Did you know your gut microbes could be dramatically affecting your health?
Hey guys! …this is not just for women. Men, too, commonly suffer from intestinal yeast overgrowth or fungal dysbiosis!
Every day we see new research on the effects of unhealthy gut organisms on the brain, the thyroid gland, the nervous system, the immune system, and the heart and vascular system. In functional medicine, this is one reason we focus so intently on helping our patients heal their gut and thrive. Without a healthy bacterial population in the colon, it’s nearly impossible to experience the optimal health we all desire.
Many people are unknowingly fighting a battle against a single-cell fungus in the gut. Its name is Candida Albicans, although in recent years there has been an increase in non-albicans species of yeast. Candida is a normal organism that is part of our skin flora, intestinal microbes, and for women, vaginal flora. Men, this doesn’t mean you can’t harbor yeast as well! This seemingly benign player can become hostile if the environment is right. High intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar, frequent antibiotic or prednisone use, hormones and birth control pills and other medications give the yeast an advantage over the normal protective bugs, like lactobacillus, so that it flourishes. It has the ability to take over and becomes invasive leading to a host of unwanted symptoms. Sadly, many conventional physicians do not recognize that the gut can be a reservoir of these fungal organisms. If you have ever experienced vaginal yeast infections, rectal irritation, white coating on your tongue called thrush, or any fungal skin or nail infections, like onychomycosis, you may also have a large number of these buggers living in your gastrointestinal tract.
I crave sweets and carbs all the time…
One of the most important things that I notice with patients who have fungal dysbiosis is the feeling of being tired and “run down” all the time with intense cravings for sugar or carbohydrates. Many patients don’t believe me when I tell them that if their gut is healthy, they will get to the point of having no food cravings at all! It’s really true! And if you are still experiencing intense, uncontrollable cravings, binge eating, or other issues in a love-hate relationship with sugar and refined carbohydrates, you can bet there is a problem with your gut microbes!
Take this quiz to find out if YOU have a problem!
These are common symptoms that may occur with yeast overgrowth in the gut. Keep in mind, these are not specific to yeast alone, but if you experience them on a regular basis you are likely to have a real problem with fungal dysbiosis, or yeast overgrowth.
Give yourself 1 point for every one of these symptoms you experience regularly:
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain/fibromyalgia
- Poor focus/concentration
- Brain fog
- Irritable
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Headaches or migraines
- Cravings for sugar or carbohydrates
- Drowsy after meals
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Rectal itching
- Vaginal discomfort or burning
- Low libido
- Joint pain
- Crying spells
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sinus pressure/congestion
- Trouble sleeping
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Body odor
- Frequent sore throat
- Coughing/wheezing/shortness of breath
Scoring
- > 8 – You may have intestinal dysbiosis
- > 14 – It is likely you have an issue with intestinal dysbiosis, which could include yeast overgrowth
- > 20 – It is almost certain that you have fungal dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth
Fungal Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut Syndrome
If yeast becomes dominant in the gut, it may take over and overwhelm the good bacteria. This is called Fungal Dysbiosis. The situation becomes dire when yeast or abnormal gut microbes proliferate and dysbiosis occurs. The problems start when yeast changes from a benign one cell organism to the more invasive hyphe form. These forms can secrete enzymes, like proteases and phosopholipases that break down cell membranes and contribute to intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”. As the gut becomes more permeable, toxic metabolites, such as acetaldehyde, leak into the blood stream and cause symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, or depression. Did you know that this chemical yeast produces can make you feel hungover? Alcohol, when metabolized by the liver, also produces acetaldehyde which causes that “hangover” feeling. The yeast bugs also drive cravings for the very foods that allow them to survive –sugar, refined carbohydrates and sometimes fermented foods or alcohol. I’m always amazed by the number of people who were struggle with alcohol craving or addiction that have yeast overgrowth in their gut. In addition to the toxic materials that leak into the blood stream, partially digested food may also leak through the lining of the gut and create food sensitivities. Many people with chronic yeast overgrowth will experience sensitivities to common foods, like gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, and soy and may even experience improvement in symptoms when they go on an elimination diet. Yeast also produces more than one-hundred other toxins that may leak into the blood stream and affect thyroid and hormone function, brain function and even neurotransmitter production.
Fungal Dysbiosis and the Connection with Autoimmune Diseases
This invasion and consequent problem of a leaky gut may also trigger the immune system to become confused in a process called “molecular mimicry” when the bacteria or yeast in the gut or cross over where they don’t belong into the blood stream and trigger creation of antibodies by the immune system. These antibodies may cross-react to joint tissue, skin, thyroid, or even brain and create autoimmune diseases. It is very common to see some of the following autoimmune conditions occur in someone with fungal dysbiosis:
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Celiac Disease
- Meniere’s disease
- Raynaud’s disease
- Lupus
So What Causes Fungal Dysbiois?
Here are some of the most common factors that upset the balance of gut microbes and contribute to yeast overgrowth or fungal dysbiosis:
- Chronic stress, which impacts your immune system, also contributes to yeast overgrowth
- Diabetes (due to abnormal blood sugar)
- Pregnancy (due to change in hormone levels)
- Eating too much sugar and too many grains. Sugar is the main fuel for yeast.
