Dr. Paul Deglmann
Meghan Feir Walker
Yeast infections, sugar cravings, stomach problems, and many other issues can be major symptoms of candida and yeast overgrowth. These fungal infections can also be difficult for many patients to overcome.
In this article, we will go over how to get rid of candida overgrowth in the gut.
Key takeaways:
- Candida overgrowth happens when yeast in your gut or other areas grows out of balance, often due to factors like antibiotics, poor diet, high stress, or a weakened immune system.
- Symptoms can vary widely, including digestive issues, brain fog, sugar cravings, skin rashes, recurring yeast infections, and even mood changes like anxiety or irritability.
- Accurate testing is key—don't guess. Functional stool testing, blood tests, and organic acids testing can help identify if Candida or other yeasts are contributing to your symptoms.
- Restoring balance involves a few core strategies: Avoiding processed foods, added sugars, refined carbs, GMO foods, etc.; supporting regular elimination; repopulating with beneficial bacteria; and using targeted herbs or nutrients to support microbial balance.
- Natural supplements like oregano, grapefruit seed extract, neem, berberine, Pau d’Arco, caprylic acid, biotin, and others may help support a healthy gut environment.
What is candida overgrowth, and what does yeast overgrowth mean?
Candida albicans is a yeast, which is a type of fungus. Typically found in small amounts on your mouth, skin, and within your intestines, it’s normal—until it’s not.
In the GI tract, people usually have small amounts of yeast as part of a healthy microbiome (the microbes in the colon or large intestine). There are several forms of yeast, like Candida, Rhodotorula, Geotrichum, and many more, but candida is the most famous of all forms of yeast.
Sometimes candida or yeast can grow significantly to the point of abnormality, where it starts contributing to symptoms and inflammation.
What is candidiasis?
Healthy bacteria in your body (microbiome) control the balance of candida, but when the amount of candida is off-balance, the yeast overgrows and causes an infection (candidiasis).
A candida infection will usually appear on or in your skin, vagina, mouth, or cause gastrointestinal problems because that is where it naturally lives (in small amounts). Usually, healthy bacteria on your body can prevent yeast overgrowth, but when it gets out of balance, Candida albicans or other types of yeast can overgrow, causing a fungal infection.
What types of candidiasis exist?
When you have an imbalance of Candida in your body, you can experience various types of candidiasis, including:
- Gastrointestinal candidiasis: This type of infection can cause IBS symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and more.
- Vaginal candidiasis (vaginitis): This is a common infection for women to experience. It can cause redness, burning, itching, discomfort, and vaginal discharge.
- Cutaneous candidiasis: An infection on your skin that creates a raised, red patch with small, itchy bumps that form in folds of your skin. This often occurs in the underarms, under breasts, and near the buttocks or groin.
- Oral candidiasis (thrush): Thrush can cause white sores to appear on your tongue or in your mouth, esophagus, and/or throat.
- Candida granuloma: This candida is severe. It’s a chronic infection affecting your skin, scalp, mouth, or fingernails.
- Invasive candidiasis (systemic candidiasis): This version is also serious. Once candida becomes systemic, it means it has infiltrated areas throughout your body, including your bloodstream. This can occur as a result of an immune deficiency.
Common symptoms of candida or yeast overgrowth
Candida or yeast overgrowth can cause discomfort, itching, and irritation until you get it under control with an effective treatment.
Symptoms of candida or yeast overgrowth vary depending on the location of the infection. Symptoms of candidiasis include:
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Gas or bloating
- Acid reflux
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Weight gain or weight loss resistance
- Sugar cravings
- Autoimmunity
- Recurring yeast infections; vaginal discharge (white or yellow)
- Fungal growth on nail beds or on the skin, athlete’s foot
- Eczema, acne, psoriasis, or other skin conditions
- Red patch of skin (rash) with small, raised bumps (pustules)
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Brain fog
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- White patches or sores in your mouth that cause loss of taste or pain when eating or swallowing
- Swelling (inflammation)
Candida overgrowth isn’t something to take lightly. If left untreated, it can become severe and spread to your bloodstream, which can cause more serious systemic issues.
Is candida contagious?
While it doesn’t spread like a viral infection, Candida yeast can still be spread from person to person.
When in close proximity to people (including being in contact with saliva or other bodily fluids), sharing candida is possible, especially if the person who doesn’t already have it has a compromised immune system or an imbalanced microbiome. Our microbiomes often change between significant partners and people we live with. Babies with oral candidiasis can even transfer the infection to their mothers when breastfeeding.
Causes of candida or yeast overgrowth
An overgrowth of candida is due to an imbalance of healthy bacteria and yeast in your body.
Several situations and triggers can disrupt the balance of bacteria and yeast in your microbiome, including:
- Antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, and medicines that can affect healthy bacteria
- Low beneficial flora (good microbes like your probiotics)
- Processed diet over time (a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, or yeast)
- Chronic stress
- Hormonal imbalance or changes (e.g., pregnancy)
- Weakened immune system
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, cancer, or a compromised immune system
- And more
How do you know if you have candida or yeast overgrowth?
Test, don’t guess! It’s always important to get accurate tests before you start putting together a protocol for a condition. By testing, you get a clearer picture of what you’re dealing with and what you can do about it.
