A Functional Approach to Candida
Have you been wondering how to treat Candida overgrowth in the gut or chronic yeast infections? This post is for those who have tried and failed to get rid of their Candida with the cookie-cutter approach promoted by the internet.
Candida overgrowth has been a hot topic in the health and wellness industry for years. Many people believe that Candida is the root cause of a wide range of health problems, including fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, and even mood disorders. However, recent research suggests that Candida may not be the villain it's often made out to be.
In fact, Candida overgrowth is often a secondary issue that arises due to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, antibiotic use, and stress. When I evaluate clients in this regard I need to know if they had any history of relying on heavily processed foods or items containing processed sugar - think about what low fat diets used to be like! High sugar low fat yogurts were a staple for some during the low fat craze. I am looking to rule out a history of antibiotic or other pharmaceutical use. NSAID’s, antidepressants, anti-psychotics laxatives and many other classes of drugs can reduce microbiome diversity. When the microbiome is in a state of reduction, this is the ideal time for Candida to take over and cause problems. However, treating the Candida overgrowth with antifungals alone may not be enough to restore balance to the gut.
Key Factors
One key factor to consider is the strength of your digestive fire. If you have test markers that indicate low stomach acid, biliary dysfunction, or low mineral levels, it may be a sign that your digestive fire is not strong enough to keep Candida in check. Without strong stomach acid, adequate bile production and pancreatic secretions there will be food available for Candida to use as fuel. And contrary to what most have been told Candida does not just feed on sugar. Candida’s metabolic pathways have been thoroughly mapped at this point and it can metabolize anything from protein to fat or carbs, to amino acids and supplements. What it chooses to eat depends on environmental factors. Focusing on improving digestive function should be a priority in this case, rather than simply trying to kill off the Candida.
Toxicity is another factor that can contribute to Candida overgrowth. High homocysteine levels, MTHFR or other methylation variants, and a history of exposure to toxins can make you more susceptible to Candida overgrowth. In such cases, it's essential to investigate and address the underlying toxicity, rather than merely treating the Candida.
Clearly it’s crucial to recognize that Candida is not always the primary cause of health issues. While it can certainly contribute to various symptoms, it is often a secondary issue that arises due to an underlying problem. Therefore, addressing any other potential root causes of health issues should be a priority before focusing on treating Candida overgrowth.
In conclusion, while Candida overgrowth can indeed cause health problems, it's important to look at the bigger picture and address the underlying factors that contribute to gut imbalance. Focusing on improving digestive function, addressing toxicity, and investigating other potential root causes of health issues can help restore balance to the gut microbiome and reduce the risk of Candida overgrowth in the future.
If this resonates with you, and you are ready to put in the work to overcome Candida for good, feel free to book a free clarity call to learn more about how we can work together.