- Taking antibiotics, which kill both your good and bad bacteria.
- Exposure to environmental toxins, which can lower your immune system’s ability to keep yeast in check. Mercury is especially problematic with yeast overgrowth
- Taking other medications, such as birth control pills and steroids, which are both known to increase yeast
How Does My Doctor Diagnose Fungal Dysbiosis?
Well, the first step is finding a functional medicine trained physician or naturopath who understands the importance of having a healthy gut microbiome. There are many physicians who understand vaginal yeast infections or the more severe systemic candidiasis, where candida enters the blood stream and can be life threatening but ignore the possibility that you could have too many yeast bugs living in your gut. Even when we are looking for a problem it can often be hard to detect. I commonly use a combination of clinical history and symptoms and the following lab tests:
- Serum Candida antibiodies (IgG, IgM, IgA)
- Organic Acids in urine, such as Arabinose
- Comprehensive Digestive Stool analysis for candida culture and sensitivity
By combining a patient’s symptoms with the testing above, it becomes relatively easy to determine if a patient has fungal dysbiosis or not. Other red flags are someone with inflammatory bowel disorder or other bacterial dysbiosis, such as SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) as the two can co-exsist.
So Tell Me How to Get Rid of it!
1. DIET
The most important starting point is diet. In fact, I frequently tell patients that no amount of anti-fungal drugs or herbal medications can overcome a high sugar, high carbohydrate diet. In order to eradicate the yeast, one must do the following:
- Eat a diversified, whole foods (in as natural and fresh a state as possible) diet, emphasizing non-starchy vegetables, proteins, like fish, organic chicken, turkey, lamb, wild game and organic grass-fed beef. Healthy oils, like coconut, grape seed and olive are also essential. Include pastured ghee or butter as well for a rich source of Vitamin K and other fat-soluble vitamins
- Chose organic, free-range meat and be sure they do not contain added growth hormones or antibiotics. I advise all patients to avoid cow’s dairy due to lactose content, which is a sugar that yeast likes.
- Avoid all foods that feed the yeast! That would include all forms of sugar (honey, molasses, maple syrup, agave, xylitol, and artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, splenda)
- Avoid all dried fruits and fruit juices. Stevia may be used to sweeten teas and beverages.
- You may need to eliminate fruit in the beginning or at least stick to no more than one serving of low-glycemic fruit per day – best bets are berries, green apples, or citrus.
- Eliminate any allergenic foods – these commonly include gluten, dairy, egg, soy, corn, and cane sugar
- You should also eliminate the following: alcohol; vinegar (and anything containing vinegar, like salad dressing and sauces); all bread (which contains yeast); high starchy vegetables, like carrots, potatoes and beets; peanuts and corn (due to high mold content); mushrooms (fungus); and aged or moldy foods, like blue cheese.
- Drink plenty of purified water daily. If you are feeling dizzy, add some electrolytes (ElectroMix or Elyte Sport) to your morning water.
- Get some form of daily exercise (walking, hiking, yoga, bicycling). Pick an activity you enjoy and try to get in 30-40min every day.
- Make time for rest and relaxation. Epson salt baths can be especially helpful for the yeast die-off symptoms. Use 2-3 cups of salt in warm bath and soak 20min.
2. AVOID ANTIBIOTICS
3. DECREASE STRESSORS
4. IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE FOOD ALLERGIES
5. TAKE A PROBIOTIC! (my favorite is Klaire Labs Detox Support, which you can order here)
6. TREAT ANY DIGESTIVE IMBALANCES (like insufficient pancreatic enzyme production or low stomach acid)
7. MEDICATIONS
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Nystatin
- Compounded Oral amphotericin B
8. HERBAL REMEDIES
- Caprylic Acid
- Undecylenic acid
- Berberine
- Garlic (Allicin)
- Oil of Oregano
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Pau D-Arco
- Grape Seed Extract
9. OTHER ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Biotin
- Essential Fatty acids
- Probiotics
- Pantethine
- l-Glutamine
- Coenzyme Q10
- Magnesium
130 Comments
This is one of the best blogs I have read on yeast overgrowth. I wish I could find someone in Chicago to help me manage my son’s issues. We have tried a few people, but no one has been able to deliver a thorough, sustainable approach.
Thanks, Kim – you might try searching for functional medicine docs trained in your area at http://www.functionalmedicine.org
I hv toenail fungus and also hv digestive problem is it due to fungal infection in intestine what dose of fluconazole is right for me
best to discuss with your doctor
Hi Jill – Excellent post! I’m curious about not using vinegar in the diet that you propose. I’ve read conflicting information about this — some reputable/knowledgeable people say that raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is great in helping to rid oneself of a yeast overgrowth (in the context of candida overgrowth). Can you tell us why you think vinegar is not good? Also, if the yeast overgrowth problem is not candida, but rather another strain, would the guidelines that you outline in the post also be effective, or would you recommend something different? Thanks for the excellent information that you always provide!
