Candida Overgrowth Explained

Bloating that won’t go away, brain fog that makes it hard to focus, constant fatigue, sugar cravings, and skin issues like acne or eczema that never heal? These symptoms might seem unrelated, but they are all connected to the same underlying issues — one of which is often Candida overgrowth.

Candida overgrowth is something many people struggle with without realizing it, and it goes far beyond digestion. It can impact everything from your energy levels to your skin to your hormones. If you’ve been dealing with symptoms that don’t seem to have a clear cause, you’re not alone. Candida overgrowth is more common than most people think, and understanding it is the first step to feeling better. In this guide, I’ll break down:

• What causes Candida Overgrowth

• The different strains of Candida

• The symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

• Tests to determine Candida infections

• Why most Candida cleanses do not work

• The next step to take if you have Candidiasis

But first, what is Candida?

Candida is a type of yeast, or fungus, that naturally exists in small amounts in your body—mainly in places like your mouth, digestive system, and genital tract. Under normal circumstances, it doesn’t cause any issues. In fact, it’s part of the complex ecosystem of microorganisms, or microbiome, that live in and on us, and it actually plays a role in maintaining a healthy balance in the body. It helps break down food and absorb nutrients, particularly in the gut, and it can also contribute to immune function by preventing harmful pathogens from taking hold. In small amounts, it’s beneficial! But just like the good bacteria in your gut, it needs to be kept in check.

In a healthy body, there’s a delicate balance between beneficial bacteria and yeast like Candida. The good bacteria work to keep Candida from growing out of control, maintaining harmony within the microbiome. When this balance is disrupted—whether due to poor diet, stress, illness, or medications like antibiotics—Candida can overgrow and start to cause problems.

When Candida starts to take over, it’s no longer just a harmless part of your body’s natural flora—it becomes the root of so many health issues that women are gaslighted into believing are “just apart of being a woman,” like chronic bloating, brain fog, persistent fatigue, anxiety, recurring yeast infections, and PMS symptoms that become debilitating (hello PMDD).

What causes Candida Overgrowth?

While Candida overgrowth (aka candidiasis) can feel sudden, it doesn’t happen overnight—it’s usually the result of multiple factors that throw off the balance of your microbiome. Seven common culprits include:

• Antibiotics

• Diets high in sugar

• High estrogen & cortisol

• Birth control

• Heavy Metals

• Mold Exposure

• Parasites

Antibiotics 

While antibiotics can be life-saving for severe bacterial infections, their overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance and severe Candidiasis which is resistant to antifungals because when they wipe out the bad bacteria, they also wipe out the good bacteria. When Candida becomes resistant to antifungal treatments, it can spread uncontrollably, potentially leading to septic shock and death—just like the bacterial infection the antibiotic was originally prescribed for. I should know—I almost died from this in 2023.

Diets High in Sugar and Refined Carbs

Candida thrives on sugar, so diets rich in sweets, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates are a perfect fuel source for the yeast to multiply. Over time, these dietary habits can lead to an imbalance in gut flora and trigger Candida overgrowth.

High Estrogen & Cortisol

Estrogen dominance and high cortisol, commonly seen in conditions like endometriosis, can make women more susceptible to Candida overgrowth, as excess estrogen and too much cortisol weakens the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to keep yeast in check. Other hormonal imbalances caused by factors like pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also exacerbate this issue.

Birth Control Use

Birth control, especially oral contraceptives, can lead to an imbalance in hormones that encourages Candida to grow. The synthetic hormones in birth control pills may disrupt your natural microbiome and immune response, making it harder for your body to keep Candida in check. For women with PCOS, birth control may temporarily regulate hormone levels, but long-term use can lead to gut imbalances, increasing the risk of Candida overgrowth.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can significantly impact your health by impairing detoxification processes and weakening your immune system, both of which create an environment where Candida can thrive. These metals can accumulate in the body over time, contributing to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can disrupt the delicate balance of your microbiome. Avoiding non-stick cookware, products made with cheap plastics, and low-quality cosmetics can help reduce exposure. Additionally, be cautious about the water you drink—lead pipes and contaminated water sources can contribute to heavy metal toxicity — and the types of food you are eating. For instance, I never eat canned tuna as it is very high in mercury.

Mold Exposure

Mold exposure is another environmental factor that can trigger Candida overgrowth. Certain types of mold, particularly Stachybotrys (black mold), Aspergillus, and Penicillium, can wreak havoc on your immune system and gut microbiome. Many people think that these molds can only be found in damp areas of your home (like in bathrooms, basements, or kitchens with poor ventilation), but you may also find mold in everyday items such as old couches, carpets, mattresses, pillows, some household cleaning products, and even the ice machine in your fridge. Oh! And one of the worst hidden places for mold is the plastic straws or tumbler lids on your water bottle!

