Candida infections are caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a common yeast-like fungus. There are various species of Candida and each can be troublesome. In this blog, we're going to get to the bottom of what causes Candida and how we can solve it. We're going to discuss the imbalances that cause Candida overgrowth, what separates a healthy gut from an unhealthy gut, and how you can start achieving clearer skin and alleviating your Candida symptoms.

We will also explore both localized and systemic candida infections, their symptoms, how to get diagnosed, and the eating and lifestyle factors that can help you overcome a candida infection.

Candida Infections: Localized vs. Systemic

Candida albicans is the species responsible for about 50% of all candidiasis occurrences. It is opportunistic in nature meaning this yeast will seize the opportunity to overgrow and wreak havoc in various parts of your body.

The environments in which Candida albicans thrive include:

• A compromised immune system
• Low counts of beneficial bacteria due to antibiotic use, high-stress levels, excessive sugar intake, or hormonal imbalance

Untreated, candida albicans overgrowth can lead to systemic infection via the bloodstream, creating an environment for numerous disease processes to occur.

Localized Candida Infections

1.     Oral Thrush: Oral thrush manifests as creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. Other symptoms include soreness, difficulty swallowing, and a cottony feeling in the mouth. Common risk factors include a weakened immune system due to chronic stress, poor oral hygiene, and the use of inhaled corticosteroids or antibiotics.

2.     Vaginal Yeast Infections: Vaginal yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and abnormal discharge. Risk factors include hormonal changes, antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, and again a weakened immune system due to chronic physical and emotional stressors in life. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments and prescription medications are effective in managing and preventing recurrence.

Systemic Candida Infections

1.     Invasive Candidiasis: Invasive candidiasis occurs when Candida enters the bloodstream and affects various organs. Symptoms may include fever, chills, low blood pressure, and organ-specific signs. For individuals with chronic infections whom antibiotics seem to help initially but do not knock out the infection, recent surgery, or central venous catheters are at higher risk. Diagnosis can involve blood work and cultures. Treatment options should be natural and address the underlying cause, but antifungal medications may ultimately be necessary.

2.     Candidemia: Candidemia refers to Candida in the bloodstream. Symptoms include fever, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Symptoms of Candida Infections

Candida infections can present with a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Recurrent yeast infections
• Digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea)
• Anxiety
• Vaginitis
• Brain fog, impaired memory and difficulty concentrating
• Joint pain and muscle stiffness
• Skin rashes and itching
• Mood swings and depression
• Urinary tract infections
• Sinus congestion and nasal discharge
• Eye redness and irritation
• Inner ear itchiness

The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary depending on the site of infection and individual factors such as overall health, and quality of diet (sugar vs fiber).

Diagnosis of Candida Infections

Diagnosing candida infections involves a comprehensive approach:

1.     Medical history and physical examination: Your nutritionist or healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history to identify symptoms and possible risk factors and assess the site of infection. While neither your medical history nor a general physical exam will confirm your Candida diagnosis, they give helpful insights to make sure you get tested.

2.     Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures: Various tests may be used, including blood antibody testing, cultures, stool analysis, vaginal swabs, and oral scrapings. These tests help identify the presence of Candida and determine the type and extent of the infection.

3.     Antacid Usage and Candida: There is a relationship between antacid use and candida growth in the gut. Antacid use can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, potentially leading to candida overgrowth. It is important to identify why you need an antacid or PPI. It is usually food or stress related. Antacids should only be used short-term for about two weeks and if your symptoms continue it is important that additional testing be completed. Chronic antacid and PPI use can lead to vitamin and protein deficiencies, as well as microbiome disruption allowing yeast overgrowth.

Eating and Lifestyle Factors for Combating Candida Infections

General Recommendations

1.     Anti-Candida Diet: Foods to Avoid and Foods to Include: Limiting sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol is essential, as these can promote candida growth. Focus on whole foods, non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-sugar fruits.

2.     Balancing Blood Sugar Levels: Stabilizing blood sugar through regular meals, avoiding excessive sugar intake, and incorporating high-fiber foods can help prevent candida overgrowth. This is because Candida thrives on sugar.

3.     Promoting a Healthy Gut Microbiome: Supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria is crucial in preventing candida overgrowth. Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotic supplements may also be beneficial. Research suggests taking a probiotic by the second day of a course of antibiotics to keep your gut healthy and your microbiome balanced.

4.     Stress Management and Sleep: Chronic stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to candida infections. Prioritize stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep to support your overall well-being.

Specific Eating and Lifestyle Factors

1.     Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria. Incorporate probiotic supplements or consume fermented foods like kombucha, miso, and tempeh to introduce beneficial bacteria into your system.

2.     Avoiding Excessive Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Reducing your intake of sugar, refined grains, and processed foods can help starve candida and inhibit its growth. Choose whole grains, complex carbohydrates, and natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

3.     Incorporating Immune-Boosting Foods and Supplements: Support your immune system by consuming nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Include foods like garlic, ginger, turmeric, leafy greens, and berries. Additionally, certain supplements like vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea may enhance immune function.

4.     Maintaining Proper Hygiene and Avoiding Irritants: Maintain good hygiene practices, especially in areas prone to candida infections. Avoid using irritating products such as scented soaps, douches, and synthetic underwear. Breathable fabrics and gentle, pH-balanced hygiene products are best.

