Treat Candida Overgrowth with Functional Medicine

What is candida?

Candida is a type of yeast that commonly lives in your mouth, intestines, vagina and skin areas. Generally it doesn't cause any health problems but in certain situations, there is overgrowth of this candida which leads to several health problems.

What is candida overgrowth?

As we discussed there is a normal amount of candida present in everybody’s body. But in some people because of certain underlying problems this candia grows uncontrollably and this is called candida overgrowth.

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When the candida is higher in the body, it disrupts the intestinal wall and penetrates into the blood vessels releasing toxic substances into the body.

Then, this is where it starts destroying various parts of your body and causes several diseases like autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalance like thyroid, fatigue, gut related problems like IBS etc.

People tolerate candida in small amounts, but once an overgrowth of yeast occurs, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms and sometimes dangerous complications.

What causes candida overgrowth?

Candida is one of the necessary yeast that lives in the body helping with various body functions. But sometimes when the optimal balance of these microbes is disrupted, problems start to occur.

So, the most common cause is by destroying the good bacteria balance by taking antibiotics, steroids, stress, or poor overall lifestyle.

When this good bacteria reduces in the body, the candida can grow uncontrollably in large amounts as it is fed by sugars and carbs.

Eventually, the overgrowth of candida or candidiasis causes inflammation and infection in our body leading to multiple problems.

So, the primary causes of candida overgrowth include -

• Medications - Antibiotics, some steroids
• Diet - High sugar, simple carbs
• Compromised immunity - through infections or through medications like steroids
• Stress
• Toxins in our environment
• High alcohol intake

Being aware of the most common risk factors like above is highly important in treating candida overgrowth. Because, only if the root cause of your candida problem is identify, it can be treated to completely heal your body off the candida issues.

And that is exactly what Functional Medicine does. Identifies what causes your candida overgrowth and cures that cause.

 

 

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Candida Symptoms

Candida overgrowth is often accompanied with symptoms that are very common. And because of these common symptoms, the candida problems are missed.

The symptoms of Candida Overgrowth includes -

1. Gut symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain
2. Skin, vaginal and nail fungal infections
3. Feeling fatigued or tired
4. Sugar cravings
5. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
6. Irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety
7. Difficulty losing weight

How do you know you have Candida Overgrowth?

The above mentioned symptoms can indicate that you may have Candida Overgrowth. But how do you know you have Candida OVergrowth for sure?

A few tests can indicate if you have Candida problems and help you get treatment as soon as possible.

• Blood test -

A blood test can indicate if there are any antibodies that your body have produced against candida. These tests can measure the antibodies that can confirm if you have candida overgrowth.

IgG, IgM and candida complex are the  antibodies that are tested for candida overgrowth.

However, sometimes if your body is immunocompromised, antibodies may not be properly formed. So, the blood test may be negative even if there are candida overgrowth problems in your body.

• Stool test -

In functional medicine approach, various types of stool test can be done. This can be able to identify candida overgrowth.

In stool test, culturing of candida fungus will be done. So, there is no dependency on antibodies or the immune system functioning.

• Organic acid testing -

Organic acids in the urine are tested for presence of metabolites of candida overgrowth like pyruvate, lactate, and acetaldehyde.

This organic acid testing can help determine the amount of yeast in your body and where it is located too.

Dr. Gupta’s approach to treating Candida Overgrowth

Once you have identified that you have a candidiasis problem then various treatment options are available to get rid of this issue completely.

 

 

Candida Overgrowth diet

As a part of Functional Medicine treatment, dietary changes are also suggested. Though there are no specific foods that are proven to improve your candida overgrowth condition, certain foods are known to feed the candida. So, eliminating these foods can help you keep the problem in check.

Foods to avoid for Candida Overgrowth diet include -

• Sugar
• Processed food and fast food
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Sugary drinks & soda pops

Also, it is very important to eat a well-balanced diet which is preferably plant based.

Supplements for Candida Overgrowth

One other component of Functional Medicine Treatment for Candida Overgrowth is to take proper supplements to aid your body to heal properly.

The supplements that play a very important role in treating candida overgrowth include -

• Oregano oil
• Thyme
• Caprylic acid
• Probiotic called Saccharomyces Boulardii
• Garlic in form of Allicin

 

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However, it is very important to consult a Functional Medicine doctor for Candida Overgrowth Treatment in Houston before taking any supplements by yourself.

Also you need to remember that candida is very difficult to treat, so most of the time you need to work with a well qualified functional medicine doctor who is experienced in treating underlying candida problems. 

Most of the time it requires Complex protocols which not only includes advanced diets but also advanced supplements to help get rid of candida.

Also be aware that Candida supplements can cause several die off reactions so again another important reason to work with a functional medicine provider who can help you navigate the candida treatment.

A functional medicine doctor in Houston can identify the root cause of the problem and devise a treatment plan according to your body needs.

 

To get started you can click here for a free 15 minute evaluation call.