Hi Cynthia,
Fermented foods, like vinegar can be a problem. Many patients with yeast overgrowth do not tolerate histamine-producing foods or anything that is fermented. If patients are intolerant to histamines, then all vinegars would be a problem, including apple cider vinegar. However, it no issues with histamine, that would be tolerated and perhaps helpful. This article would apply to all types of fungal dysbiosis, not just candida.
blessings
Dr Jill
Hello Jill!
I am SO GLAD I found you! I too am in the Chicago area and am seeing a functional doctor who did have me do the comprehensive stool test. (I have UC.) But he hasn’t been nearly as comprehensive as you are. I am following your protocol and his, but I’m wondering, once you have the yeast overgrowth and you treat it, are you always susceptible? Once I get it under control, can I ever go back to enjoying sweets, whole grains, alcohol, fruit, etc. in controlled amounts? Or is this always something that can re-strike at any time?
Hi Dr. Carnahan,
I happen to have both yeast overgrowth and SIBO and would love to follow your protocol. The problem is that I have done food sensitivity test and I seemed to be allergic to most proteins, like salmon, chicken, turkey, lamb, beef. My doctor thinks this is due to my leaky gut.If I were to take those food out and all the grain, eggs, dairy and gluten, I would not have much option left to eat.
So my question is If I still follow your protocol and eat turkey, lamb, beef and chicken( considering I have food sensitivity to these food) and would be able to get rid of both SIBO and yeast overgrowth? I would really appreciate if you could respond back!!
Hi Maya,
This is very difficult but not uncommon as the increased intestinal permeability makes food sensitivities more common. First make sure your diet is 100% organic and zero GMOs present – you will have to read labels and be meticulous to avoid all corn and soy especially. These are known to trigger increased intestinal inflammation and permeability so start here. Second, you may need to use wild game and exotic meats.
Some alternatives to beef, chicken and pork:
Crawfish, Frog, Turtle, duck, squab, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail and Cornish game hens, Guinea hen, Rabbit, Boar, Caribou , Deer, Elk and Moose, Antelope, Buffalo, Goat, Lamb, Llama, Yak, Alligator, Kangaroo and ostrich.
Crazy as it may sound, those who are very sensitive to the traditional beef, chicken, may do very well on exotic and wild game. You might also tolerate a bit of lamb or turkey or chicken or beef if you rotate them and eat small amount every 4 days but never two days in a row. I wish you the very best in health and healing!
Thanks so much for your response Dr. Carnahan. I really appreciate it!!
Just one last question….On my food sensitivity test, It seems like I am not allergic to eggs. Considering my situation, can I add eggs to my diet daily and follow your SIBO diet protocol? Sorry to bug you again but I really want to get rid of this as it has extremely impacted my health and my daily life!! Thanks so much!
Can a bit of nuts and legumes be included? 🙂 thanks once again!
Hi Maya
You might try and see if tolerated… if you are unsure, get a IgG food panel to determine if you are sensitive to these foods…
blessings
Dr Jill
Hello,
I love this article. I have thrush and have been trying to deal with it by diet and herbs. After 5 weeks, my thrush is not better and I am actually having a lot more issues now with fatigue and adrenals. I see that you also included the medicines. Is it a good idea to take the prescription to help at first and then continue with a protocol of herbs and diet? Does the medicine give you the extreme die off symptoms and how long do those usually last? Is it usually just one pill that is prescribed?
Hi Jen
Yes, prescriptions are generally more effective but one pill will not do it. I often prescribe 30 days of fluconazole or 3-6 months of nystatin. Discuss with your physician before proceeding with medication. You may following the medication with herbs to maintain remission. And both bentonite clay and charcoal may help with die-off.
warmly
Dr Jill
I had Systemic Candidiasis for 30 years and it almost killed me. When I found out I was in the final stage, I was 32 years old. It was at that time that I also found out I had breast cancer. You have to get Systemic Candida before you can get cancer. It was easier to get rid of the cancer than it was to get rid of the Systemic Canidida, which had crossed the blood brain barrier and caused horrific mental and emotional symptoms. As a result of this experience and the intense research I did for 25 years, this has become my specialty. I healed my body two years ago and at the age of 52 my health is restored. I tried all the things listed here to resolve my yeast overgrowth issue, but even the combination of all of these things had no effect. I almost died of malnutrition. You can’t starve Candida. It will convert the glycogen in your muscle into glucose for food if you stop eating. It mutates into 11 different morphages and spontaneously switches to adapt to whatever herb or medication you are taking to combat it. Now I can eat what ever I want, when before I had every kind of food sensitivity there is. To be free of illness and have control over my body again is a feeling beyond words. I didn’t think I’d live to be 50 and now I feel better than I did at 20. I need to live another 50 years, because truly, my life just started. If you need a friend who’s “been there-done that”, I am here for you. Email me at johnna@hughes.net
Hi Johnna,
Thanks for sharing! I appreciate your difficult journey and encouragement.
Blessings
Dr Jill
How does it morph??
