What is Candida Overgrowth & Effective Supplements to Combat It

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Digestive Health, Recent Articles

Written by Taylor Woosley, Science Writer. By making healthy lifestyle choices and incorporating supplements that support gut health, you can minimize the chances of Candida overgrowth recurrence and promote overall well-being.

Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen associated with opportunistic infections in humans1. Candida overgrowth is a condition caused by an excessive proliferation of Candida, a type of yeast naturally present in our bodies. Typically, Candida exists in the oral, gastrointestinal, and vaginal mucosa in small amounts and coexists with beneficial bacteria2. However, when the balance of bacteria in our gut is disrupted, Candida can multiply rapidly, leading to overgrowth.

Several causes and risk factors can contribute to Candida overgrowth. A weakened immune system is a primary cause, often resulting from stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or certain medical conditions. Additionally, antibiotic use, which can kill beneficial gut bacteria, can promote Candida growth. Excessive colonization by Candida is associated with immunodeficiency and changes to the digestive tight junction, intestinal barrier, and gut microbiota dysbiosis3.

Common symptoms of Candida overgrowth vary but often include digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Other symptoms may include recurrent yeast infections, fatigue, brain fog, sugar cravings, and skin problems. It can also lead to chronic systemic inflammation4. Clinical evidence suggests a potential link between C. albicans and certain chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease5.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet

Managing Candida overgrowth requires a holistic approach, including dietary modifications. A healthy diet is crucial for controlling Candida overgrowth by creating an environment that discourages its growth while promoting a balanced microbiome.

An anti-Candida diet focuses on consuming foods that support gut health and inhibit Candida growth. Consider including the following foods in your diet:

  • Low-sugar fruits: Opt for berries, green apples, and citrus fruits, which have lower sugar content than other fruits.
  • Non-starchy vegetables: Load up on leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and other non-starchy options like cucumber, zucchini, and asparagus.
  • Lean proteins: Choose lean sources of protein like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu to support overall health.
  • Fermented foods: Probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and plain yogurt can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

Equally important is knowing which foods to avoid to prevent Candida overgrowth. These include:

  • Sugar: Candida thrives on sugar and carbohydrates, so minimize your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates, desserts, and processed foods.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol disrupts the balance of gut flora and can exacerbate Candida overgrowth. Avoid alcoholic beverages during this period.
  • Dairy products: Some individuals with Candida overgrowth find that dairy products worsen their symptoms. Consider eliminating or reducing dairy intake.

Key Supplements for Combating Candida

Incorporating key supplements into your routine can help address Candida overgrowth. These supplements can aid in restoring gut balance, combatting Candida, and enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption. Here are some essential supplements:

Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that benefit your health, particularly your digestive system. They restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, which Candida overgrowth can disrupt. By replenishing beneficial bacteria, probiotics help inhibit Candida growth and support a healthy gut environment6.

Antifungal supplements: Natural antifungal supplements can effectively combat Candida overgrowth. Popular options include oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract, and garlic extract. Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur-containing compound, that can shield against the overgrowth of Candida7. Grapefruit and its phenolic compounds exert potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties8. Additionally, research indicates that oregano oil inhibits biofilm formation9.

Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down food and facilitating nutrient absorption. When dealing with Candida overgrowth, incorporating digestive enzymes into your routine can support proper digestion and nutrient absorption, which Candida’s presence may have compromised. This allows your body to effectively utilize the nutrients it needs for overall health and well-being.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Candida Management

Stress management is crucial in Candida management. Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to Candida overgrowth. To reduce stress, consider incorporating stress-relief techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in enjoyable activities.

Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help manage Candida overgrowth. Exercise boosts your immune system, improves blood circulation, and promotes detoxification.

Sleep hygiene is often overlooked but is vital in supporting immune function. Establish a regular sleep schedule and optimize your sleep environment by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet.

Remember, maintaining long-term Candida balance requires a holistic approach. By making healthy lifestyle choices and incorporating supplements that support gut health, you can minimize the chances of Candida overgrowth recurrence and promote overall well-being.

Posted July 23, 2024.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

  1. Gaziano R, Sabbatini S, Monari C. The Interplay between Candida albicans, Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Resident Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms. May 5 2023;11(5)doi:10.3390/microorganisms11051211
  2. Lemberg C, Martinez de San Vicente K, Fróis-Martins R, et al. Candida albicans commensalism in the oral mucosa is favoured by limited virulence and metabolic adaptation. PLoS pathogens. Apr 2022;18(4):e1010012. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1010012
  3. Jawhara S. How Gut Bacterial Dysbiosis Can Promote Candida albicans Overgrowth during Colonic Inflammation. Microorganisms. May 12 2022;10(5)doi:10.3390/microorganisms10051014
  4. Wang X, Zhang W, Wu W, Wu S, Young A, Yan Z. Is Candida albicans a contributor to cancer? A critical review based on the current evidence. Microbiol Res. Jul 2023;272:127370. doi:10.1016/j.micres.2023.127370
  5. Jawhara S. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Improve the Gut Microbiota and Help Combat Fungal Infection. Microorganisms. Jun 11 2023;11(6)doi:10.3390/microorganisms11061556
  6. Salazar SB, Simões RS, Pedro NA, Pinheiro MJ, Carvalho M, Mira NP. An Overview on Conventional and Non-Conventional Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Candidiasis and Underlying Resistance Mechanisms in Clinical Strains. J Fungi (Basel). Feb 10 2020;6(1)doi:10.3390/jof6010023
  7. Khounganian RM, Alwakeel A, Albadah A, Nakshabandi A, Alharbi S, Almslam AS. The Antifungal Efficacy of Pure Garlic, Onion, and Lemon Extracts Against Candida albicans. Cureus. May 2023;15(5):e38637. doi:10.7759/cureus.38637
  8. Yaldiz B, Saglam-Metiner P, Cakmak B, Kaya E, Deliogullari B, Yesil-Celiktas O. Essential Oil and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract of Grapefruit Peels Formulated for Candida albicans Infections: Evaluation by an in Vitro Model to Study Fungal-Host Interactions. ACS Omega. Oct 25 2022;7(42):37427-37435. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c04189
  9. Fernandes L, Costa R, Silva S, Henriques M, Costa-de-Oliveira S, Rodrigues ME. Effect of Vapor-Phase Oregano Essential Oil on Resistant Candida Species Biofilms: Mechanisms of Action. Microbiol Spectr. Mar 27 2023;11(2):e0512422. doi:10.1128/spectrum.05124-22