Candida - the insidious yeast fungus

Constant fatigue, digestive discomfort, irritated skin, vaginal yeast infections and intense sugar cravings. These are just some of the problems that Candida and other fungi can cause if they are allowed to proliferate in the body. 

Candida is a genus of yeasts that occurs naturally in our gut flora. The most common species is Candida albicans, which is present in the majority of healthy individuals. In normal amounts, it supports digestion.[1,2] However, if the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, this opportunistic fungus can seize the chance to spread and cause significant issues throughout the body. 

Fungal infections affect more than one billion people worldwide each year, and research suggests the problem is increasing.[3,4] Such infections most commonly arise in the gut, urinary tract or genital area,[5,6] but they can also develop in the nose, ears, mouth and throat, on the nails and on the skin – particularly in moist areas.

In individuals with a normally functioning or only moderately weakened immune system, a Candida infection is usually superficial and not dangerous, though it can be difficult to eradicate. 

Those with severely compromised immune systems, however, may develop deeper Candida infections that can become so widespread they enter the bloodstream (sepsis) or affect vital organs such as the heart, lungs or brain. In such cases, serious symptoms may occur. In rare instances, a systemic infection of this kind can even prove fatal.[7]

Why do you develop Candida overgrowth? 

There are many factors that can disrupt the balance of our microbiota. Overuse of antibiotics is a common cause, but the problem is also linked to stress and high consumption of sugar and processed foods. Smoking and immunosuppressive medications (such as corticosteroids) are other common contributors to Candida overgrowth.[8,9]

Vaginal yeast infections are very common among women of reproductive age. Studies suggest that as many as 75 per cent of all women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives.[10] One reason may be fluctuating hormone levels, including those influenced by oral contraceptives and other forms of birth control, which can increase susceptibility.[11] Candida has also been associated with digestive disorders such as IBS and certain allergic reactions.[12,13]

Asthma patients who use inhaled corticosteroids have a higher risk of Candida infection in the throat and mouth. It is therefore important to rinse the mouth after each use. For mild symptoms, you may try regularly gargling and/or rinsing the mouth with a little organic coconut oil or organic olive oil mixed with one or two drops of clove essential oil.[14] You may also add one drop of Iosol iodine to the coconut oil before gargling. Essential oils must not be swallowed and should always be spat out. 

As yeasts thrive on sugar, people with diabetes are at greater risk of Candida overgrowth. Diabetics tend to have elevated sugar levels not only in the blood but also in mucous membranes and saliva.[15] 

Candida syndrome – Candida overgrowth

There is no doubt that Candida infection (candidiasis) is a recognised medical condition. However, there are also theories suggesting that some individuals may suffer from so-called Candida syndrome – a chronic, low-grade overgrowth of Candida albicans that produces non-specific symptoms. These may include chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, recurrent yeast infections, low mood, brain fog, heightened stress, strong sugar cravings, food sensitivities, skin problems and joint pain. In conventional medicine, this is not recognised as a formal diagnosis.

The originator of the Candida syndrome concept was the physician William Crook, who published the book The Yeast Connection in 1986. The book was partly based on research by the physician Orian Truss from 1978.[16] According to Crook’s theory, intestinal Candida overgrowth may impair the structure of the gut lining, allowing foreign particles that would normally be eliminated to enter the bloodstream and trigger immune reactions in the body.[17] 

There is limited research on the link between low-grade Candida overgrowth and chronic health complaints, but a small number of studies suggest a possible connection with conditions such as IBS and chronic fatigue syndrome.[18] One study in particular found that patients who met the criteria for Candida syndrome improved significantly compared with a placebo group when treated with the antifungal medication nystatin.[19]

Several physicians, including William Crook, have also published detailed reports describing improvements in quality of life among patients treated for suspected Candida syndrome.[20,21] 

More recently, a review article has been published on fungal overgrowth in the small intestine, a condition known as SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth).[22] The review discusses two studies in which just over a quarter of participants – all of whom had unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms – were found to have SIFO. This suggests that a considerable number of people may suffer from low-grade fungal overgrowth, which is either misdiagnosed as something else or overlooked entirely.

Another study indicates that even normal levels of intestinal yeast may worsen alcohol-related liver disease, implying that certain conditions may be particularly sensitive to yeast.[23]

How do you test for Candida overgrowth?

Because the symptoms of Candida overgrowth are so non-specific, there is a risk that it becomes a “catch-all” diagnosis for a wide range of complaints, potentially overlooking the true cause, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), parasitic infection, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

It is therefore important to investigate the issue properly through appropriate testing. Simply spitting into a glass of water to see whether the saliva forms “strings” as it sinks – as some suggest – is not sufficient.

Stool tests are available that can detect Candida overgrowth. These can be ordered from specialised laboratories such as Genova Diagnostics and BioHealth. It is advisable to consult a functional medicine practitioner who can assist with testing and tailor a treatment plan. Email us at [email protected] and we will help you further with a Candida protocol that you can try initially. 