You also need to be careful with what you eat. A lot of people think that mold only grows on the top of food, but thats not true. Coffee beans, for instance, commonly get mycotoxins in them that you need to watch out for. And you never want to bite directly into a date — always slice your dates, remove the seeds, and check for mold as a lot of people have been finding black mold inside of dates which appear to be fresh out the outside.

Parasites

The presence of parasites in the body can also contribute to Candida overgrowth. Parasites damage the gut lining, weaken the immune system, and disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms, giving Candida the opportunity to thrive. But it doesn’t stop there—Candida overgrowth, in turn, creates the perfect environment for parasites to multiply, trapping you in a vicious cycle where both feed off each other and make it even harder for your body to regain balance.

Types of Candida Overgrowth

If you’ve ever Googled Candida overgrowth, chances are you’ve come across Candida albicans—the most well-known and most studied strain. It’s the one you’ll see dominating articles, research papers, and even the ingredient lists of antifungal treatments. But here’s the thing: Candida albicans isn’t the only one that can overgrow and wreak havoc on your health.

There are several different types of Candida species that can overgrow in the body, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Some are more resistant to treatment, some trigger more aggressive symptoms, and some are even more commonly misdiagnosed than Candida albicans. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Candida Albicans

This is the most well-known strain and the one most doctors test for (if they even test for Candida at all). Candida albicans is naturally present in the mouth, gut, and vaginal microbiome, but when it overgrows, it’s linked to everything from oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections to digestive issues and skin rashes. It’s also the most common strain found in systemic Candida infections (where Candida enters the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening).

2. Candida Glabrata

Candida glabrata is often overlooked because it doesn’t always present with the same obvious symptoms as Candida albicans. It tends to be more resistant to antifungal medications, making it harder to treat. Women dealing with recurring vaginal yeast infections that don’t seem to respond to treatment may actually have Candida glabrata instead of—or in addition to—Candida albicans.

The National Library of Medicine says:

"Candida glabrata is of increasing concern due to its intrinsic resistance to azole antifungals and its ability to rapidly acquire resistance to echinocandins, making treatment more difficult."

3. Candida Parapsilosis

This strain thrives in moist environments (think sweaty skin folds, under nails, and even medical equipment like catheters). It’s a major concern in hospitals because it can easily spread in medical settings and cause systemic infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems. If you deal with chronic skin issues, nail fungus, or slow-healing wounds, Candida parapsilosis might be at play.

The National Library of Medicine states that:

"Candida parapsilosis is a leading cause of bloodstream infections, particularly in patients with central venous catheters, and has the ability to form biofilms on medical devices, increasing its persistence."

4. Candida Krusei

Candida krusei is naturally resistant to fluconazole, one of the most commonly prescribed antifungal medications. This means standard treatments often don’t work, making it a particularly stubborn strain. It’s more common in people with compromised immune systems, but it can also cause persistent digestive issues, skin infections, and even antibiotic-resistant UTIs.

5. Candida Auris

Candida auris is the most concerning strain in medical communities because it’s highly drug-resistant and spreads easily in hospitals. While it’s not as common in the general population, it’s important to be aware of—especially if you’ve been on multiple rounds of antibiotics, had a recent hospital stay, or have an underlying health condition that weakens your immune system.

6. Candida Tropicalis

This strain is particularly aggressive in people with weakened immune systems and has been linked to invasive candidiasis, meaning it can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Candida tropicalis is also known for disrupting the gut microbiome, leading to chronic digestive issues, bloating, and inflammation. Research suggests it plays a role in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

7. Candida Lusitaniae

While not as well-known, Candida lusitaniae has been increasingly reported in people undergoing chemotherapy or with compromised immune systems. Yet again, this strain also has a rapid ability to develop resistance to antifungal medications, making it — you guessed it — difficult to treat. It’s most commonly linked to urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and kidney-related Candida overgrowth.

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Candida overgrowth can impact nearly every system in your body. Because it thrives in the gut, skin, and vaginal microbiome, symptoms can vary widely, which is why so many women go years without realizing Candida is behind their health struggles. 7 symptoms to look out for include:

• Eczema, acne, or rashes

• Digestive issues

• Chronic fatigue & brain fog

• Athlete’s foot or ringworm

• Hormonal Imbalances

• Recurring Vaginal yeast infections

• Sugar Cravings

Rashes, Eczema & Acne

Your skin is often a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. Candida releases toxins that can increase inflammation and weaken the skin barrier, leading to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Many people with chronic eczema also have gut imbalances, and since Candida thrives in a disrupted microbiome, it can make flare-ups worse. Additionally, Candida overgrowth can weaken your body’s ability to detox properly, meaning toxins that should be eliminated through digestion or the liver instead get pushed out through the skin—leading to redness, rashes, and acne breakouts.

