I've had a few clients of late who have come to me with suspected candida, and testing has lo and behold proven positive. This, alongside my own history of candida has inspired me to do a deeper dive into this pesky yeast overgrowth and explore what we can do about it. Firstly we’ll look at identifying it through testing and then eliminating it via nutritional and lifestyle strategies; as well as discussing ongoing support to prevent recurrence.
So what is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the human body; mostly in the gut, mouth, skin and vaginal tract. In a balanced microbiome it causes no issues, but certain lifestyle or health factors can allow it to grow beyond its ideal range. When this internal balance is disrupted, people may experience discomfort or recurring symptoms.
Why does it happen?
Several factors can shift the microbiome and create conditions that favour yeast growth such as:
1. Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics can reduce beneficial bacteria in the gut, which normally help keep candida in check.
2. High Sugar or Refined Carbohydrate Diet
Candida can thrive when simple sugars (from processed foods) are readily available.
3. Stress
Chronic stress can affect digestion, immunity and the microbiome — all of which influence yeast balance.
4. Low Stomach Acid or Digestive Issues
5. Hormonal Fluctuations
Certain hormonal changes can influence the vaginal or gut microbiome, especially the menopausal transition. Long term use of the contraceptive pill can also be a factor here.
6. Weakened Immunity
The immune system naturally regulates yeast levels. When immunity is compromised, yeast can grow more easily.
7. Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can disrupt gut bacteria and irritate the gut lining.
How does it show up in the body?
Signs and symptoms can vary widely and overlap with many other conditions, which is why proper assessment is important. Some signs associated with candida imbalance include digestive symptoms such as bloating and gas alongside constipation and loose stools, and intense cravings for sugar and junk food. Itchy skin can be another sign, as can recurrent fungal skin infections. Most common can be vaginal itching, discharge and soreness as well as brain fog, fatigue and low mood.
Test don't guess
This is very often my mantra and none more so when it comes to candida. This insidious yeast can hide in even the most comprehensive of stool tests, and I've had success in identifying it via the KBMO Fit 176 blood spot test, where candida is one of the key gut barrier markers. The other super useful part of this test is that it explores food sensitivity against 176 foods, so if any of these show up as 'red' triggers they can be removed (and hopefully re-introduced) as the nutritional therapy programme gets underway.
My own candida experience
I discovered that I had candida back in 2012; I was on a health retreat and the candida spores were seen during a colonic hydrotherapy treatment (that I wouldn't necessarily recommend nowadays, but that's another blog post!). I was sent on my merry way with a diet and supplement protocol to be taken for several weeks... it did actually work and the experience was one of many that inspired my interest in natural health.
The diet however was draconian, I remember existing on eggs and wild salmon with green leafy veg, there was no sugars allowed WHATSOEVER, including the slightly starchier veg...so therefore no carbs or grains except for buckwheat and millet. To say it was miserable and anti-social is an understatement!
From then to now the science has evolved somewhat, and candida diets, while still fairly restrictive now allow some natural sugars from whole foods because they support beneficial bacteria, don't feed candida aggressively and provide antioxidants and gut supportive compounds.
But what CAN I eat?!
Dietary no-no's definitely include refined sugar, sweets, soft drinks, pastries, white carbs and alcohol; cutting these out helps to promote a less yeast friendly environment.
Depending on what has been demonstrated in food sensitivity testing I will normally recommend eating vegetables of all colours as well as lentils beans, chickpeas, quinoa, brown rice, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed. Small amounts of starchier veg and low sugar fruits such as berries, apples and pears; the focus here is on fibre rich foods to help beneficial bacteria thrive.
Antifungal foods are also super important so coconut oil, turmeric, garlic, oregano, ginger cloves and cinnamon are the order of the day.
Are Supplements necessary?
In short yes they are, and I’ll develop a plan based on severity of symptoms and this is typically done in stages; firstly to cleanse the digestive system and the liver before going in to eradicate the candida and deal with the die-off reactions (if any). If the candida has been systemic for a long while it can form a resistant shell known as a biofilm, and oftentimes extra support is needed to break this down. We then work on supporting the gut and immune system with specific supplements and probiotics; so I’ll often recommend working with me on my 12 week programme. This is to ensure that self care measures are in place to prevent overgrowth recurrence.
And finally…
It's important to remember that candida is a normal part of the microbiome , not an enemy to eliminate, but an organism to keep in balance. When imbalance occurs, supporting the gut, immune system and diet can make a measurable difference.
If the above resonates and think that you need some tailored support please do get in touch; I offer a 15 minute no-strings free discovery chat to all new potential clients.