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Candida Basics

Candida albicans is a type of yeast strain that lives in the mouth, digestive tract and intestines. When it grows out of control, it can cause a number of symptoms. When present in small amounts, it tends to be harmless. In fact, as part of the microbiome, it helps our digestion to run smoothly.

Candida symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but don’t worry! There are many candida facts that will help you understand what’s going on. When it grows out of control, it can cause a number of symptoms including:

1. Redness or swelling in the mouth
2. Throat pain
3. White patches on the tongue or inside the mouth
4. Vaginal itching or discharge
5. Itchy skin rash (like eczema)

Types and Symptoms 

There are many different types of candidiasis, occurring on the skin, in the mouth, presenting as a vaginal yeast infection, and more. Symptoms of candidiasis vary based on the severity and location of the infection. 

Candidiasis of the mouth or throat is commonly referred to as oral thrush, or oropharyngeal candidiasis. It can cause symptoms such as white patches on the palate, tongue, inner cheeks, or gums, a cottony feeling in the mouth, redness or inflammation, slight bleeding, a loss of taste, pain or soreness in the mouth or throat, or pain when swallowing.

“Cutaneous candidiasis” is the medical term for this skin infection. Because Candida thrives in warm, moist environments, cutaneous candidiasis often develops in the folds of the skin (like elbows, behind the knees and under the breast tissue) and can cause the following symptoms: inflamed skin that may crack, peel or itch, red circular patches surrounded by red pustules, and hair loss, if the infection occurs on the scalp. 

A Candida infection on or inside the vagina is called a vaginal yeast infection or “vaginal candidiasis.” These infections are common, and some possible symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include white, clumpy vaginal discharge (similar to cottage cheese consistency), vaginal itching or soreness, pain during sexual intercourse, and pain or discomfort when urinating.

You may think of yeast infections as something that only occurs in people with vaginas. But people with penises can get yeast infections too. A male yeast infection is a yeast infection that affects your penis. The medical term for yeast infections that affect men is Candida balanitis. Balanitis is inflammation or an infection of the head of your penis (glans penis). Some possible symptoms of Balanitis include Foul-smelling discharge, Thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese, Burning, itching and irritation around the head of your penis and under your foreskin among others.

“Candidemia” is the medical term for a Candida infection of the bloodstream. The symptoms vary, according to the location of the infection in the body. However, it can cause generalized symptoms, such as a fever and chills. When severe enough, the condition may also cause septic shock, with symptoms such as elevated heart rate, rapid shallow breathing, and low blood pressure

Causes of Candidiasis

The overuse of antibiotics: Anti = Resist, Bio = life. Take an antibiotic, does not only kill off the bad guys, the good guys get wiped out too. With the good bacteria removed, candida has an ideal climate to grow in. Taking a probiotic in conjunction with your antibiotic can help prevent that.

A diet high in sugar & processed foods: Carb-heavy foods( is the perfect fuel for yeast to grow, multiply and thrive. Eating these foods also depletes the immune system, increases inflammation and contributes to the overall toxic load our systems have to handle. 

Autoimmune conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome  or Hashimoto’s: The two conditions (candida & autoimmunity) actually go hand-in-hand. Candida can contribute to a condition known as leaky gut, which essentially means that the lining of your intestinal wall becomes damaged and in turn permeable. Not only does this increase inflammation, it wears down the immune system and makes you more susceptible to chronic illness.

Fight Candida overgrowth in our daily life?

FOODS THAT FEED CANDIDA:

• Alcohol & Caffeine
• Grains & Gluten
• Dairy
• Fermented Foods
• Beans & Starchy Vegetables
• High-Glycemic Fruits

Bottom line, when broken down these foods become simple sugars, which are definitely a no-go. It is essential to avoid these foods to give our immune systems a nice break and heal the lining of our gut when you have candidiasis. Even more importantly, let’s get into the list of foods that can prevent candida overgrowth and are associated with improving health overall

FOODS THAT FIGHT CANDIDA:

• Coconut oil
  • This oil is high in caprylic acid, which works to break down the cell walls of yeast. For any women dealing with a tricky yeast infection, coconut oil can be a great food ingredient to provide relief. Adding just a drop of tea tree oil to that mixture can also help due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. However, if there are any open sores or cuts, be cautious in using this essential oil – it’s very potent!
• Garlic
  • Eaten raw, this acts as an incredible anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal. It even has been shown to be effective against killing cancer cells. If you’re having trouble eating it raw, there are actually garlic supplements you can take. Garlic can even function as a highly effective intra-vaginal suppository during yeast infections.
• Cruciferous Vegetables & Greens
  • Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels and kale are all examples of these! These veggies are great for repopulating the good bacteria in our GI tract. All of the beneficial microbes help to keep candida at bay and prevent overgrowth.
• Ginger
  • An excellent anti-inflammatory and also anti fungal. One great way to incorporate ginger into your daily routine is to make ginger tea. Simply take boiled water and add sliced ginger root. Drinking before bed is wonderful for soothing your stomach, aiding digestion and decreasing inflammation.
• Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Juice
  • Both of these acts as antifungals. Warm water with lemon in the morning can fight candida and ramp up digestion. Add a splash or two of Apple Cider Vinegar into your water bottle or over a salad and you’ll be good to go.
• Wild Caught Salmon
  • Eating a diet rich in omega-3s is wonderful for healing leaky gut, which as we know, contributes to some autoimmune conditions.
• Probiotics, of course!
  • Taking a probiotic each day is a simple, highly effective way to give our body a boost and keep the variety of bacterial colonies diverse and optimal.

Candida is a type of yeast that is found in the human gut. It can be found in the mouth, vagina, and rectum. Candida overgrowth can cause symptoms such as digestive problems, vaginal yeast infection, and oral thrush. An untreated and prolonged Candida infection carries the risk of leading to a systemic infection in which other organs can become involved. If you notice symptoms that are consistent with those of a Candida infection, contact a doctor in order to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.