Dr. Carnahan, I’ve just recently discovered your blog so probably you’ve already covered my question. I was wondering if you could give me some guidance to get me started on the herbal cure for fungal dysbiosis; amounts and frequency. I’m not sure if there is a functional medicine doctor in my area and would like to get started on a cure.
Hi Pam,
I cannot give you specific dosing or medical advice but one of my favorite products is Xymogen Candicidal which works for fungal dysbiosis. You can order direct from Xymogen using code: DrJill and last name: Carnahan.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Carnahan,
I have been diagnosed with Candida. It’s pretty bad so my doctor knew I had it but she tested me anyway. The Candida antibody blood test came back positive. I have iron deficiency anemia. I have just about all the symptoms. My ferritin is practically nonexistent at 5. When I take iron supplements and include iron-rich foods in my diet, it takes months for my ferritin to go up by a few points. And in the meantime I keep feeling exhausted, I’m losing my hair, shortness of breath, dizzy, heart palpitations, and cold hands and feet. Is the Candida the reason why my ferritin is so low? I’m really concerned because I know it causes malabsorption but it seems like my body is really struggling to absorb iron compared to other nutrients. For example, I had a B12 deficiency and my doctor had me take a multi with B12 and my B12 came right up to optimal within a couple months. My ferritin barely moved. I’m scared because I don’t know why my iron is so low. My periods are not heavy at all. They are on the light side. I would really appreciate your thoughts!
Hi Rachel,
Candida is opportunistic…. which means it takes advantage of a weakened immune system. There may be something deeper going on. Chronically low ferritin can be related to malabsorption or other disorders, like SIBO or IBD.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Thank you so much Dr. Carnahan! I know there’s a test to check for SIBO which I will ask my doctor for. How do you test for malabsorption and IBD?
Dr. Carnahan,
I read that generally the healthy immune system should kill Candida without a problem. So how do we strengthen our immune system so it can fight it? If one has low iron and low Vitamin D, will getting these levels up strengthen the immune system and get the Candida under control?
Yeast is opportunistic so you are correct in assuming that a healthy immune system is part of the solution to treating. You need to find out root cause (toxin, infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, etc) of why the immune system is not working optimally and treat that.
warmly
Dr Jill
This is an old post but I, hoping you see it. What’s the next best test to do to see WHY one has candida overgrowth? We did the OAT test and that’s how we found candida. Bacterial markers came back ok on that test. So we are treating the candida, but I know it will just come back if we don’t find the root cause. These are both my children that have this. We are treating yeast and parasites right now. What testdo i do now to check for underlying infection or whatnot in the gut? Thank you
Yes, fungal issues mean there is weakened immune system so you will continue to battle until you strengthen the immune system
Hi Dr. Jill!
I was wondering if dental braces or permanent retainers placed on the back of the teeth or even removable metal retainers count as heavy metal toxicity that can lead to Candida overgrowth or is it mainly just Mercury and amalgam fillings? Thank you!
Retainers and other orthodontic appliances are generally made of stainless steel with some nickel. I do not think there is any mercury exposure from them…
I found my way here because I’m looking for more information on dental appliances, like bite guards for wearing while sleeping. I had an AH HA moment when my nurse mentioned, “while you’re on this antibiotic, you’ll want to throw out or disinfect your toothbrush after the first couple of days…” That’s when I realized my night guard may be the source of bacteria causing MUCH trouble in the back of my throat. A few searches for “thrush and retainers” indicate I’m looking in the right direction, but still trying to find more data.
Dr. Jill,
My Doctor tested Candida serum antibodies and it came back positive. Does this mean the Candida is in my bloodstream (because it’s a blood test) and serious and needs to be treated ASAP or is it no different than having a positive Candida stool or urine test?
Candida Ig does not necessarily mean that you have candida sepsis in the blood stream. It may mean that you have candida overgrowth in the GI tract and that the permeability of the tight junctions between enterocytes allowed for cross over of the candida antigen into the blood stream creating antibodies. The root issue is likely fungal dysbiosis in the gut.
Hi Dr. Carnahan,
How much garlic and onions do you have to eat for it to get rid of Candida? Is there a certain amount that works? Is it just about being consistent and having it on a daily basis?
Hi Hannah,
I would not rely on only onions and garlic to rid the gut of candida
warmly
Dr. Jill
Thank you Dr. Jill! One more question…If I combine onions and garlic with coconut oil, will that be a strong combination? I’m wanting to get rid of it naturally, if possible.
Dr. Jill,
Do natural antifungals like caprylic acid, garlic, and olive leaf extract kill your good bacteria as well?
Thank you!
no, they are generally well tolerated by the microbiome
Hi Dr. Jill! I have a lot of health problems going on that is causing me to have extreme debilitating exhaustion. Because of this, I sleep all day long until 3-4pm. Then when I wake up, I’m eating practically the whole time I’m up. If I don’t eat 3 meals I’ll lose weight and I’m already extremely thin. I eat breakfast around 3-4, snack at 6:30, lunch at 8:30, and dinner at 10. I have a bad case of Candida. Is it possible that eating all my food at once to where it’s all sitting on my stomach waiting to be digested is causing the Candida to proliferate?
