If you’ve been feeling bloated, tired, and foggy-headed—like you’re walking through life in a haze—you’re not alone. These symptoms are common complaints I hear from women who feel like they’ve “tried everything” but still don’t feel their best.
One often-overlooked root cause of these issues is Candida overgrowth.
In this post, we’ll unpack what Candida is, why it can wreak havoc on your body, and how to spot the signs that it might be behind your health struggles.
What Is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in your body, primarily in the gut, mouth, and vaginal tract. In healthy amounts, Candida plays a normal role in your microbiome (your body’s ecosystem of bacteria and yeast). But when Candida grows out of control, it can lead to a condition called Candida overgrowth, which can trigger a variety of frustrating and seemingly unrelated symptoms.
How Candida Overgrowth Happens
Several factors can tip the balance in Candida’s favor, allowing it to multiply:
High-sugar diets: Candida thrives on sugar and refined carbs.
Antibiotics: While antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, they also wipe out the good bacteria that keep Candida in check.
Chronic stress: Stress weakens the immune system and disrupts gut health.
Birth control pills: Hormonal changes can impact the balance of your microbiome.
Weakened immunity: A compromised immune system can lead to overgrowth.
Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Candida overgrowth doesn’t just affect the gut—it can manifest in ways you might not expect. Here are some telltale signs:
Digestive Symptoms
Bloating, gas, or cramping after meals
Constipation or diarrhea
Persistent sugar cravings
Brain and Mood Symptoms
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Skin and Nail Symptoms
Recurring yeast infections or UTIs
Fungal infections, like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
Skin rashes, eczema, or acne
Other Symptoms
Sinus issues or nasal congestion
White coating on the tongue (oral thrush)
Increased sensitivity to alcohol or caffeine
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth considering whether Candida might be the missing piece of your health puzzle.
How to Test for Candida Overgrowth
Testing for Candida overgrowth is key to understanding whether it’s contributing to your symptoms. Functional lab testing can provide clarity, with options like:
Stool Testing: A stool test like the GI-Map can identify Candida levels in the gut.
Urine Organic Acids Test (OAT): This test looks for markers of fungal overgrowth in your system.
Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests can detect Candida antibodies.
At Her Health, we specialize in functional testing that gets to the root of your symptoms. Knowing exactly what’s going on in your body allows us to create a tailored approach for your healing.
How to Address Candida Overgrowth
Addressing Candida overgrowth requires a multi-step approach. Here’s how we typically tackle it:
1. Starve the Candida (Dietary Changes)
Reduce sugar and refined carbs: Candida feeds on sugar, so cutting back is essential.
Focus on whole, anti-inflammatory foods: Vegetables, healthy fats, and clean proteins should make up most of your diet.
Avoid alcohol and fermented foods temporarily: These can exacerbate the overgrowth.
2. Support the Gut
Probiotics: Replenishing good bacteria with key strains of probiotics help balance your microbiome.
Digestive enzymes: These can improve nutrient absorption and gut health.
3. Use Targeted Antifungals
Natural antifungals like caprylic acid, oregano oil, or garlic can help kill off Candida.
In some cases, prescription antifungals may be necessary under the guidance of a health professional.
4. Heal the Gut
Support the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc, and collagen to repair damage caused by Candida overgrowth.
Why Addressing Candida Matters
Left unchecked, Candida overgrowth can do more than cause discomfort—it can lead to chronic inflammation and compromise your immune system. Addressing it not only helps relieve your current symptoms but also prevents bigger health issues down the road.
Take Back Your Health
If you’ve been struggling with bloating, brain fog, or fatigue, Candida overgrowth could be the underlying cause. The good news? With the right testing and a targeted plan, it’s entirely possible to rebalance your microbiome and feel like yourself again.
At Her Health, we help women get to the root of their health concerns and create sustainable solutions that work. Ready to get started? Learn more about our functional lab testing and coaching programs.
This year, make your health a priority—and feel the difference that clarity, balance, and support can bring.
Have questions about Candida or gut health? Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram @herhealthhubofficial. Share your story or let us know how we can support you!
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