Oftentimes, practitioners test for yeast through:
- A stool test
- An organic acids test
- A blood test for Candida antibodies
In our clinic, my preference is to administer an organic acids test (OAT), along with a stool test that looks for the DNA of Candida and other forms of yeast, like Rhodotorula, Geotrichum, along with many other types of yeast. Candida may be the most famous type of yeast, but it’s definitely not the only one that can cause problems when imbalanced.
What can be done to help candida or yeast overgrowth?
When it comes to getting rid of Candida or yeast, there are four major factors:
- Don’t feed the Candida/yeast what it wants and thrives off of, which is sugar or anything that breaks down into sugar
- Make sure to have optimal levels of beneficial bacteria (like probiotics) to resist and push back against the Candida/yeast
- Maintain consistent bowel movements and try to avoid constipation as much as possible. Make sure the body is consistently getting rid of these unwanted microbes and toxins
- Use specific herbs to try and target and eliminate the Candida/yeast
- In terms of what herbs to use, this is where testing can be very useful, and make sure to ask your health care practitioner about what might be the best choice for you. We always recommend confirming that yeast is present through testing instead of guessing.
Is there a supplement that helps address yeast problems?
Candida Support is a broad-spectrum supplement we suggest most to address candida or yeast overgrowth. It provides a blend of nutrients, potent botanicals, and essential oils to promote healthy microbial balance and immune support.
Formulated to build a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) flora, this product includes biotin, a nutrient that inhibits yeast from converting into the more aggressive fungal form. In addition, sodium caprylate is included to disrupt the metabolism of Candida and create a hostile environment for colonization. It also includes potent botanicals, such as berberine HCl, Pau d’Arco, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, and ginger, to soothe the GI tract, provide potent antioxidant support, and ensure microbial balance.
Benefits of Candida Support:
- Promotes microbial balance
- Helps maintain gastrointestinal comfort
- Provides nutrients that increase antioxidant protection
- Enhances immune function
To learn more about Candida Support, click here.
Diet for candida overgrowth
- Vegetables
Eat any whole vegetable, as long as you don’t add flour, sugar, or alcohol. All vegetables are allowed. - Fruits
Avoid dried fruits, fruit juices, and fruits high in sugar, such as bananas, dates, and grapes. Fresh, whole fruits, specifically low-glycemic fruits like berries, are fully allowed. This differs from many Candida diets, but in clinical experience, real fruit does not seem to contribute to candida overgrowth. - Dairy
Dairy can be okay for some people as long as no sugar is added. Many yogurts and ice creams are high in sugar—avoid those. Choose higher-protein or higher-fat yogurts, as they are less likely to be sweetened. Avoiding dairy for other reasons (like sensitivities or autoimmune concerns) is fine, but it doesn’t seem to impact candida directly, as long as it is a good source of protein without added sugars. - Nuts and Seeds
These are safe to eat as long as they aren’t coated in sugar. Peanuts and pistachios or other legumes/nuts that naturally contain mold and mycotoxins can be a concern, but other nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and macadamia nuts are typically a better choice when it comes to Candida concern. For more details on specific nuts, consult your practitioner. - Fats
Recommended fats include butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. Avoid processed vegetable oils like corn, canola, or generic “vegetable oil.” While these aren’t directly related to Candida, they may affect overall and neurological health. - Drinks
Stick with water, plain coffee, or unsweetened tea. Avoid juice, soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and sugary coffee beverages. - Sugars
Sugar intake should be reduced as close to zero as possible. Avoid all forms of sugar, including white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, dextrose, and fruit jams. These feed candida and encourage its growth. - Alcohol
All alcohol should be avoided. Alcohol quickly converts to sugar and supports candida growth. Sweetened alcoholic drinks like wine or cocktails are especially problematic. - Flour
Avoid some types of flour, including like enriched wheat flour, refined corn flour, white rice flour, potato flour, and tapioca/cassava flour. Even some alternative flours break down quickly and feed Candida. These may be healthy in other diets, but not during a Candida protocol.
Is there a natural substance that helps address yeast problems?
There’s a range of natural compounds that support yeast balance:
- Biotin: Supports microbial balance by helping prevent Candida from shifting into its more aggressive fungal form.
- Oregano oil: Contains natural compounds like carvacrol and thymol that help maintain a healthy gut environment.
- Berberine HCl: A plant alkaloid that promotes microbial balance and discourages yeast from attaching to gut tissues.
- Pau d’Arco: A traditional herbal extract known to support healthy intestinal flora and microbial balance.
- Sodium caprylate: A stable form of caprylic acid that helps disrupt yeast cell integrity and support a balanced gut.
- Rosemary extract: Offers antioxidant and broad-spectrum microbial-balancing support for overall gut health.
- Cinnamon bark extract: Helps maintain microbial balance by disrupting the cell structure of unwanted organisms.
- Garlic (Allicin): A natural antimicrobial compound that supports immune function and microbial balance in the gut.
Ready to support your gut? We can help
By learning more about your gut health and the reasons why it became imbalanced, you can take proactive steps toward enhancing your whole-body health and overall quality of life.
If you suspect Candida or yeast overgrowth may be impacting your well-being, the first step is clarity. At Restorative Health Solutions, we use comprehensive testing and personalized strategies to help uncover what’s really going on in your gut. Schedule a consultation today to explore how we can help you support microbial balance, strengthen your digestive health, and restore your vitality. Read more on our blog about gut health.
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