How to Know If You Have Candida Overgrowth (And What to Do About It)

Let’s talk about something nobody wants to admit they have, but many do: a fungal problem. No, not the kind on old bread! I’m talking about Candida, a yeast that naturally lives in your body but can spiral out of control under the right (or rather, wrong) conditions.

I see it all the time—bloating that makes you look six months pregnant, sugar cravings so intense you’d fight a toddler for the last cookie, and brain fog so bad you forget why you walked into a room. And yet, doctors often dismiss it with a casual, “Everything looks fine.”

But Candida overgrowth is real, and it’s sneaky. It thrives on sugar, stress, and gut imbalances. Basically, modern life rolls out the red carpet for it. So how do you know if it’s behind your symptoms? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. By the end of this post, you’ll know how to spot the signs, what fuels Candida, and how to restore balance without resorting to extreme cleanses. 

What is Candida, and Why Does It Overgrow?

Let’s get one thing straight – Candida itself isn’t the bad guy. In fact, you’ve been coexisting with it your entire life. Candida albicans is a type of yeast that naturally lives in your mouth, gut, and even on your skin. In small amounts, candida is harmless and even helpful, but when things get out of whack? That’s when the symptoms kick in.

There are a few reasons why candida overgrowth can occur:

1. A High-Sugar, Processed-Food Diet

Candida loves sugar. If you regularly indulge in refined carbs, pastries, sodas, and processed junk, you’re basically giving it an all-you-can-eat buffet. The more sugar Candida has to feast on, the faster it multiplies. 

2. Frequent Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics can be life-saving, but they’re also the equivalent of a nuclear bomb for your gut microbiome. They wipe out the bad bacteria, sure, but they also kill off the good guys that help keep Candida in check. What happens next? Candida seizes the opportunity to take over.

3. Chronic Stress and High Cortisol

Your body’s stress response isn’t just about mood, it affects your gut too. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which in turn weakens your immune system and disrupts your gut bacteria. Candida sees this as an open invitation to set up shop.

4. Weakened Immune Function

Your immune system plays a huge role in keeping Candida under control. If you’re dealing with frequent colds, autoimmune conditions, or just feeling run down all the time, Candida can take advantage of your weakened defenses and start to thrive.

5. Hormonal Imbalances 

Ladies, if you’ve struggled with worsening PMS, irregular cycles, or persistent yeast infections, your hormones might be feeding your Candida problem. High estrogen levels create an environment where Candida grows more easily (this is why some women notice more symptoms around their period or when taking birth control).

6. Gut Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut

A healthy gut is all about balance. Your microbiome should be a thriving ecosystem of beneficial bacteria that keep opportunistic yeasts like Candida in check. But if your gut bacteria are off (dysbiosis) or your gut lining becomes too permeable (leaky gut), Candida can slip through and start causing systemic issues, from food sensitivities to inflammation.

Signs You Might Have Candida Overgrowth

So we’ve established that Candida is a sneaky little yeast that can take over when the gut is out of balance. But how do you know if it’s actually causing your symptoms? If you’ve been dealing with a collection of mysterious symptoms that don’t seem to have a clear cause, Candida overgrowth could be the culprit. PMID: 32809459

Let’s break it down.

1. Digestive Symptoms 

• Bloating (especially after eating carbs)

• Gas (that suspiciously shows up even when you’re eating “healthy”)

• Constipation (because yeast overgrowth can slow digestion)

• Diarrhea (on the flip side, it can also irritate the gut lining and speed things up)

2. Skin Symptoms 

• Acne or persistent breakouts (especially around the mouth or jawline)

• Eczema, psoriasis, or unexplained rashes

• Fungal infections (like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus that won’t go away)

3. Oral Symptoms

• Chronic bad breath (no matter how much you brush or floss)

• A weird, cottony feeling in your mouth

4. Hormonal Symptoms 

• Worsened PMS or irregular cycles

• Intense sugar cravings (because Candida literally makes you crave the food it thrives on!)

5. Mental & Emotional Symptoms 

• Brain fog (like you’re walking through life in a daze)

• Fatigue that coffee doesn’t fix

• Mood swings, anxiety, or even depression

6. Other Symptoms 

• Frequent yeast infections (if you keep getting them, it’s a big red flag)

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Candida can colonize the urinary tract, too)

• Joint pain and stiffness (because systemic Candida can trigger inflammation throughout the body)

So… do these symptoms sound familiar? If you’re nodding your head right now, don’t worry–allow me to break down the best strategies for tackling candida overgrowth.