Dear Jenny,
Please find a functional medicine doctor to help you test and find the root cause of your symptoms
warmly
Dr Jill
Dr. Jill,
I have so many things going on I feel overwhelmed. I see a functional medicine doctor but I’m still very stressed and overwhelmed because there’s so many things that I have going on I don’t know where to start. I have Hashimoto’s, I have iron deficiency anemia, I’m so anemic that my hair is falling out and I have shortness of breath and can barely move, I’m very pale and look sickly, I have extreme debilitating fatigue, I have Candida everywhere all over my body I can see it. I have periods that aren’t heavy but they’re every 23-24 days so I’m losing more iron. And I’m sure I have adrenal fatigue too. It’s pretty much a guarantee. Where do you start with all this? I feel overwhelmed and I’m not sure what to start with first and how to start getting these things resolved. Thank you!
Hi Katie,
There may be something more serious going on… best to test for toxic exposure and hidden infections.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I’ve been diagnosed with Candida. I have a white coated tongue, bloating, and itchy ears. I’ve also been struggling with low iron for a while now. But it’s weird because my other vitamins are fine. My B12 is optimal. My Vitamin D is optimal as long as I get sun. It’s just my iron that I’m having a problem with. Does Candida eat iron or use it to grow or something? When I start getting rid of it, is it likely my iron will go up?
Hi Ashley,
When there is dysbiosis of any kind it may damage the microvilli and cause malabsorption.
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I have all the symptoms of Candida so I know I have it. But my doctor ran a Candida IgG, IgA, and IgM blood test and it came back negative. I’m stressed because I know I have it and it’s not showing up. What does this mean?
Hi Anne,
Negative candida antibodies doesn’t mean you can’t have candida in the gut
warmly
Dr Jill
How do you test for SIFO specifically? If Candida shows up on an organic acids test, does this mean SIFO for sure?
Hi Sam
There are many tests for SIFO and none is perfect.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Can Candida cause bloating after meals? Can it cause bloating after eating sugar like drinking a glass of orange juice? I’m having severe bloating after meals. For example, if I eat a bowl of gluten free Cheerios plain with no milk and a glass of orange juice, I get massive bloating.
Yes, candida will certainly cause bloating. Recommend no gluten or grains or sugar and you may feel much better
Hi Dr. Jill,
How long would you expect to see vitamins and minerals start absorbing properly after reducing/eliminating Candida?
It depends on if you have leaky gut and villous atrophy. You will not see improvement until the gut is healed
How do you heal the gut with parasites in the gut
Hello, I HAVE BEEN GETTING JUST ABOUT all of the symptons. Also I have a really bad body odor almost like I havent showered in months but I shower everyday. I want to go to the doctor but it is very hard for me to even go out everyday. I dont have a social life because of this I have spent money, changed my deit, and even my clothes but now Ive given up. I am soo depressed I want help but I dont want people to look at me like I am crazy or nothing. Please if you can help me. Thank you.
Hi Alecia
You might try avoiding all sugar and all grain and processed food and alcohol first. That is one of the easiest ways to control yeast.
warmly
Dr Jill
Is cooking with coconut oil something that will work to start getting rid of Candida/SIFO? Is it strong enough to use on its own?
HI Carly
Coconut oil is anti-fungal by nature and a great food in incorporate into diet but may not be strong enough by itself to treat fungal dysbiosis.
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I noticed in the article it talks about fungal dysbiosis leading to autoimmune disease. Have you seen people whose autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s for example was entirely caused by fungal dysbiosis and treating that allowed them to get into remission? Thank you!
yes, Emily
Hi Dr. Jill,
Can Candida overgrowth lead to bloating after meals and a 6 month pregnant belly? I have numerous symptoms of Candida and I had a positive stool test result. But every time I look up bloating that causes a 6 month pregnant belly, it comes up with SIBO so I don’t know if I could have that too. I have no gas and no diarrhea. I don’t have any pain either. Just severe bloating in the front and out to the sides that gets worse after eating but never completely goes away, the bloating never goes back to normal. It goes down but I never have a flat stomach. Thank you!
Hi Becky
Both SIFO (fungal overgrowth) and SIBO (bacterial overgrowth) may cause bloating…
warmly
Dr Jill
Hello,
When you go on the Candida diet, isn’t it going to come right back when you start eating sugar again? How do you prevent it from coming back?
Anna – patients who have candida issues should avoid sugar… permanently
Thank you! Does this include fruit?
Hi this may be a strange question but I have Candida as well as hypothyroidism and I know that low libido is a symptom of both. I am totally exhausted and not in the mood very often. But I’m wondering, does low libido also include not being as attracted to guys that you were very attracted to before? Almost as if your standards have raised to wanting a male model type boyfriend/husband if that makes sense? Thank you.
Low libido may be related to the hypothyroid
Very informative article, thank you! I was diagnosed with Candida through a stool test. I noticed bloating listed under symptoms in this article, can it cause severe bloating or just mild bloating?
