Candida Overgrowth: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Get Rid of It

What is Candida you might ask?

Candida albicans is a yeast, a type of fungus which grows within the mouth, intestines, and skin. In small amounts, this fungus is harmless to our body and leads to no symptoms.

The problems arise, however, when there is an overgrowth of Candida, which leads to infections. This is typically referred to as Candidiasis, which can be caused by a variety of factors. 

Common Causes of Candida Overgrowth

Candida overgrowth rarely happens without a trigger. Certain lifestyle choices, health conditions, and external factors can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your body and allow Candida to multiply unchecked. Here are some of the most common causes:

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●  Antibiotics: Sometimes antibiotics are necessary to fight an infectionor kill unwanted bacteria in the body. However, antibiotics can also kill good bacteria, such as those responsible for controlling Candida levels. This causes Candida to grow out of control and can lead to serious symptoms.

●  Diet: The diet you consume has a significant impact on regulating levels of both good and bad bacteria in your gut. Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol are all substances that Candida feeds on, so overconsumption promotes Candida overgrowth.

●  Immune Weakness: People who have weakened immune systems are more likely to experience Candida overgrowth. At-risk populations include the elderly, infants, and those with HIV/AIDS or other autoimmune disorders.

●  Diabetes: Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes increases your chances of experiencing Candida overgrowth.

●  Stress: A healthy immune system can regulate your body’s good and bad organisms. Sometimes, however, stress can lead to a shift in the balance between Candida and healthy bacteria. When we are stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off infections is weakened.

Read more the Connection Between Candida Overgrowth and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Candida Overgrowth Symptoms

How can you tell if you have Candida overgrowth in your body? Here are the tell-tale signs to look out for:

●  Brain fog and Fatigue: This is one of the most common symptoms associated with Candida overgrowth and is likely due to nutritional deficiencies that accompany the condition. It also happens that having a weakened immune system leads to both fatigue and Candida, so the effects can be multiplied.

●  Oral Thrush: When there is too much Candida in your mouth, white, bumpy patches will appear on the tongue, inner cheeks, or throat. This is a tell-tale visual sign of Candida, and is most common amongst the elderly, newborns, and those with weak immune systems.

●  Digestive Issues: The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut plays a large role in digestive health. As mentioned, small amounts of Candida can be present in the body and cause no problems. However, Candida overgrowth may cause various unpleasant gut-related symptoms, such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Recent studies have connected Candida overgrowth with several gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

●  Yeast Infections and Recurring UTIs: Candida naturally exists in the vaginal tract, but an overgrowth can lead to vaginal Candidiasis, also called a yeast infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, painful intercourse, and a thick, white discharge from the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are quite common, occurring in 75% percent of women at least once. Candida overgrowth can also cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). This tends to occur amongst the elderly and immunocompromised populations. UTIs can cause burning while peeing, a more frequent need to urinate, dark and cloudy urine, and discomfort in the lower abdomen.

●  Joint pain: When a Candida infection is left untreated for too long, the fungus can enter the bloodstream. This then affects the joints and can lead to arthritis. Candida can also affect the bones, causing infections orosteomyelitis. Bone and joint infections caused by candida are uncommon but can be difficult to eliminate when they do occur.

●  Hormonal imbalance: Scientists have noticed a correlation between increased estrogen levels and the overgrowth of Candida. The by-products of Candida, which can spread beyond the digestive tract, mimic estrogen, which can cause serious hormonal imbalance.

Natural Treatments For Candida Overgrowth

Treating Candida involves a thorough health assessment from your healthcare practitioner, followed by a strict elimination diet and Candida protocol as next steps.

Since food plays a crucial role in regulating healthy levels of bacteria in the gut, one of the main ways Candida overgrowth is treated is through diet. This means reducing consumption of sugars and carbs which Candida thrives on. High-lactose dairy products can also encourage Candida to grow and should be avoided.

Along with eliminating foods that can trigger Candida, focus on foods that have been proven to fight it and promote the growth of good bacteria. Try incorporating the following into your diet:

●  Garlic. Garlic has an anti fungal property called allicin, which is known to fight against candida yeast.

●  Coconut oil. Due to its high lauric acid content, coconut oil can also reduce Candida.

●  Pomegranate. More research needs to be done, but initial research has found that the plant compounds found in pomegranate are helpful in reducing Candida.

●  Curcumin. Test tube studies show that curcumin has the ability to reduce the growth of Candida yeast and may even kill it.

