Yeast Overgrowth in the Gut: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions

Candida is a type of yeast that is found just about everywhere and normally lives on a person’s skin and inside the body as well. Its job is to aid with digestion and absorption of nutrients and is a normal part of your body’s gut microflora.

The good bacteria, bad bacteria and Candida that make up your gut microbiome are designed to exist in a balanced state. When everything is in balance, the gut is able to work properly to digest food and process and eliminate toxins. But when there is a disruption in the balance of these bacterias, Candida overgrowth can occur.

Symptoms

Surprisingly, symptoms of Candida overgrowth are not limited to GI symptoms such as gas and bloating. Because of the complex relationship our gut has to the rest of our body, we can experience a variety of symptoms related to Candida overgrowth. Here are some of the most common symptoms someone with yeast overgrowth or an imbalance in their gut microbiome might experience:

  • Skin and nail fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and toenail fungus

  • Feeling tired and worn down, or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia

  • Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea

  • Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or multiple sclerosis

  • Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD or ADHD

  • Skin issues including eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes

  • Irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression

  • Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching

  • Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

  • Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears

Candida overgrowth symptoms can be severe or fairly mild and is often overlooked as a possible cause to other more obvious symptoms or chronic complaints. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it’s worth exploring your gut health to see if Candida overgrowth might be behind your discomfort.

 

Causes

So, what causes your gut microbiome to get out of balance and Candida to take over? Unfortunately, our modern diet and lifestyle are not very supportive when it comes to gut health, and many of the things we do on a daily basis can actually feed yeast like Candida in the gut and cause them to proliferate. Here are some of the major causes of Candida overgrowth:

  1. Excessive alcohol, carbohydrate and sugar intake. These items can “feed” the yeast so they flourish and grow out of proportion to the other good bacteria in your gut

  2. Medications such as oral contraceptives, acid reducing medications and antibiotics can provide the perfect environment for Candida to overgrow

  3. Fermented foods, while generally thought to be helpful for gut health, can actually feed active Candida infections, making an existing problem worse

  4. Chronic stress impairs your immune system and shuts down the release of stomach acid, which is necessary for keeping yeast in check.

  5. Immunosuppressants, used to treat autoimmune diseases, reduce your body’s ability to fight infections, which can lead to more severe Candida infections

Solutions

Because Candida overgrowth can have such a wide range of symptoms and causes, it’s best to work with a functional medicine or integrative health practitioner to run the appropriate tests to diagnose Candida overgrowth and create a customized plan to re-balance your gut microbiome. Some of the best ways to treat Candida overgrowth rely on “starving” the yeast so that it cannot continue to grow and supporting the good bacteria in your gut with whole foods and a high-quality probiotic. Here are a few things you can do on your own to support your gut health and keep Candida in check:

  • Boost your immune system by eliminating or greatly reducing your intake of sugar, alcohol and refined carbohydrates, which all contribute to the overgrowth of Candida.

  • Increase your intake of whole, fresh foods including a wide variety of vegetables, high-quality proteins and whole grains.

  • Take a high-quality probiotic supplement to add back in any missing good bacteria.

  • Manage your stress levels by incorporating time each day to engage in relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, breath work, leisurely walks or anything else that brings you joy.

If you suspect Candida overgrowth may be causing or contributing to your uncomfortable symptoms or chronic health conditions, reach out to us. We will work with you to determine the root cause of your discomfort and create a customized plan to get you back on track and feeling truly well again!

Natalee Kafka