Hi Becca
Depending on severity of fungal dysbiosis it could be either
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Can Candida overgrowth on its own cause severe malabsorption to where you’re deficient in B vitamins including B12, iron, Vitamin D, and other nutrients? And to where you look emaciated? Sunk-in face, hair falling out, etc.
Anything that affects the microvilli in small bowel can lead to malabsorptive syndromes.
Hello,
I came across your website and I’m hoping you can help me!!! I have been to doctor after doctor with no answers. I have low ferritin (drs call them iron storage). The range starts at 12 and mine is 5. Drs keep telling me my period is contributing to this. I have light 3 day periods with spotting on the 4th day. I’m not a vegetarian. But every doctor I’ve been to keeps saying even though my periods aren’t heavy it’s still blood loss and that can cause iron storage to be low. I’m so frustrated because I feel like a result of 5 when the range starts at 12 can’t be normal for someone who eats meat and does not have heavy periods. Can your period cause low iron storage since its blood loss?
Hi Jaime
Low ferritin is more commonly from malabsorption if your iron is normal.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
For the past few months, I’ve had a bloat that has continued to grow and has kept getting bigger. Now it’s unbelievably huge and here recently I have started getting a lot of gas. I am also feeling nauseous and my stomach just feels upset. My doctor ran a stool test and it showed Candida overgrowth. But looking back, I know I’ve had Candida overgrowth for years because of my frequent yeast infections. But I’ve never had these other symptoms. Could it have gotten worse or turned into another infection or is something else going on?
Hi Tish,
Yes, it could be an ongoing issue for you. I suggest comprehensive stool testing and organic acids to determine if you have SIFO (fungal overgrowth) or SIBO (bacterial overgrowth)
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi,
I had a stool test done that showed Candida overgrowth. My belly button itches really bad. The itch feels deep in my belly button and it comes and goes but when it comes, it’s intense.
I try cleaning it with qtips but it still itches. And when I clean it, I notice a funky smell coming from it. Is this a symptom of Candida? My belly button has also gotten humongous and I don’t know if it’s from whatever this is or from cleaning it with qtips or if my bloating that I have is causing it to expand but my belly button is huge.
Hi Deanna
I suggest you see your physician about this problem.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Are there any vitamins that help kill Candida or at least help keep it in check? Does a multivitamin help?
Hi Sasha,
There are no vitamins that kill yeast but there are many herbs, like pau d’arco, caprylic acid, oregano, garlic, SF722, and more.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I am very stressed out. I know I have Candida overgrowth. I have had so many antibiotics. I eat carbs in my diet. I have anxiety and stress. I can see it on my tongue. I have bloating. I have itchy ears. I have vaginal yeast infections. Yet when my doctor ran a Genova 1 day stool test, no yeast was grown at all. Just inflammatory markers showed up on the test. They also checked antibodies in my blood and nothing there. I’m so frustrated and people are telling me I don’t have it and I know I do. What’s going on here? Why is it not showing up?
Hi Lauren
Stool testing will only show yeast in the colon. Antibodies are only present if you have systemic yeast. Many patients have serious SIFO and it will not be detected on stool testing or serum antibodies.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hello,
I had a comprehensive stool test done to check gut health and it showed n-Butyrate and Total SCFA under imbalance. What does this mean? Should I be concerned? Should a healthy gut not show anything on a stool test?
Hi Kelly
Best to discuss with your functional medicine doctor. This could indicate inflammation or imbalance in microbiome
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Is it possible for a bad case of Candida overgrowth to be caused entirely by antibiotics and sugar in the diet or is there always a deeper underlying cause? I’m in my 20’s and I have Candida overgrowth and it’s pretty bad and I’ve had antibiotics and eat sugar but in my defense, lots of people do and don’t have Candida. My mom has taken antibiotics and eats sugar and has Candida but no where close to as bad. And I got her same gut flora. I was born vaginally. And my grandmother (her mom) drinks a 2 liter of Coke a day and has taken antibiotics and doesn’t have Candida. So I have their same gut flora. I just don’t understand it. And what about people who have had flesh eating or major surgeries and had to have super strong antibiotics and they have a flat stomach, no bloating at all? I can’t figure out what’s going on and what’s causing the Candida to be so bad to where I can’t even eat potatoes without having major bloating?
Yes, Sugar and antibiotics could be the cause. Maternal microbiome plays a role because that is passed on during birth….
Hello,
When testing for yeast overgrowth via stool test and OAT should you “feed” the yeast first by having sugar to ensure it shows up on the test? I’ve heard yeast can hide in places to where it doesn’t show up on testing so should you feed it first to draw it out so the tests detect it?
You do not need to feed the yeast before testing
Hi Dr. Jill,
Is it common when someone is having malabsorption from Candida or SIBO, for there to only be one nutrient that is not absorbing and the rest of them are fine or would it be malabsorption of all nutrients? What does it mean if only one of your nutrients isn’t absorbing but everything else is?
Jaime
Typically ferritin, B12 and fat soluble vitamins (D,E,K,A) may be affected but not all of them must be affected for malabsorption to be present. Anything that causes villous atrophy in small bowel will affect micronutrient absorption.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi,
Thanks so much for this article! I was wondering is it possible to have thrush, itching in the ears, and 2 vaginal yeast infections in the last 5 years without actually having Candida overgrowth in your gut or does that mean for sure you have Candida overgrowth in your gut if you have those symptoms?
