Understanding Candida: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally resides in various parts of the body. It loves warm, dark, and moist environments, like the mouth, gut, and skin. When gut is balanced and healthy, candida yeast can coexists harmlessly with other microorganisms. However, when there's an imbalance—often due to factors like extended antibiotic use, a weakened immune system, or uncontrolled blood sugar levels—candida can overgrow, leading to various health issues.

But how do you know if candida is the culprit behind your symptoms?

Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Candida affects the body in various ways.

• Acne

• ADHD

• Anxiety or depression

• Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea

• Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or brain fog

• Fatigue

• Food sensitivities (due to leaky gut)

• Hypoglycemia

• Irritability or mood swings

• Recurring yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Severe seasonal allergies

• Sinus infections

• Skin issues, such as hives, eczema, rashes, or psoriasis

• Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

• Thrush (fungal infection that looks like white patches in mouth or throat)

• Upper respiratory infections

• Yeast overgrowth on skin (small, patchy spots in folds of skin that are irritated and itchy)

Phew that's a long list, but the most common ways I see candida present with my clients is a strong sugar and carb cravings with frequent yeast infections and skin rashes. Often clients will say, I've been on multiple rounds of antibiotics. This lets me know their gut microbiome has been compromised and we need to start with nourishment first.

Note - you can test for candida overgrowth, but even negative tests come back, while symptoms reside. Candida test can be a stool, urine, blood and antibody test. Ask your medical provider for more information, but don't ignore your intuitive wisdom if the test comes back negative and symptoms persist - dig deeper.

Common Triggers of Candida Overgrowth

• Antibiotic use - kill bacteria but not yeast, allowing candida to thrive

• Birth Control pills - kill good bacteria, but not yeast.

• High - Sugar and High - Carb Diets - Refined sugar and carbs, such as fast food and many packaged foods feed candida, fueling overgrowth.

• Stress - Increased Cortisol levels due to stress, negatively impact blood sugar levels (remember candida loves to feed on sugar)

• Alcohol - affect the liver, weaken immune system and compromise gut lining

• Fermented Foods - assist in the growth of candida (nix kombucha)

• Heavy Metal Toxins and chemicals - carcinogenic effect that can weaken organs

What to Eat (and Avoid) for Candida Healing

Often clients are prescribed anti-candida diets, low sugar, low carb or instructed to eat smaller portions which can be challenging to start and stick to.

Therefore, focusing on foods that are optimal for gut health, can be less intimidating and therefore, it can be the first step in your healing journey.

With my clients, we start with foods to include, foods that nourish the good gut microbiome and starve the candida overgrowth. By eating the nourishing foods for gut health, and avoiding the triggering foods, it can help manage and reduce candida overgrowth.

Foods to Include:

• Healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil

  
  

• Anti-fungal herbs • Calendula • Garlic • Grapefruit seed extract • Lemon balm • Oregano • Oregano oil • Pau d'Arco • Tea tree oil • Thyme • Turmeric *Herbs can change the way medications are processed, so always discuss with a doctor first!

  
  

• Non-starchy veggies like bok choy, cabbage, and arugula

  
  

• Anti-Candida diet like Body Ecology Diet, helps balance the microbiome and optimize digestion by including fermented foods and high-quality oils, limiting sugars, and focusing on food combinations.

  
  

Avocado Salad

Foods to Avoid:

• Sugar, cheese, bread, dried fruit, refined carbs, and alcohol

• Dairy and processed foods

Need help breaking up with sugar - - - grab my free Sugar Cleanse Cheat Sheet

Sugar Isn't Always Obvious - Check Your Salad Dressings

How I Can Help You Heal Candida Overgrowth

In my 30-Day New You Program, we’ll work together to create a holistic plan that addresses candida from the inside out. This program is designed to provide personalized health and nutrition support, guidance, and accountability to help you experience maximum health benefit and symptom relief.

It’s not just about food—it’s about balancing your gut, managing stress, improving digestion, and optimizing your overall health. Doing it on your own can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be when you work with a coach. Often times the missing link is a holistic approach to reclaiming your wellbeing that I as a health and nutrition coach provide.

In 30 days, you can feel clearer, lighter, and more energized.

Join my 30-Day New You Program and make the next 30 days your healthiest.