Candida Overgrowth: Causes, Prevention & Remedies

The Dangers of Candida Overgrowth

It’s surprising how often our health suffers due to a lack of awareness. One of the primary culprits behind needless illness and deteriorating well-being is frequently our diet. Among the myriad of health issues exacerbated by poor eating habits, Candidiasis stands out—a fungal infection triggered by the overgrowth of yeasts belonging to the genus Candida, typically inhabiting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and skin. 

However, before delving further into this topic, let’s familiarize ourselves with a few key terms.

Key Terms to Understanding Candida and Candidiasis 

• Androgens – reproductive and growth hormones that are produced in the male and female body.
• Endometriosis – a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and causing pelvic pain. 
• Fungus – any group of spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools. 
• Yeast  – any unicellular fungus that reproduces vegetatively by budding or fission. 
• Fission – the action of dividing or splitting something into two or more parts. 
• Candida – a type of yeast found in the GI tract and on people’s skin. 
• Candida albicans – is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast or fungus that is a common member of the human gut flora and can survive outside the human body. It is the most common type of yeast that can cause infections in people. Although it is the most recognized species, it is only one of 31. Several other species among the 31 can also cause fungal infections.
• Candidiasis – a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of candida. 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome – a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. 

Now that we have reviewed some key terms, let’s continue. 

The primary purpose of Candida is to assist in the process of digestion and to aid in the absorption of nutrients. But as I always say, too much of anything can be harmful. Consequently, an overgrowth of candida can lead to the dangerous fungal condition Candidiasis, which can worsen digestive diseases such as ulcerative and Crohn’s disease. The overgrowth of candida can also contribute to a condition known as leaky gut, where the lining of the intestinal wall becomes damaged and, in turn, permeable. The leaky gut condition increases inflammation, weakens the immune system, and makes one more susceptible to chronic illness. 

Candida can also spike insulin levels, which can impact androgens (male and female reproductive and growth hormones). Therefore, many polycystic ovary syndromes and endometriosis that females are battling are tied to candida. An overgrowth of candida can also develop into Candidiasis, which can be very painful and uncomfortable. Before we dive into the symptoms of Candidiasis, let’s discuss how overgrowth can occur. 

What Causes Candida Overgrowth?

The healthy bacteria in your body will typically keep the levels of Candida under control. However, if healthy levels of bacteria are disrupted, the normal balance of candida can spiral out of control, resulting in Candidiasis. Poor diet, contraceptives, and overuse of antibiotics are some of the biggest culprits that disrupt the normal balance of candida. Other factors that can lead to the overgrowth of candida include:

• Compromised immune system
• High-stress levels
• Diabetes that is not properly treated or controlled
• High alcohol intake
• Estrogen replacement therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Corticosteroid
• Steroids
• Hormones
• Tight clothing or synthetic underwear or clothing
• Not changing underwear or diapers often enough
• Use of a catheter
• Pregnancy 
• Being overweight
• Autoimmune conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Hashimoto’s
• Hot or humid weather

Most Common Types of Candidiasis Infections

Candidiasis can cause painful and uncomfortable health problems affecting various body parts. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Some of the most common ones are listed below. 

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis, or oral thrush – is a condition in which the fungus candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth. It causes a creamy white lesion to collect on the tongue, the inner cheek, or the roof of your mouth. It can also cause slight bleeding, a loss of taste, or soreness in the mouth. Some people report having a cottony feeling in their mouth. Mayo Clinic explains that more advanced cases of oral thrush can spread to your gums and tonsils. 

Cutaneous Candidiasis – is an infection of the skin and nails. Because candida thrives in warm, moist environments, cutaneous Candidiasis often develops in the folds of the skin, such as the elbows, stomach, spaces between the fingers and toes, behind the knees, the belly button, groin, armpits, and under the breast. It causes the skin to be inflamed, crack, peel, and itch. If the infection occurs on the scalp, it can cause circular patches surrounded by red pustules and hair loss. 

Vaginal Candidiasis – a yeast infection of the vagina and tissues at the opening of the vagina. Symptoms include a white clumpy discharge, vaginal itching or soreness, pain during sexual intercourse, and pain or discomfort when urinating. 

Candidemia – is a candida infection of the bloodstream. In some at-risk patients, candida can enter the bloodstream or internal organs and cause an infection. When this happens, it is called invasive Candidiasis. Invasive Candidiasis can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, or other parts of the body. Invasive Candidiasis is often a result of long-term hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, In the United States, candidemia is one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients and often results in prolonged hospital stays and death. 

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the infection in the body. They can include fever, chills, generalized weakness or fatigue, muscle aches, vision changes, headaches, and abdominal pain. Severe conditions can cause septic shock, elevated heart rate, rapid shallow breathing, low blood pressure, and neurological deficits. 

Candida can also infect male genitals –Men are more likely to get Candidiasis on the head of their penis if they have sex with a partner who has vaginal Candidiasis. Candidiasis of the penis is more likely if the male: 

• Isn’t circumcised
• Is taking antibiotics often
• Has uncontrolled diabetes
• Doesn’t wash regularly

Male Genital Candidiasis Symptoms include:

• Moist skin on the penis
• A white substance in the folds of the skin
• White or shiny skin
• Redness, itching, or burning

Treatment for Candidiasis 

Eating a clean diet is fundamental for optimal health. In the case of candida, it is essential. Poor dieting is a leading contributor to the overgrowth of candida. To restore a healthy balance of candida, it is crucial to eliminate dairy, sugars, and processed foods from the diet while attempting to alleviate symptoms. Other foods that need to be removed from the diet or, at the very least, reduced include:

• Grains and gluten
• Caffeine
• Alcohol 
• Fermented foods
• Beans and starchy vegetables 
• High-Glycemic fruits

Candidiasis on the skin can be treated with antifungal creams and by keeping the affected area dry. Your healthcare provider can recommend and prescribe different treatments depending on your Candidiasis type.

If you want a natural treatment, our all-natural herbal blend, Healthy Gut, Candida, Parasite, and Intestinal Cleanse, decontaminates the intestines and rids the body of parasites, waste, and unhealthy fungi growth. To purchase or learn more, click the below link: 

Treating Candidiasis at the first sign of its occurrence is crucial to alleviate symptoms. Neglecting to do so can aggravate the painful and uncomfortable symptoms, leading to severe infections spreading to other parts of your body, including your blood, heart, brain, and other organs. However, the best way to treat Candidiasis is to avoid getting it in the first place. Prevention is always the best healer.

• Maintain good physical and oral hygiene 
• Minimize dairy and unhealthy food
• Avoid gluten and grains
• Minimize alcohol
• Take a probiotic to increase healthy bacteria
• Manage stress
• Drink plenty of water to help flush out waste and toxins
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes
• Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air
• Completed a candida cleanse at least twice a year
• Manage diabetes and other health issues if you have them

I hope you found this article to be beneficial. Please share it with someone if you find it to be helpful. As always, take care of yourselves, and happy healing. See you next time. 

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