The gut is most likely the source of your issues…
Hi Dr Jill,
What does it mean if you can physically see signs of Candida overgrowth when you look at a person like they have a white coated tongue, seborrheic dermatitis on their scalp, vaginal yeast infections, deep itching in the ears, itching in the belly button, and so on but every single test doctors run to check for Candida including blood tests, stool tests, and organic acid testing comes back negative?
Diagnosis is made by both clinical presentation and testing.
Hi Dr. Jill,
I have been diagnosed with yeast overgrowth through a urine test my doctor ran. I was wondering if this can be blamed as the sole cause for my unexplained low ferritin levels and low B12 levels or do I need to dig deeper?
Hi Jan
Bacterial of fungal overgrowth in the small bowel can create villous atrophy and lead to malabsorption syndromes. These could very well be connected.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
What is the first step you recommend to someone who has Hashimoto’s and testing and physical exams have revealed yeast overgrowth everywhere and the patient has had numerous antibiotics?
Thank you!
Hi Martha
I recommend serum Candida IgG, IgM and IgA as well as stool testing and urinary organic acids
warmly
DR Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
How can you get Candida to show up on testing when you know you have it? I have extreme fatigue, toenail fungus, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, intense itching in my ears, itching in my belly button, bloating, anxiety, vaginal yeast infections, anal itching, as well as B12, iron, and Vitamin D deficiency. It’s not showing up on testing though. It didn’t show up on a blood test that checks for antibodies. It didn’t show up on a 1 day stool test through Genova and an organic acids test showed it but “barely.” It was just slightly in yellow. I’m so frustrated because I know I have it. I have all the symptoms, but I want proof that I have it so other people will believe me.
If organic acids showed abnormal you certainly have fungal dysbiosis.
Hi Dr. Jill,
How does someone who can’t swallow pills increase stomach acid when they can’t take Betaine with Pepsin? Is there a way to reverse low stomach acid caused by Hashimoto’s and Candida without taking Betaine with Pepsin? Does thyroid medication reverse the low stomach acid? I don’t feel comfortable taking apple cider vinegar because I read it can cause throat burns, delay stomach emptying which can lead you SIBO, and erode tooth enamel. Thank you!
Hi Katie
It may be best to learn how to swallow pills
warmly
Dr Jill
What about candida and CIRS? Do mold exposures create fungal/candida overgrowth? Is it possible to get rid of candida while still in a moldy environment?
Hi Julie
Many patients with mold exposure have weakened immune system. It is not uncommon to have candida as it is opportunistic infection.
warmly
Dr Jill
I was diagnosed with yeast overgrowth with an OAT. Some of the bacterial markers were also slightly elevated possibly indicating SIBO? I don’t know but all of a sudden a year ago I developed severe bloating. I had slight bloating before but it’s like it all of a sudden turned into severe bloating making me look several months pregnant after eating. It has continued to get worse. I wake up still bloated. I never have a flat stomach. I seem to get the most bloated after having carbs. I also have gas in the form of farts, mushy stools at times but not diarrhea, and I have a bowel movement practically every day (occasionally I might skip a day) but mostly every day, sometimes twice a day. Sometimes it is mushy stool, sometimes it is hard balls, and sometimes it is normal. I also have itchy ears, itchy anus, I’ve gotten ringworm 3 times now, and toenail fungus. I’m also severely malnourished. All my vitamin and mineral levels are really low. My face looks very thin, but my stomach looks huge. My doctor started treating me for the yeast overgrowth 150mg once a week for 2 months. I took the first dosage already (I divided it up and took 75mg Wednesday and 75mg Thursday). I know it’s only one pill, but I would think I would have seen at least some improvement in the bloating or something which is making me think is the yeast overgrowth not causing this pregnant bloat? Can yeast overgrowth cause all these symptoms I’m having? Do I have something else like SIBO going on? Does it sound like SIBO or more like yeast overgrowth? Thank you for your time.
Hi Jenny
Your symptoms certainly sound like yeast overgrowth… Typically I treat patients with yeast overgrowth for 4-6 months (not necessarily with fluconazole, however since it is toxic to liver) so you may need to be treated for quite a bit longer than a few days. Try natural options like caprylic acid, oregano, garlic or GSE.
warmly
Dr Jill
Can you take Klaire Labs Therbiotic Infant formula as an adult? Will it help to get rid of Candida?
I would recommend Klaire Labs Factor 4 instead for adults or Klaire Detox Support – either can be ordered direct from Prothera with physician code: 618.
I’ve read that a healthy immune system will keep Candida away and that someone with a healthy immune system won’t get Candida overgrowth. So how do we get our immune system back healthy and strong? Are we supposed to take vitamins or something? I’ve made all the diet changes recommended in this article and also taken Fluconazole and I still have major yeast issues.
