Cindy Crandell is a well-known RN, Functional Medicine Nutritionist, she is renowned for addressing root cause of illness and restoring health. Voted "Best of the Best" for 10 consecutive years. Cindy's expertise has been featured on Fox News, WJR, WNZK and in local publications.
Candida is a naturally occurring yeast in the body, usually kept in balance by healthy bacteria. However, when this balance is disrupted, Candida can multiply excessively, leading to infections and a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding its causes can help you take proactive steps toward prevention and treatment.
Causes, symptoms, and natural ways to prevent & treat Candida overgrowth
Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in small amounts within our bodies, primarily in the mouth, gut, and skin. While it’s normal and even beneficial in balance, overgrowth of Candida can lead to infections and health issues. The most common species causing problems is Candida albicans, responsible for various infections such as oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and more severe conditions like invasive candidiasis.
6 causes of Candida overgrowth
Candida overgrowth can occur when the balance of healthy bacteria in the body is disrupted. Factors that may contribute include:
Antibiotic & steroid use: Antibiotics & steroids kill harmful bacteria, but they can also reduce the population of beneficial bacteria, allowing Candida to thrive.
Diet high in sugar and carbs: Yeasts like Candida feed on sugars, and a high-carb diet may promote overgrowth.
Weakened immune system: People with weakened immunity due to conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cancer treatments are at higher risk of Candida infections.
Hormonal change: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can lead to an imbalance, increasing the risk of infection.
Copper imbalance: Copper is your natural occurring protection from developing candida however when your copper is storing in tissue it is no longer bioavailable to seek and kill fungus. This is usually a result of zinc deficiency. By giving zinc in the proper doses it will help push copper out of storage.
Chronic stress: By weaking the immunes system and increasing blood sugar levels
Common symptoms of Candida
General: chronic fatigue or malaise, sweet cravings, skin rashes, nail fungus
Gastrointestinal system: thrush, bloating, gas, intestinal cramps, rectal itching, alternating diarrhea and constipation
Genitourinary system: vaginal yeast infections frequent bladder infections
Hormonal system: menstrual irregularities, decreased libido
Nervous system: depression, irritability, trouble concentrating
Immune system: allergies, chemical sensitivities, lowered resistance to infections
Diagnosing Candida overgrowth
If you suspect Candida overgrowth, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider. Diagnosing Candida often involves:
Physical examination & symptom assessment: Visible signs such as rashes or thrush are a clear indication.
Lab testing: In some cases, stool or blood tests may be required to detect Candida in the gut or bloodstream.
Treatment options for Candida overgrowth
Treating Candida typically involves a combination of diet changes, natural treatment, medications, and lifestyle adjustments.
Antifungal medications: Over-the-counter treatments like clotrimazole or prescription antifungals such as fluconazole can help eliminate infections.
Antifungal treatment with herbs that will treat the candida and also bust through any biofilms
Candida diet: Reducing sugar, refined carbs, and yeast-based foods (like alcohol and bread) while incorporating more fiber, vegetables, and fermented foods can help restore balance.
Specific probiotics: Specific species are designed to kill candida overgrowth such as saccharomyces boulardii is just one of the strains it is best to mix up the strains. Supplements and probiotic-rich foods can aid in restoring beneficial gut bacteria.
An important point to keep in mind is that with initial treatment, individuals may experience symptoms as the yeast begins to “die off.” Some of these organisms are reabsorbed into the bloodstream, increasing the load the liver must filter or detoxify. Often patients experience short term reactions to this die-off, such as headaches, abdominal bloating, muscle and joint aches, or fatigue. It is also not unusual to crave the very food yeast thrives on, such as sweets, bread, and alcohol.
It is very important to open detox pathways before starting a candida program and understand if this is not done properly sickness can occur it is best to have the help of a functional medicine nutritionist. We can take the client through a safe, effective step approach to cleaning up candida.
A personal success story: Overcoming chronic Candida
I once worked with a client who suffered from chronic Candida overgrowth and recurring yeast infections. She had been taking a pharmaceutical antifungal, Diflucan, for over 10 years with no lasting relief. Conventional medicine was only treating her symptoms, but the root cause of her problem remained unresolved.
Through in-depth testing, we discovered that her Candida overgrowth was linked to a copper-zinc imbalance in her body. This imbalance was preventing her immune system and natural detox pathways from functioning properly, which was why she wasn’t able to achieve long-term relief.
We implemented a comprehensive Candida diet with proper pathway support, focusing on a customized nutrition plan and targeted supplements to bring her body back into balance. The goal was not just to kill off the Candida, but to address the underlying issue causing the imbalance.
This journey took time, patience, and persistence, but ultimately, it was successful. After sticking to her personalized plan, she became Candida-free and has remained so for the past 12 years. She hasn’t had to take Diflucan since we addressed the root cause of her condition, and her overall health has improved significantly.
Preventing Candida overgrowth is key
Preventive measures include:
Balanced diet: Eating a diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can help keep Candida levels in check.
Probiotics: Regular use of probiotics may prevent overgrowth by maintaining healthy gut bacteria.
Hygiene practices: Keeping skin dry and clean, wearing breathable fabrics, and using antifungal powders can reduce the risk of skin infections.
Stress reduction and stress management techniques like daily meditation
Final thoughts
While Candida is a naturally occurring organism in the body, its overgrowth can cause various health concerns. By maintaining a balanced diet, practicing good hygiene, and seeking treatment when necessary, you can keep Candida in check and avoid uncomfortable infections.
If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to discuss your situation you can email and request a 30 min free discovery call. Just put discovery call in the subject line. We are here to help.
Cindy Crandell, Functional Medicine Nutritionist
Cindy Crandell, RN a leader in the functional medicine industry with over 25 years of experience, began her journey after overcoming her battle with Fibromyalgia. Through holistic healing, she reversed her condition and many other health challenges. Now, as the CEO of Wholesome Health, Cindy dedicates her life to helping others achieve optimal health and vitality. She is a passionate advocate for wellness, leading nutritional workshops and speaking publicly on the power of functional medicine to transform lives.