Digestive Issues

If your gut feels bloated after every meal, or you’re constantly bouncing between constipation and diarrhea, Candida overgrowth could be the culprit. An overgrowth in the gut can disrupt digestion, damage the gut lining, and contribute to leaky gut syndrome, making you more sensitive to certain foods and causing chronic inflammation.

Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog

Feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get? Candida overgrowth can drain your energy by causing nutrient malabsorption and increasing inflammation throughout the body. On top of that, Candida releases toxins that can impact brain function, leading to that frustrating foggy, forgetful, and unfocused feeling.

Athlete’s foot or ringworm

Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other fungal infections are directly caused by an overgrowth of fungi on the skin—including Candida species. Ringworm (despite the name, it’s not caused by worms) appears as red, circular, scaly patches and is a sign of fungal imbalance. Athlete’s foot thrives in warm, damp environments, and Candida overgrowth internally can make you more prone to these itchy, peeling skin infections.

Hormonal Imbalances & Worsened PMS/PMDD

Candida overgrowth can contribute to estrogen dominance, which can worsen PMS, PMDD symptoms, and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. If your cycle has become more unpredictable, your period symptoms have intensified, or your moods feel completely out of control, Candida could be playing a role.

Recurring Vaginal Yeast Infections

If you feel like you’re constantly dealing with vaginal yeast infections, despite using antifungal treatments and cutting back on sugar, it could be because Candida is overgrowing elsewhere in your body, not just the vagina. The gut and vaginal microbiomes are deeply connected, so if your gut is out of balance, recurrent yeast infections can follow.

Sugar Cravings & Difficulty Regulating Blood Sugar

Candida feeds on sugar, so it’s no surprise that an overgrowth can lead to intense sugar cravings that feel impossible to resist. But it’s not just about cravings—Candida can also disrupt blood sugar regulation, leading to energy crashes, mood swings, and increased risk for insulin resistance. If you constantly feel the need for something sweet or find yourself in a cycle of sugar highs and lows, your microbiome might be out of balance.

Tests To Determine Candidiasis

There are several testing methods which can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body:

• Stool Tests

• Organic Acid Test

• Blood Tests

Stool Tests

One of the most comprehensive ways to assess Candida overgrowth is through a stool test. This type of test looks at your gut microbiome and can identify overgrowth not only of Candida but also of other harmful bacteria or fungi. By analyzing a stool sample, these tests can tell you whether Candida is present and how much is growing. However, not all stool tests are created equal. Some tests only look for Candida albicans, so make sure to ask your doctor for a stool test that looks at a broader range of Candida strains to get the most accurate results.

Organic Acid Test (OAT)

The Organic Acid Test (OAT) is another great diagnostic tool for identifying Candida overgrowth. This test is typically done through a urine sample and measures the metabolites produced by yeast and fungi in your body. High levels of certain organic acids in the urine can indicate Candida overgrowth. This test provides a snapshot of the overall fungal load and can be useful for pinpointing if yeast overgrowth is contributing to systemic issues like brain fog, fatigue, or skin conditions.

Blood Tests

Though less commonly used, blood tests can also help detect Candida overgrowth. Blood tests typically look for Candida antibodies or antigens in the blood, which your immune system produces in response to an infection. Elevated Candida antibodies can indicate the presence of overgrowth, though blood tests are less accurate for chronic or systemic Candida. If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, it’s essential to advocate for the most thorough testing possible. If your doctor is only suggesting a test for Candida albicans, you will want to request that they test for other strains like those I listed above. It’s important to note that Candida overgrowth isn’t limited to just one strain—and your doctor should be willing to help you explore a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Why Most Candida Cleanses Do Not Work

Most Candida cleanses fail because they wipe out both good and bad bacteria (just like when you take pharmaceutical antibiotics), leaving you right back where you started. Since Candida is a natural part of the microbiome, when you kill everything off — including beneficial bacteria — you create the same imbalance that lead to Candida overgrowth in the first place. So while your symptoms might improve while on the cleanse, once the cleanse is over Candida can quickly take over again.

A more effective approach focuses on restoring balance — killing off Candida overgrowth, while supporting beneficial bacteria.

Your Next Step? Start Treating Candida Holistically Even If You’re Not 100% Sure

While a proper diagnosis is ideal, if you can’t get testing done right now, treating yourself for Candida is still a good idea. Holistically cleansing your gut and liver through diet changes and herbal supplementation is always beneficial for your body’s health—whether or not Candida is officially confirmed as the cause of your symptoms.

You’ll want to make sure you are undergoing a safe cleanse, though — there are a lot of unhealthy detox trends out there (like long juice fasts) which can do more harm than good.

Not sure where to start? My balance course will teach you how I healed my own gut of candida overgrowth after becoming antibiotic resistant. I can’t wait to help you heal!