Brooke,
Yes, it’s important to restore immune function in order to overcome candida… that could involve with your genetic SNPs to optimize function, enhancing detoxification, eradicating other infections and decreasing toxic exposures…
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I’m taking Fluconazole for yeast overgrowth. I’ve read that it can kill the good yeast too which could lead to SIBO, bacterial overgrowth, and gut dysbiosis. Is this true?
no that is not an issue
Does caprylic acid have to be taken as a pill or capsule to get rid of yeast overgrowth and can you just cook with coconut oil?
Caprylic Acid in capsules is much more potent than eating coconut oil
Maybe you covered this but i didn’t notice… How long do the die off symptoms last? I havr symptoms but they kinda fluctuate so i was thinking of riding it out. The sauna DOES help so much!
Hey Dr Jill, I am currently doing a 30 day cleanse – no caffeine, starches, alcohol and sugars. It is now the middle of week three and my energy levels have improved dramatically, but I had a sudden itchy rash breakout on my skin, all over my body even now showing up on the sides of my face right near earlobes(3rd day) – and I’m suddenly constipated. The rash looks just like hives. Could it be die off? I’m drinking loads of water, detoxifying tea, and just got some supplements. Probiotic 55Billion by Herbs of Gold, and Candida Relief which contains Pau d’arco(started yesterday)
I’ll continue with keeping sugar out of my diet even after this cleanse.
Two pharmacists I went to said the rash is just an allergy to something I’ve eaten. I don’t know, I haven’t eaten anything different, except that my mother says a mushroom dish she made the other night might have had msg in the seasoning(never been allergic to msg previously though I do avoid it)
Hi Natalie,
Yes, you may be experiencing die off from the candida… if needed slow down on the regimen and enhance detox strategies such as alkaline water/mineral water, epsom salt baths, infrared sauna, etc.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill, such a relief to have found your site. I keep finding info on sibo but nothing on sifo. I had a course of rifaximin and metronidazole and felt no different, but actually felt worse, as it turns out I actually seem to have sifo. I can’t do herbal treatments due to salicylate sensitivity, so would have to do a 30 day fluconazole. In your experience do people recover with such treatment if followed by a low fodmap diet?
For SIFO treatment could include fluconazole or nystatin and herbal antifungals such as caprylic acid or oregano
warmly
DR Jill
Hi Dr Carnahan,
Thank you so much for all of your information. I noticed you said you didn’t think garlic would be enough to cure a fungal infection. Have you looked in to a product called Allimed? Do you think that would be strong enough to help? Also, do you think caprylic acid is strong enough alone to cure a fungal infection? Thanks so much for your time and any reply.
I love allimed and use it frequently but not as sole agent to treat candida
Hi Dr jill
In my blood test I have deficiency in: triglycerides-Iron-ferritin
I feel the first part of my small intestine is very infected with Candida And the other parts of my bowels do not have a problem for example my B12 is normal.I live in a city where there are no doctors who are literate. Please tell me a course of treatment including herbal and non-herbal medicines. also wrote on one of the sites that probiotics might be harmful?
Thanks.
Really great article Dr. Carnahan. We appreciate your thoroughly outlining your approach to treatment. Thank you for sharing!
SO if your patient has sibo (overgrowth also shows on gI map), and a GI map picked up h pylori and candida….what do you treat first? Also, what do you do when a client has “sibo”, high hydrogen and has a low lacto spp?
I would treat both at the same time.
my teenage daughter is seemingly struggling with symptoms I have had for years. she is way too young to feel extreme aches, pains and stiffness along with fatigue, stomach pains. she told me suddenly she is feeling anxiety and can not think of why she feels nervous. she has white peeling skin on her fingers, intense itching. was told by a dermatologist a few years ago when I took her in for chronic sores in the corners of her mouth that it was yeast. I can’t get anyone to prescribe her an anti fungal so we are going to try herbal route and alter her diet. do you see young people suffering from overgrowth and can it be contagious?
Hi Dr. Jill,
Thanks so much for your informative article. I’ve recently been diagnosed with Candida and leaky gut, and also have tested for fat malabsorption. Is the fat malabsorption caused by Candida, or can it be caused by something else?
Thanks so much,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie
Fat malabsorption may be due to the villi damage that comes from bacterial overgrowth, fungus (yeast) or parasites in the small bowel.
warmly
Dr Jill
Really parasites in the small bowl??
I am 22 and I have hypothyroidism, my mom has hashimotos. I’ve had a copper IUD for about a year which has made my periods very heavy and within 20 days of each other (sometimes even less than that). I get frequent yeast infections that usually occur around my period. I take probiotics and recently Candicidal. Should I ditch the IUD? Is the copper that toxic to my body that I have yeast overgrowth or is it because of thyroid issues that contributes to yeast infections, or both?
Hi Alex
Hypothyroid and exogenous hormones can both contribute to issues with yeast. If you struggle with overcoming ty yeast you may need to ditch the IUD.
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Is it better to use 2 herbal antifungals at the same time to kill candida? How frequently should I rotate the herbal antifungals to prevent the fungus building a resistance?
Is 100 billion probiotic daily too much for a person with fungus/yeast overgrowth.
Thank you so much!
Pamela
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