Yeast overgrowth generally occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body, generally known as ‘Candida Overgrowth’. When you hear the word “Candida” that is referring to the Candida albicans fungus, which is 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 of any of these. Some symptoms of Candida overgrowth may include:
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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
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Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog
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Severe seasonal allergies
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Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
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Irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression
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Digestive issues including bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
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Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
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White coat on the tongue, redness or discomfort in the mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or cracking at the corners of the mouth
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Skin and nail fungal infections which include athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
Evaluation
If you think you have Candida Overgrowth, a full medical workup including a physical exam and health history is needed for proper evaluation. There are some other tests that we have found to be helpful.
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Serum antibody testing
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Functional laboratory testing such as stool testing and organic acids testing can evaluate for Candida.
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Assessment for Heavy Metals
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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. Keep in mind that each person is unique and may or 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 things like Caprylic acid, oregano oil, garlic, and black tea were all shown to be effective treatments for candida overgrowths. The beneficial yeast S. boulardii was also shown to be effective against candida overgrowth, decreasing both the inflammation from the overgrowth and the spreading of candida in the gut. Generally, a Candida diet with limits on starchy sugars, carbs, sweets, alcohol, as well as fermented foods is recommended. Please contact our office for further evaluation.