You may also consider an organic acids test (Great Plains Laboratory or Genova Organix Profile). This test is not used in conventional healthcare and is therefore considered controversial. However, an experienced practitioner may find it helpful, particularly the marker D-arabinitol, which can indicate fungal overgrowth. D-arabinitol is used as a marker in some hospitals to diagnose systemic Candida infection.[24]

How do you treat low-grade Candida overgrowth?

Provided you do not have a serious Candida overgrowth requiring medical care, you may begin with the following three steps. 

Step 1 – Adjust your diet to eliminate Candida

A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates has been linked to Candida overgrowth in the vagina[25] and the gastrointestinal tract.[26] Laboratory studies also suggest that high sugar intake may weaken the immune response to Candida.[27] It is therefore important to eliminate sweets and focus on a nutrient-dense diet, as poor nutrition is also a risk factor for both bacterial and fungal infections.[28] 

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fungal overgrowth results from excess dampness and cold in the body. TCM therefore recommends predominantly cooked, warm foods and those considered “warming”. Other dietary approaches often suggested for fungal overgrowth include the low-FODMAP diet, the autoimmune protocol (AIP) and the palaeolithic (paleo) diet. A ketogenic diet is not recommended, as too few carbohydrates may unfortunately increase the risk of more aggressive Candida growth. 

If you suspect fungal overgrowth, there are many important dietary guidelines to consider. Email us at [email protected] to receive a complimentary Candida protocol.

Step 2 – Eliminate the fungus 

This step involves using plant-based remedies, herbs and nutrients with antimicrobial properties. There are many options – here are some of the most common.

Berberine, an active compound found, for example, in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). In vitro studies of Candida grown in petri dishes show that berberine has potent antifungal effects.[30] Because berberine is so powerful, herbal practitioners often recommend short-term use of around 3–5 weeks, followed by a break of a couple of weeks. The same applies to extracts of other Candida-inhibiting herbs such as thyme[31] and oregano[32].

Lauric acid (or monolaurin) and caprylic acid, two fatty acids found in coconut and palm kernels. Coconut oil is also commonly recommended, both internally and externally. In vitro studies of Candida indicate that these fatty acids have antifungal effects,[33] though human research is limited.[34]

Undecylenic acid, found in Undecylenic Acid – Undecylenic Acid, is an unsaturated fatty acid derived from castor bean oil. It may help balance the gut microbiota and protect against fungal overgrowth.[35] An older study found it to be six times more effective against fungal overgrowth than caprylic acid.[36] 

Clove, in the form of an oil extract, has shown good efficacy against Candida albicans, including drug-resistant strains, both alone and in combination with antifungal medication.[37]

Lactoferrin, a protein found in breast milk and saliva, among other sources. It is usually derived from cows and has broad antibacterial and Candida-inhibiting properties.[38]

Resveratrol, found in Resveratrol Veri-te™, is a compound present in grape skins and pine bark. Several studies suggest it possesses strong antifungal properties, and one indicates that resveratrol may be a safe and effective alternative to antifungal cream (clotrimazole) for topical use.[39]

Tea tree oil. Animal studies suggest that oil from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia is effective against vaginal Candida infection,[40] and in the mouth (when gargling a few drops diluted in water).[41] Tea tree oil must not be swallowed, as it may cause serious side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea and hallucinations, and should only be used externally.[42] We also advise against using tea tree oil in the genital area. 

Garlic extract may inhibit the formation of so-called biofilm by Candida, making it easier to eliminate and reducing its ability to develop drug resistance.[43] Garlic has also shown efficacy against oral and vaginal Candida infections.[44] According to a clinical study, a vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was as effective as a vaginal cream containing the antifungal medication clotrimazole.[45] 

Step 3 – Restore your gut flora to eliminate Candida

The final step is to restore a healthy gut microbiota by gradually introducing fibre and probiotics. 

Probiotic organisms shown to have effects against Candida infection include Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri. The latter two have proven particularly effective at preventing unwelcome bacteria and fungi from establishing themselves.[46] Both strains are found in Flora Plus+. A Canadian study from 2001 demonstrated that these strains restored and maintained normal vaginal flora in women after just one month of daily use.[47] 

In another study from 2020, 20 women with severe and chronic vaginal Candida infection were treated with a gel containing three different lactobacilli, including L. rhamnosus. In 45 per cent of participants, the infection resolved completely.[48] This strain is included in Flora Plus+.

Because an imbalanced gut microbiota encourages the growth of both Candida and unwanted bacteria, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. Continue to eat a balanced diet and minimise unnecessary stress to reduce the risk of Candida regaining the upper hand. Email our customer service team for a complimentary Candida protocol.

Complimentary Candida protocol

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