Candida causes thrush, yeast infections, fungal UTIs, and vaginitis. Although mainstream solutions like antifungal medication exist, they can be harsh and even harmful, especially if used incorrectly. Antifungal medication isn’t the only candida overgrowth solution!
Candida. We’ve all struggled with candida, even if we didn’t realize it. Thrush, yeast infections, fungal UTIs, and vaginitis are caused by candida. Heck, even tonsil stones can be caused by candida. As someone who has struggled with tonsil stones, I know firsthand how frustrating and uncomfortable the overproduction of candida can be, so let's discuss some tips to minimize candida overgrowth risk.
Although mainstream solutions like antifungal medication exist, they can be harsh and even harmful, especially if used incorrectly. Antifungals fight the growth of specific pathogens that could harm your health, such as ringworm, athlete's foot, tinea versicolor, toenail fungus, and jock itch (1).
The most commonly prescribed antifungal medication is fluconazole (2). Unfortunately, many fungal infections caused by candida are resistant to fluconazole, so what can we do instead? Let’s start by discussing candida strains and how they affect the body so you’ll know if you need to take action.
Understanding Candida Strains
Candida, also known as yeast, is a common fungus found on and in the body that aids digestion and nutrient absorption. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing problems. Different strains of candida affect the human body differently (3).
Normal candida amounts aren’t problematic, but too much (candida overgrowth) can lead to infections in the bloodstream or internal organs like the kidney, heart, or brain (4). Five species cause most fungal infections: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei (5). Let’s discuss them!
Candida Albicans
Candida albicans is a regular member of the intestinal microbiota found in most humans. Some ailments like an imbalanced microbiome, autoimmunity, and impaired intestinal barrier influence the body’s likeliness to invasive healthcare-acquired candida albicans infections (6,7).
Common types of infections caused by Candida albicans include (8):
Thrush: an overgrowth of yeast forms inside the mouth and throat that appear as white, raised bumps.
Vaginal yeast infection: yeast multiplies inside the vagina and causes infection.
Invasive candidiasis: a severe infection that targets the whole body, specifically the blood, bones, brain, and heart.
Candida Glabrata
Candida glabrata is a common yeast on the body surface and microflora. It may be present in the GI tract, mouth, and genital area (9). Candida glabrata has been considered a relatively nonpathogenic saprophyte of the normal flora, meaning healthy individuals rarely experience serious infections (10). Although serious candida glabrata infections are rare and typically occur in immunocompromised people, they are often more complicated and difficult to resolve due to heightened antifungal drug resistance (11).
Common types of infections caused by Candida glabrata include (11):
Fungal urinary tract infection (UTI): an overgrowth of yeast in the urinary tract that affects the lower part of the urinary tract, including the bladder. Fungal UTIs sometimes affect the kidneys.
Fungal genital infection: an overgrowth of yeast forms on the vagina or penis, usually developing after certain sexual activities involving oral-genital contact.
Candida Tropicalis
Candida tropicalis can be found on human skin, mucous membranes, gut flora, soil, fermentation vats, water, leaves, raw honey, flowers, and sometimes, but rarely, wine (12). It is regarded as an osmotolerant yeast or a microorganism that can survive in high salt concentrations and develop fungal persistence in saline environments. Candida tropicalis is the most prevalent pathogenic Candida non-albicans yeast that causes human skin disease, gastrointestinal tract, and female genitourinary tract (13).
Invasive candidiasis: a severe infection that targets the whole body, specifically the blood, bones, brain, and heart.
Candidemia: a fungal infection found in the bloodstream, often developing within three weeks of being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Candida Parpsilosis
Candida parapsilosis is the second most common cause of yeast infections in South America, Asia, and Europe. Candida parapsilosis can be found in soil and water, so it’s widely found in nature and transmitted by insects and domestic animals. Candida parapsilosis is also found on human skin and has grown rapidly, causing serious infections in some people (16).
Common types of infections caused by Candida parapsilosis include (17):
Vaginal yeast infection: yeast multiplies inside the vagina and causes infection.
Invasive candidiasis: a severe infection that targets the whole body, specifically the blood, bones, brain, and heart.
Candidemia: a fungal infection found in the bloodstream, often developing within three weeks of being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Candida Krusei
Candida krusei is most known for its resistance to antifungal fluconazole and relatively reduced susceptibility to other drugs. Candida krusei is commonly recovered from environmental sources. Although candida krusei isn’t typically recovered from mucosal surfaces of healthy people, it is a significant contributor to vaginitis (18).
Vaginitis: a common infection of the female genital tract causing inflammation of the vagina, discharge, itching, and pain.
Invasive candidiasis: a severe infection that targets the whole body, specifically the blood, bones, brain, and heart.
Minimizing Candida Overgrowth Risk
Remember how I said candida is a common fungus found on and in the body, and it’s not necessarily bad? Well, the healthy bacteria in your body keep candida levels under control. If healthy bacteria levels are disrupted or the immune system is compromised, candida can grow uncontrollably, known as candida overgrowth or candidiasis (3).
Certain medications (antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and steroids)
Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbs
High alcohol intake
A weakened immune system
Diabetes
High-stress levels
Pregnancy
Chemotherapy
HIV
Obesity
Dry mouth
Warm, humid weather
Tight-fitting clothing
Dentures
Smoking
Common signs of candida overgrowth include (23):
Chronic fatigue
Mood disorders
Oral thrush
Sinus infections
Intestinal distress
Brain fog
Hormonal imbalance
Recurring vaginal infections
Recurring urinary tract infections
Skin and nail fungal infections
Some tips to minimize the risk of candida overgrowth include:
Use antibiotics as a last resort – check out The Truth About Antibiotics
Focus on healing your gut – check out The Importance of Gut Health
Eat a clean diet focusing on whole foods
Incorporate fermented foods (kombucha, kimchi, yogurt, etc.)
Support your immune system – check out The Importance of Immune Health
Support the body's ability to deal with stress – check out 5 Herbs to Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Incorporate antifungal herbs (calendula, cinnamon, turmeric, etc.)
Consider using Earthley’s Candida Cleanse
Add probiotics to your regimen – check out The Importance of Probiotics
Of course, if you have candida overgrowth, you may be prescribed antifungal medication. Although that is one route, you could consider herbs that help fight yeast and candida overgrowth by restoring gut health. I also recommend checking out Earthley’s Gut Health Support Guide, which I co-wrote.
⚠️ Warning: The Holistic Hipppie is not a functional medicine practitioner. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. This content is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace medical guidance. The Holistic Hipppie assumes no liability for the application of the information discussed.
What do you do to avoid candida overgrowth?
