Candida is a naturally occurring yeast found in the gut, skin, and mucous membranes. In a balanced state, it’s harmless. But when Candida begins to grow beyond normal levels, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect digestion, energy, skin, mood, and overall health.
At HealthfullyU, we take a root-cause, holistic approach to identifying and treating Candida overgrowth so you can restore balance and feel well again.
What Is Candida?
Candida is a type of fungus that lives in the body’s microbiome. The most common type is Candida albicans, which can cause infections when the microbiome becomes imbalanced.
Candida overgrowth most often affects:
- The gut (intestinal Candida)
- The mouth (oral thrush)
- The skin
- The vaginal tract
- In rare cases, the bloodstream
What Causes Candida Overgrowth?
Candida overgrowth can happen due to several triggers, including:
• Antibiotic use
Kills good bacteria, allowing yeast to grow unchecked.
• High-sugar or high-carb diet
Candida feeds on sugar, causing rapid growth.
• Weakened immunity
Chronic illness or immune dysfunction makes the body less able to control yeast.
• Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, birth control, or hormone imbalance can encourage growth.
• Chronic stress
Affects gut balance and weakens the immune system.
• Diabetes or high blood sugar
Elevated glucose provides fuel for yeast.
• Mold exposure or environmental toxins
Disrupts the microbiome and immune system.
• Poor gut health
Low bacterial diversity can make it easier for Candida to multiply.
Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Candida can affect multiple areas of the body, which is why symptoms often seem unrelated. Typical signs include:
Digestive Symptoms
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Sugar cravings
- Food intolerances
Skin & Nail Symptoms
- Red, itchy rashes
- Fungal nail infections
- Athlete’s foot
- Eczema or psoriasis-like patches
Cognitive & Mood Symptoms
- Brain fog
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Anxiety or low mood
Fatigue
Low energy and chronic fatigue are common, often due to toxin buildup.
Oral Symptoms
- White coating on the tongue
- Cracked corners of the mouth
- Sore throat
Vaginal or Urinary Symptoms
- Itching and irritation
- Thick discharge
- Recurring vaginal yeast infections
- Burning with urination
How We Diagnose Candida
At HealthfullyU, we use a combination of clinical assessment and testing to identify overgrowth and contributing root causes:
✔ Stool testing
Reveals Candida species and overall gut microbiome health.
✔ Blood tests
Checks for Candida-specific antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM).
✔ Urine Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Identifies fungal metabolites and gut dysfunction.
✔ Swab or culture tests
Used for oral or vaginal infections.
✔ Complete symptom and history evaluation
To identify patterns linked to diet, lifestyle, stress, infections, or environmental exposure.
Candida Treatment at HealthfullyU
We follow a structured, holistic protocol that restores balance and supports long-term wellness.
1. Reduce Yeast Overgrowth
Targeted Antifungals
Natural or prescription antifungals may be recommended depending on severity. This may include:
- Nystatin
- Fluconazole
- Herbal antifungals (oregano oil, berberine, caprylic acid, Pau d’Arco, garlic extract)
Dietary Adjustments
Reducing yeast-feeding foods is essential:
- No sugar or sugary foods
- Limit refined carbs
- No alcohol
- Reduce high-sugar fruits
We support you in gradually transitioning into a gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory diet.
2. Restore Gut & Immune Balance
Probiotics
We introduce beneficial bacteria that help fight Candida and support digestion.
Digestive support
Ensures proper nutrient absorption and regular bowel movements.
Liver and detox support
Helps the body process toxins released during Candida die-off (Herx reactions).
3. Rebalance the Body for Long-Term Health
We address deeper imbalances that often lead to recurring Candida, such as:
- Poor blood sugar control
- Chronic stress
- Mold exposure
- Immune dysfunction
- Leaky gut
- Lyme disease
- Hormonal imbalance
Addressing root causes helps prevent relapse and supports lasting recovery.
Candida Die-Off Symptoms
As yeast cells die, they may release toxins that temporarily worsen symptoms. This is known as a Herxheimer reaction.
Short-term symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Flu-like symptoms
We monitor your progress closely and adjust the protocol to keep symptoms minimal and manageable.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should consider professional evaluation if:
- Symptoms have lasted for months or years
- You have recurring yeast infections
- Digestive symptoms don’t improve with diet changes
- You suspect mold, Lyme, or chronic illness
- Fatigue and brain fog affect daily life
Candida often overlaps with other conditions, so individualized care is essential.
FAQs
1. Can Candida go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes, but persistent cases typically need a structured treatment plan.
2. What foods make Candida worse?
Sugar, alcohol, white flour, pastries, and processed foods.
3. How long does treatment take?
Depending on severity:
- Mild → 2–4 weeks
- Moderate → 6–12 weeks
- Chronic → 3–6 months
4. Is Candida contagious?
Most types are not, but oral and vaginal yeast infections can sometimes pass between partners.
5. Can stress worsen Candida?
Yes. Stress weakens immunity and disrupts gut health, creating the perfect environment for yeast to grow.
6. Are probiotics enough to treat Candida?
Probiotics help restore balance but typically need to be combined with antifungals and dietary adjustments.
7. Can Candida cause weight issues?
Yes. It can contribute to inflammation, sugar cravings, and metabolic imbalance.