Recovering from Candida Overgrowth

CANDIDA OVERGROWTH in the intestinal tract is relatively common and can be caused by several dietary and lifestyle factors including:

• Antibiotic use

• Chronic stress

• Diet high in sugar and processed foods

• Birth control pills

• Diabetes

• Toxin exposure

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as GI distress – specifically bloating, gas and diarrhea – as well as skin rashes and fatigue, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, Candida overgrowth may be the culprit.

Rebalancing the gut is key to reestablishing a healthy gut microbiome and typically requires a three-fold approach focusing on:

1. Starving the Candida fungus

2. Killing the Candida fungus

3. Repopulating the gut with beneficial bacteria

Starving the Candida

In a healthy gut microbiome, Candida is present but is held in check by beneficial bacteria. When an imbalance occurs, the Candida fungus can take over in the gut. And this fungal overgrowth thrives on sugars and carbohydrates.

This is why a diet devoid of these types of foods is critical to reestablishing a healthy gut flora. The Candida dietary protocol has elimination and reintroduction phases. In the elimination phase, most carbohydrates are removed from the diet. What’s left to eat, you ask? Typically, the elimination phase diet consists of pasture-raised poultry, grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, eggs, low-carb vegetables, and plain yogurt. The reintroduction phase generally begins when symptoms have improved noticeably. This often takes 6-12 weeks. Specific carbohydrate foods are reintroduced one at a time and symptoms – if any – are noted. Foods with no symptoms can be included back in the diet

Anti-Fungal Therapy

While the anti-Candida diet works to starve the candida, prescription medications and natural anti-fungal herbs can help in killing off the yeast as well.

Anti-fungal herbals work best when used in some combination concurrently and include:

• Berberine-containing plants – Goldenseal and Oregon grape

• Oregano oil

• Undecylinic acid

• Caprylic acid (found in coconut oil)

If you’ve had a recent stool analysis, results may include evaluation of how effective specific prescription and botanical anti-fungals are likely to be for you. This can help guide the protocol that’s right for your body.

Repopulating the Gut with Probiotics

If you aren’t used to taking probiotics, start slowly with a brand that contains 10-14 strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacerium and has 10-30 CFUs (colony forming units). Saccharomyces boulardii can also be helpful with Candida as it functions by competing with yeast for survival.

Dealing With Die Off

As the Candida yeast begins to die off, the bacteria release compounds that are toxic and must be eliminated. As the body’s various systems work to process and get rid of these noxious substances, some unpleasant – but temporary – side effects may be quite noticeable. The most common are:

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea and gas

• Constipation and/or diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Headache

• Intense cravings for sweets

• Skin rashes and joint pain

Each person’s experience is different in the number and degree of die off symptoms. Remember - these symptoms are just temporary as you heal. You can significantly reduce these side effects by supporting your liver – your body’s major detoxification organ. Supplementing with vitamins and herbs that are liver-supportive can be quite helpful in managing these uncomfortable symptoms.

Stress Reduction

Reducing stress can’t be over-emphasized. Chronic stress has a proven negative effect of gut flora and on the immune system – and 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol and this in turn:

• Increases blood sugar levels, which fuels Candida

• Weakens your immune system

• Negatively affects your body’s pH

• Reduces production of hydrochloric acid, which slows down digestion and can lead to further digestive issues

Find outlets that allow you to relieve stress and relax. Walking in nature, practicing yoga, tai chi or meditation, getting a massage, participating in art therapy or dancing to whatever music moves you are all great stress reducers.

Getting Help

Recovering from Candida overgrowth takes time – often months – and it can be helpful to have a coach to guide you through the process. If Candida overgrowth is something you’re struggling with – or think you might be struggling with – book a free 30-minute nutritional consultation to discuss how nutritional and lifestyle support can help you get your health back on track.