (turmeric, cumin)
Perhaps the most well-known sign of candida overgrowth is a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections can cause intense itching in the area, along with burning or pain during urination and painful intercourse. Some patients with yeast overgrowth also experience urinary tract infections or rectal itching.
What foods to avoid if you have Candida? ›- Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, beans, and peas.
- High sugar fruits, which include bananas, mangoes, figs, and raisins.
- Certain meats, such as processed meats and farm-raised fish.
- Grains that contain gluten, including wheat, barley, and rye.
According to research ACV has benefits as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. A 2018 study found that undiluted (or mildly diluted) ACV can prevent the growth of candida. The researchers discovered this effect in a candida culture, which is a small sample of these organisms.
What vitamins help with Candida? ›Vitamin C can boost your immune system
Taking a good Vitamin C supplement will restore your adrenal glands to health, build up your immune system and allow your body to fight off the Candida.
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives on skin and inside the body such as in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Candida can cause an infection if conditions change inside the vagina to encourage its growth.
What happens when candida is leaving your body? ›Candida die-off may cause symptoms of a yeast infection to temporarily worsen, or it may even cause new symptoms, such as a fever or stomach pain. Treatment of viruses, bacteria, and fungi such as candida can cause temporary inflammation in the body.
Can Candida be cured permanently? ›
Prognosis. Typically, in otherwise healthy people with superficial candidiasis, a properly treated infection goes away without leaving permanent damage. Superficial candidiasis may take longer to treat and is more likely to recur in people that need long courses of antibiotics.
Can you starve Candida? ›The intent of the Candida Diet is to starve off the Candida and nourish the good bacteria in your microbiome instead. We recommend omitting sugar, grains, dairy, fermented foods, and alcohol from your diet completely, as well as avoiding all fruit for the first 2-4 weeks.
What drink kills candida? ›Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy to treat candida overgrowth and protect against yeast infections and thrush. Studies show apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial activities and can inhibit the growth of C.
Does coffee increase candida? ›Firstly, caffeine's detrimental effect on your immune system reduces your ability to fight Candida overgrowth. This will not only worsen your Candida symptoms; it will compromise your health in the long run. Secondly, caffeine can cause spikes in your blood sugar that feed your Candida overgrowth.
Are bananas good for candida? ›The Functional Medical Research Center says individuals on a candida diet may eat fruits like bananas as long as they are unprocessed, fresh or frozen whole and don't incorporate any added sweeteners.
What does gut Candida feel like? ›Some people blame many common symptoms on the overgrowth of the funguslike organism Candida albicans in the intestines. They may say this fungus causes symptoms such as fatigue, headache and poor memory. This condition is sometimes called yeast syndrome.
What does Candida look like on skin? ›A yeast infection on your face may appear as a red rash. The rash may have dry, scaly patches. The patches may crust over and ooze pus. The rash may look like acne on your face, with pimples or small bumps appearing around it.
What does an overgrowth of Candida look like? ›Candidiasis in your mouth is called thrush. It causes white lesions that look like cottage cheese on your tongue or inner cheeks. It may also lead to soreness or burning and can spread to other parts of your mouth or throat.
Are eggs good for Candida? ›Protein: Lean protein, such as eggs and skinless poultry, are usually allowed on the Candida diet, as are bone broth and certain fatty fish. Low-mold nuts and seeds are also approved. The Candida diet also excludes red, organ, and processed meats.
How long does it take to get rid of candida with diet? ›Most people see significant improvements in their candida symptoms within two to four weeks, with drastic improvements in two to three months.
What foods are naturally antifungal? ›
- Garlic. Garlic is one of the most well-researched natural antifungals, which isn't surprising considering it is used to flavor and preserve many recipes. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Onion. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Coconut Oil. ...
- Olive Oil. ...
- Seaweed. ...
- Rutabaga.
- Eliminate your sugar intake. ...
- Cut down on carbs. ...
- Stay away from high-lactose dairy products. ...
- Go for gluten-free products. ...
- Reduce alcohol intake.
Yeast can also “overgrow” in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast. That's because antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria in your body that normally keep the yeast in balance.
How does apple cider vinegar get rid of yeast infections overnight? ›Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been found to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the strain of fungi that typically causes yeast infections. To use this natural remedy, mix 1 spoonful of ACV into a glass of water and drink every morning. .
CARD9 deficiency is a genetic immune disorder characterized by susceptibility to fungal infections like candidiasis, which is caused by the yeast fungus Candida.
Does Zinc Fight Candida? ›Zinc status has been shown to influence various cell-mediated immunologic mechanisms. These cell-mediated mechanisms are important in preventing mucocutaneous infections caused by Candida albicans.
What is the root cause of Candida overgrowth? ›Overgrowth is caused by the introduction of a foreign chemical into a patient's body. Steroids, antibiotics, and alcohol have all been known to cause candida syndrome. Other causes include birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, acute and chronic stress, recreational drugs, chemotherapy, and a poor diet.
Can stress bring Candida? ›The authors conclude that (i) psychosocial factors, particularly stress, are the primary causes of Candida albicans vulvovaginitis. Accompanying somatic factors are of little statistical significance in explaining occurrence and relapse.
Who is prone to Candida? ›2) Vulvovaginitis or Vaginitis caused by Candida. Pregnant women or women with diabetes are especially prone to this common fungal infection. It usually first appears as a thick white or yellow vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) with itching and redness of the female genitalia (vagina and vulva).
Can probiotics make Candida worse? ›Can Probiotics Make Candida Worse? You might think that probiotics make Candida worse by adding to both the good and the bad bacteria in your gut. However, probiotics can actually help you maintain the correct balance of gut flora in your body.
How hard is it to get rid of Candida? ›
It's really hard to get rid of Candida without adjusting your diet—even if you're on an anti-fungal prescription, you need to take away the foods that are contributing to the overgrowth.
What fruit is allowed on Candida Diet? ›Foods to eat on a candida diet:
Healthy fats like avocado, eggs, nuts and extra virgin olive oil. Fermented foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut. Low-sugar fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, grapefruit and watermelon.
Detox can play an important role in your Candida treatment. Starting your Candida cleanse with a detox will help to 'clean out' your intestines, weakening the Candida biofilms and expelling large quantities of the Candida yeast and its toxic byproducts.
What does Candida detox feel like? ›The reaction usually occurs a few hours after antibiotics are given and symptoms include headaches, fever, fatigue and low blood pressure. It is essentially a short-term response, that takes place over a few days to a couple of weeks, as the body detoxifies.
Is there a Candida cleanse? ›This condition is sometimes called yeast syndrome. To cure these symptoms, some people try a candida cleanse diet. The diet removes foods such as sugar, white flour, yeast and cheese from the typical diet. The candida cleanse diet is based on the theory that these foods cause candida overgrowth.
How long does Candida take to heal? ›This depends on two factors: how severe the infection is and how it's treated. Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. But moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
How do I get rid of Candida once and for all? ›- Eliminate your sugar intake. ...
- Cut down on carbs. ...
- Stay away from high-lactose dairy products. ...
- Go for gluten-free products. ...
- Reduce alcohol intake.
Treatment for Invasive Candidiasis
For most adults, the initial recommended antifungal treatment is an echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin) given through the vein (intravenous or IV). Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and other antifungal medications may also be appropriate in certain situations.