CANDIDA OVERGROWTH
Yeast overgrowth generally occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body, generally known as 'Candida Overgrowth.' The word "Candida" refers to the Candida albicans fungus, the most common yeast in the human gastrointestinal system; ideally, it occurs in small amounts and is one part of a healthy microbiome. However, sometimes conditions are ripe for Candida albicans to grow out of control - often when there is a decrease in beneficial bacteria, such as with a course of antibiotics or due to a poor diet. This allows overgrowths of opportunistic bacteria, parasites, and yeasts like candida, causing dysbiosis or an unhealthy microbiome. In addition to diet and antibiotics, this can be caused by stress, chronic illness, other medications, or a combination. Some symptoms of Candida overgrowth may include:
Feeling tired, worn down, or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
In men, a red rash, itching, and burning on the penis.In women, vaginal itching, soreness, and redness; a white, clumpy discharge from the vagina; and painful or uncomfortable intercourse
Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog
Severe seasonal allergies
Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
Irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression
Digestive issues, including bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
White coat on the tongue, redness or discomfort in the mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or cracking at the corners of the mouth
Skin and nail fungal infections, which include athlete's foot or toenail fungus
If you think you have Candida Overgrowth, a complete medical workup, including a physical exam and health history, is needed for proper evaluation. There are also some other tests that we have found to be helpful.
Evaluation
Serum antibody testing
Functional laboratory testing such as stool testing and organic acids testing can evaluate for Candida.
Assessment for Heavy Metals
One way to assess candida overgrowth is to do an at-home spit test. For more info, see https://www.thecandidadiet.com/testing-for-candida/.
Treatment
There are both pharmaceutical and natural treatments for Candida overgrowth. Remember that each person is unique and may not respond to these treatments.
We find that Candida Overgrowth is usually a side effect of some other underlying cause, and until that underlying cause is addressed, the Candia problem will remain.
Some natural treatments include Caprylic acid, oregano oil, garlic, and black tea, which were all shown to be effective treatments for candida overgrowths. The beneficial yeast S. boulardii was also effective against candida overgrowth, decreasing the inflammation from the overgrowth and the spreading of candida in the gut. Generally, a Candida diet that limits starchy sugars, carbs, sweets, alcohol, and fermented foods is recommended. Please get in touch with our office for further evaluation.