Types of Candida

Candida Tropicalis

Candida tropicalis is noted as the second most common species and is believed to be responsible for up to 30% of Candida bloodstream infections. Overgrowth of this species has also been linked with nervous system disorders resulting in depression, anxiety, headaches, and memory loss.

Individuals most susceptible to overgrowth include people with diabetes mellitus, leukemias, and lymphomas. This type of overgrowth usually occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and on the skin.

Common side effects include:

·        diarrhea

·        excessive gas

·        stomach cramps

·        skin irritations including relentless itching, eczematous rashes, and hives

This species of candida is becoming more resistant to antifungal drugs making it more difficult to treat.

Candida glabrata

According to the National Institute of Health, mucosal and systemic infections caused by Candida glabrata have increased significantly due to the growing use of immunosuppressive agents.

This species is responsible for 10-30% of candida infections and can cause oral thrush.

Thrush can affect anyone - however, it’s most frequent among babies, toddlers, older adults, and people with immune deficiencies. Left untreated, thrush can spread to other parts of the body including the lungs and liver of those who are immunocompromised.

Candida Para psilosis

Candida Para psilosis is involved in up to 30% of candida infections including nail and tissue infections as well as fungal blood infections.

Symptoms are most common among immune-impaired people and include:

·        severe flu-like symptoms

·        chronic fatigue

·        systemic infections

This species has a high resistance to antimicrobial drugs and has even become a cause of concern in European hospitals.

Candida lusitaniae & Candida krusei

These species of yeast are rarer, with each only accounting for approximately 1% of candidiasis.

Candida lusitaniae has been linked to several cases of candidemia blood infections as well as systemic candidiasis, including sepsis and pyelonephritis, a potentially serious kidney infection.

Candida krusei is usually associated with infant diarrhea and sometimes systemic candidiasis.

5 Steps to Overcome a Candida Infection

1.     Stop Feeding the Candida

Yeast are lazy. They love the warm moist mucus membranes and especially the folds of your gut. It's the perfect breeding ground for Candida. As your food passes by they take what they want, stealing energy and nutrients that you need but that's not all.

They leave you with their own waste. So not only are you nutrient deficient but you'll also be dealing with their waste, making you feel tired and bloated.

2.     Track Your Food for Hidden Sugars

In my professional experience, most people don't realize how much starch and hidden sugars they are consuming. Yeast want sugar, remember they're lazy. Liquid sugar will really make them happy. And when they get happy, they reproduce, creating many colonies of yeast throughout your gut.

These colonies will ebb and flow depending on your diet and what you are eating. The more sugar, high fructose corn syrup, baked goods, chips, and fries the happier the Candida become and the faster they replicate.

3.     Minimize Antibiotic and Steroid Usage

The beginning of a Candida infection is usually two-fold, a diet high in sugar from processed foods coupled with antibiotics and possibly steroid use. These situations are more common than you realize especially for someone hospitalized after having surgery or getting some rehab at a skilled care facility.

They go into the hospital or another facility and this is part of their medical history. Their digestive and gut symptoms started around the time of their surgery or hospitalization, but it's not realized for many months and sometimes years later.

4.     Kill Off the Candida

It's very important to kill back these colonies of Candida that you must stop feeding them the sugar that makes them reproduce but you should also consider an herbal Candida cocktail, which is what I use with my clients. What I mean by that is to address yeast completely you should consider a multi-pronged approach of bitter, terpenoid, and high phenol herbs.

As Candida starts to be killed off you may experience a "healing crisis." Your body has been dealing with the yeast and their waste products but as you begin to kill the yeast off you may experience extreme fatigue, joint pains, and digestive issues. This happens when large numbers of the yeast are killed off suddenly and can make you really feel miserable.

This becomes of great concern to me if you have tried an anti-fungal prescription from your primary care doctor. A quick and extensive killing off of the yeast can easily overwhelm your immune system causing more uncomfortable symptoms than what you had previously.

My recommendation is always to go slow and natural to get the process started without overwhelming your immune or digestive system.

5.     Support and Reinoculate Your Microbiome

Chances are the intensive use of antibiotics or steroids previously in your life set the stage for the growth of the Candida yeast colonies. Antibiotics and steroids are very hard on your microbiome and would have killed some of those beneficial bacterial colonies.

It is vitally important to reinoculate your gut using a probiotic having billions of bacteria of various different strains. This will help ultimately heal your gut and the healthy microbiome can keep yeast growth in check.

Leaky Gut

Irritation by inflammatory foods, yeast overgrowth, and bacterial or other parasitic gut infections can lead to a leaky gut. A leaky gut allows the contents of your gut to spill into your bloodstream, triggering an immune response and allowing the inflammatory agent to travel through your bloodstream.

It's important to find the cause of acid reflux and bloated gut without covering up these symptoms with medications. Ideally, we want your gut to be healed not compromised.

Conclusion

Candida infections, whether localized or systemic, can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. By understanding the symptoms, seeking a proper diagnosis, and adopting appropriate eating and lifestyle factors, you can effectively combat candida overgrowth and restore balance to your body.

It's crucial to reach out to a trusted functional nutrition professional for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Together with their guidance and the strategies outlined in this blog, you can conquer candida infections and achieve optimal well-being.

Remember, persistence and consistency are key in addressing candida overgrowth. With dedication and a holistic approach, you can successfully overcome candida and regain control of your health.