7 Hidden Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth — And How To Get Rid of It

If you’ve been struggling with stubborn acne, intense sugar cravings, or random digestive issues, you are likely dealing with something deeper than just a bad skin day or a sweet tooth. Candida overgrowth — a common but often overlooked condition where yeast in the gut grows out of control — is a type of yeast infection known as candidiasis. Most people associate Candida overgrowth with vaginal yeast infections, which cause itching and discomfort. You can have Candida overgrowth without ever experiencing a vaginal infection, though, as it can show up in many different ways throughout the body.

I spent years exhausted, trying to figure out why I had so many health issues despite doing everything ‘right.’ It wasn’t until I dug deeper into gut health that I realized how much Candida overgrowth can silently disrupt everything from hormones to skin clarity.

If you suspect something is off in your body but can’t quite pinpoint why, here are seven signs Candida overgrowth might be the culprit.

1. You Crave Sugar Like Crazy

Candida feeds on sugar, so if you’re constantly reaching for sweets, bread, or simple carbs, your gut might be overrun with it. This isn’t just about willpower — your body is actually fueling the overgrowth, keeping you trapped in a cycle of cravings and energy crashes. Something I go over in-depth in Balance is what to eat when doing a Candida cleanse.

2. Stubborn Acne That Won’t Clear Up

If you’ve tried every skincare product under the sun and your breakouts persist, Candida could be the missing link. It disrupts gut health, leading to systemic inflammation that often shows up on your skin as cystic acne, fungal acne, or persistent redness. Healing your gut from the inside out can be the key to finally achieving clear skin.

3. White Coating on the Tongue

If you’ve noticed a white, cottage cheese-like coating on your tongue that doesn’t brush off easily, you could have oral thrush — a sign of Candida overgrowth in the mouth. This happens when Candida disrupts the natural balance of bacteria in your oral microbiome, leading to discomfort, bad breath, and even changes in taste. If left untreated, it can spread to the throat and cause further irritation. Addressing Candida at the root, rather than just treating oral thrush topically, is key to preventing it from coming back.

4. Bloating and Digestive Issues

Random bloating, gas, or constipation (especially after eating carbs or sugar) can be a red flag. Candida overgrowth throws off the balance of good bacteria in your gut, making digestion a struggle. If probiotics alone haven’t helped, then it is time to address the root cause.

5. Constant Fatigue and Brain Fog

Feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? Struggling to concentrate? Candida releases toxic byproducts that can slow down your metabolism, zap your energy, and cloud your thinking. If caffeine isn’t cutting through the fog, your gut health is likely to blame.

6. Unexplained Anxiety or Mood Swings

Your gut is directly connected to your brain through the gut-brain axis, meaning an imbalance in your microbiome can seriously affect your mood. Candida can contribute to increased anxiety, irritability, and even depressive symptoms by disrupting neurotransmitter function.

7. Joint Pain and Inflammation

Candida overgrowth doesn’t just affect digestion — it can trigger widespread inflammation, leading to joint pain, stiffness, or unexplained muscle aches. If you’ve ruled out other causes and still feel like your body is constantly inflamed, your gut health is definitely at the center of it.

How to Get Rid of Candida Overgrowth

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t ignore them. You can rebalance your gut and kick Candida overgrowth to the curb with the right approach.

I break this entire process down step by step in my Balance Course, where I guide you through a gut-healing protocol designed to eliminate Candida and restore your body’s natural balance. If you’re ready to clear your skin, beat the cravings, and finally feel like yourself again, check out the course here.

Don’t let Candida control your health. Take charge of your body, heal your gut, and start feeling better today!