A Balanced Approach to Managing Candida Overgrowth

You don’t need an extreme approach to get Candida under control, you just need a smart, balanced plan that targets the root causes. 

Step 1: Test—Don’t Guess

Before you start overhauling your diet or popping antifungal supplements, it’s important to confirm Candida overgrowth. Symptoms can overlap with other gut issues, so getting the right testing helps you take targeted action.

Lab Tests for Candida Overgrowth:

• Comprehensive Stool Test – Looks at gut bacteria balance and checks for fungal overgrowth. This is a gold-standard test for gut health.

• Organic Acids Test (OAT) – Detects D-arabinitol, a waste product of Candida metabolism.

• Blood Tests for Candida Antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM) – Elevated levels suggest an immune response to Candida overgrowth.

Step 2: Dietary Adjustments

Candida thrives on sugar and processed carbs, so the first step is cutting off its fuel supply. But before you panic, this does not mean you need to eliminate all carbs or go keto. That approach often backfires, leading to fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and, you guessed it, more cravings. PMID: 30166063

Foods to Reduce:

• Refined Sugar & Processed Foods – Candida loves sugar. Cutting back on refined carbs (pastries, bread, pasta, cookies) helps slow its growth.

• Alcohol – Fermented drinks like beer and wine contain yeast and sugar, which fuel Candida.

• Dairy (if sensitive) – Conventional dairy can increase mucus production and promote yeast overgrowth in some people.

Foods to Increase:

• Non-Starchy Vegetables – Think leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, zucchini, bell peppers (avoid high-starch veggies like potatoes and corn initially).

• High-Quality Protein & Healthy Fats – Wild-caught fish, pasture-raised poultry, grass-fed beef, eggs, avocado, nuts, and seeds help keep blood sugar stable.

• Fiber-Rich Foods – Ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, and leafy greens help remove Candida’s toxic byproducts.

• Fermented Foods (if tolerated) – Sauerkraut, kimchi, and coconut yogurt can help restore gut balance, but some people with severe Candida overgrowth may need to introduce these slowly.

Step 3: Targeted Supplements

Candida overgrowth requires a two-pronged approach. First, reduce yeast overgrowth with antifungal compounds, then repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria

Antifungal Support:

• Caprylic Acid – Found in coconut oil, it helps break down Candida biofilms.

• Oregano Oil – A potent antifungal and antimicrobial.

• Berberine – Helps rebalance gut bacteria while fighting yeast and pathogens.

• Pau D’Arco Tea – A natural antifungal used traditionally to combat Candida.

(Pro Tip: Rotate antifungals every few weeks to prevent Candida from adapting and becoming resistant.)

Probiotics:

• Saccharomyces boulardii – A beneficial yeast that competes with Candida and prevents overgrowth.

• Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium Strains – These probiotics support digestion and help prevent Candida from regrowing after antifungal treatment.

Digestive Support:

• Digestive Enzymes – Help break down food and reduce bloating.

• Bitters & Apple Cider Vinegar – Stimulate stomach acid production for better digestion.

• Prebiotic Fiber – Supports the growth of beneficial bacteria (just introduce it gradually!).

Step 4: Lifestyle & Stress Management

Elevated cortisol (stress hormone) levels weakens the immune system, disrupts gut function, and increases blood sugar levels (a feast for Candida). That’s why lifestyle changes are just as important as diet:

• Reduce Chronic Stress – Meditation, deep breathing, and gentle movement can help regulate cortisol levels.

• Move Daily – Exercise supports detoxification and gut motility (but avoid overtraining, which can spike cortisol).

• Hydrate & Support Detoxification – Aim for at least 2L of filtered water daily to flush out Candida’s toxic byproducts.

• Prioritize Sleep – A disrupted sleep cycle can weaken immunity and make it harder for your body to fight Candida naturally.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of guessing, trying random “Candida detoxes,” or cutting out half the foods you love without real results, it’s time for a smarter approach. Functional testing and a personalized plan can help you target the root cause, so you can finally get lasting relief.

If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms, let’s take the guesswork out of it. Book a consultation today, and we’ll help you create a sustainable plan to get your gut (and your energy, skin, and hormones) back on track.