●  Probiotics. Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and protect against candida. Lactobacillusis the recommended probiotic for fighting Candida overgrowth. Be sure to speak with a healthcare practitioner to guide you in the right supplements to choose for your condition.

How to Get Rid of Candida Overgrowth

Managing Candida overgrowth starts with restoring balance in your gut and supporting your immune system. Here are some effective approaches:

• Adjust Your Diet
  Reduce or avoid foods that feed Candida, such as sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol. Focus on whole foods, high-fiber vegetables, healthy proteins, and fermented foods like yogurt or sauerkraut to promote good bacteria growth.
  
  
• Take Probiotics
  Probiotics help replenish healthy gut bacteria that keep Candida in check. Choose high-quality probiotic supplements or naturally fermented foods.
  
  
• Use Antifungal Treatments
  Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications (oral or topical) to directly target Candida overgrowth. Natural antifungal options like garlic, coconut oil (caprylic acid), and oregano oil are also sometimes used under professional guidance.
  
  
• Support Your Immune System
  Get enough sleep, manage stress, and stay active. A strong immune system helps your body control yeast levels naturally.
  
  
• Address Underlying Conditions
  If you have diabetes or another condition that makes you more prone to overgrowth, work with your doctor to keep it well managed.
  
  

When to Consult a Doctor for Candida Overgrowth

While mild Candida overgrowth can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, there are situations where professional guidance is essential.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent or severe symptoms such as recurring yeast infections, chronic digestive issues, or oral thrush that does not go away
• Pain, swelling, or discharge that worsens over time
• Fever, joint pain, or signs of infection spreading
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life (fatigue, brain fog, skin rashes)
• Frequent relapses despite home remedies

Which Doctor to Consult:

• Primary Care Physician: A good first step for general symptoms and initial testing.
• Gynecologist: For women experiencing recurrent vaginal yeast infections or related discomfort.
• Gastroenterologist: If gut-related symptoms like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea are persistent.
• Functional Medicine Doctor: For a root-cause approach, including diet, lifestyle, and microbiome-focused treatment plans.
• Dermatologist: For Candida-related skin or face rashes.

Getting the right diagnosis ensures you receive proper treatment and avoid unnecessary complications.

Summary

Don’t let Candida overgrowth control your health or energy levels. The key is identifying the root cause and creating a plan that restores balance in your body. With the right assessment and support, you can eliminate overgrowth and feel like yourself again.

Our functional medicine doctor is here to guide you every step of the way. Call us today at to speak with one of our patient advocates, or schedule your consultation and start your journey toward better health.

FAQ Candida Overgrowth 

Q1: What is Candida Overgrowth?
Candida overgrowth happens when Candida (a type of yeast that naturally lives in your body) grows out of balance and starts causing symptoms. This can affect the gut, mouth, skin, and even energy levels.

Q2: What is Candida Overgrowth in the Gut?
Gut Candida overgrowth occurs when yeast multiplies excessively in your digestive tract. It may lead to bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and food sensitivities.

Q3: Can Candida Overgrowth Affect the Skin or Face?
Yes. Skin Candida overgrowth can appear as red, itchy rashes in skin folds, around the mouth, or even on the face. It may resemble acne, eczema, or fungal infections.

Q4: How Do I Test for Candida Overgrowth in the Gut?
Doctors can use stool tests, blood tests, or urine organic acid tests to check for Candida overgrowth. In some cases, a physical exam or oral swab is used if symptoms are in the mouth.

Q5: What Are Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth in Females?
Women may experience vaginal yeast infections, itching, discharge, urinary discomfort, bloating, fatigue, and recurring digestive issues.

Q6: What About Candida Overgrowth Symptoms in Males?
Men can experience jock itch, redness or irritation in the genital area, digestive issues, fatigue, and recurrent skin infections.

Q7: Can Candida Overgrowth Affect the Tongue?
Yes. Oral Candida overgrowth (thrush) can cause a white coating on the tongue, soreness, and a cotton-like feeling in the mouth.

Q8: How Do You Know If You Have Candida Overgrowth?
Look for persistent symptoms like digestive problems, recurrent yeast infections, skin rashes, brain fog, or fatigue. Testing by a healthcare professional is the most reliable way to confirm.

Q9: How to Stop Candida Overgrowth?
Managing Candida involves dietary changes (cutting back on sugar and refined carbs), taking probiotics, using antifungal treatments if prescribed, and supporting your immune system through sleep, stress management, and healthy habits.

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