Natural Treatment for Candida Overgrowth

Gut imbalances, like Candida overgrowth, are common in our society today. And, they can be to blame for many unwanted symptoms. While Candida overgrowth isn’t life-threatening, it’s recurring symptoms can make you feel pretty miserable. Natural treatment for Candida overgrowth is the best way to take Candida head on and heal for the long-term.

What is Candida?

Candida is a single-celled fungus, or type of yeast, that is normally present in our bodies. It lives in mucus membranes like the digestive tract, vagina, mouth, and throat. Since Candida is a natural yeast found within the body, it can be beneficial. It aids in digestion and helps fight off toxins and bacteria. The trouble arises when it multiplies and overgrows. This is considered to be Candida overgrowth, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms.

What Causes Candida Overgrowth? 

There are many imbalances in the body that can contribute to Candida overgrowth. The primary culprits for Candida overgrowth include:

• Overuse (or long-term use) of antibiotics
• Chronic stress
• Mold exposure
• Low stomach acid
• Autoimmune disease
• Suppressed immune system
• High levels of estrogen/estrogen dominance
• Diet high in sugar and alcohol

All of these factors contribute to an environment where candida can thrive. If you’ve experienced more than one of these factors, your risk for developing candida is likely increased. This is why it’s so critical to consume a nutrient-dense diet, manage stress levels, and support healthy hormones!

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Some symptoms of Candida overgrowth can be vague, while others are pretty specific. This is why it’s important to work with a practitioner to analyze your symptoms. The most common symptoms of Candida overgrowth are: 

• Fatigue
• Dandruff
• Brain fog
• Recurring vaginal yeast infections
• Recurring UTIs
• Bloating/gas/constipation/diarrhea
• Dry/itchy skin
• Acne
• Foot/nail fungus
• Rosacea
• White coating on tongue/thrush
• Sugar cravings
• Headaches

Many of these symptoms overlap with other potential health issues, so symptom analysis alone cannot diagnose Candida overgrowth. For this reason, I always recommend to test, not guess (or self-diagnose). In my practice, I use a stool test called the GI Map to assess for overgrowth of Candida in the gut. 

Conventional Treatment for Candida Overgrowth

In the world of conventional medicine, antifungals are the first line of defense against Candida overgrowth. Commonly prescribed antifungals are Nystatin or Diflucan. While these treatments are often effective at treating an acute overgrowth, they don’t address the underlying issue. Hence, an overgrowth is likely to return. Instead of relying solely on prescription medicines to treat Candida overgrowth, I highly recommend understanding the root cause of the overgrowth and taking measures to heal the root cause.

Natural Treatment for Candida Overgrowth

Natural treatment for Candida overgrowth is the best way to heal overgrowth, while addressing the root cause. These are the steps I like to take when addressing any case of Candida overgrowth:

• First, do a gut test (like the GI Map) to see if Candida is the issue and if there’s anything else contributing to symptoms. It’s most important to figure out what the root cause of the Candida overgrowth is and address that first. 
• Next, natural antifungals may be needed, such as caprylic acid, oil of oregano, garlic, or a blend of these to help control the overgrowth. Some probiotic strains are also helpful, like S. boulardii. Learn more about probiotic strains, here. 
• Some will say that cutting out all sugar is a way to “starve” Candida, but there’s no research that supports this idea. Plus, we need sugar from carbohydrates for energy. Instead, I like to address Candida with the right supplements, instead of a sugar-free diet. I find this is most effective for my clients, as it helps reduce stress around food, too!
• Lastly, it’s necessary to build up the gut microbiome to support a strong bacterial balance, gut lining, and stomach acid production to ensure that the Candida doesn’t come right back. 

Together, all these steps can help identify and address Candida overgrowth, while preventing it’s return. This is also a sustainable, long-term approach that supports the foundations of your gut health. If you suspect you might be dealing with Candida overgrowth, I encourage you to set up a free discovery call!