Candida overgrowth is a term used in alternative medicine. It is not a recognized medical condition.
There are many natural remedies that are supposed to treat Candida overgrowth. These include:
Essential oilsProbioticsOther supplements
Candida can cause medical conditions that can be serious. These conditions need prompt treatment. They should not be treated with alternative methods.
This article looks at the differences between Candida overgrowth and Candida infection. It also discusses some of the ways Candida overgrowth is treated by alternative health practitioners.
Candida Overgrowth
Candida albicans is a yeast that normally lives on and in the body. Alternative health practitioners believe you can have too much of this yeast. They call this “Candida overgrowth.”
Candida overgrowth is not a recognized medical condition. Therefore, it does not have an official definition.
Alternative practitioners, however, support this diagnosis. Sometimes it is used to explain vague and unrelated symptoms.
Candida overgrowth has been proposed as a possible contributor to illnesses like:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Allergies Mood problems
A link between Candida and these conditions has not been proven.
There is no test that can confirm a diagnosis of Candida overgrowth. This is because the fungus is expected to be in and on your body. It usually does not cause problems.
Candida infections, however, are different.
Candida Infections
Candida infections are not Candida overgrowth. These infections involve damage to tissues. They may result in an inflammatory immune response.
Candida infections include:
Thrush, candidiasis in the mouth or throat Vaginal yeast infections, candidiasis in the vagina Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Vaginitis Esophagitis Candida mastitis, a breast infection Disseminated candidiasis, which infects the bloodstream and affects internal organs such as the heart
These infections often develop because of reduced immunity. Antibiotic use can also play a part.
Candida infections cause symptoms like:
PainDischargeSwelling
Candida infections can be treated with antifungal medications. These are the only effective remedies.
Supplements for Candida Overgrowth
Alternative practitioners may suggest supplements to treat Candida overgrowth.
There is some research supporting the general benefits of these remedies. None of these options, however, have undergone clinical testing for this use.
Like all supplements, products said to treat Candida overgrowth are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA rules prohibit manufacturers from marketing supplements as treatment for any illness.
Using a natural remedy to treat Candida while avoiding or delaying standard care could harm your health. Always ask your doctor about alternative treatments before you start using them.
Probiotics
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that is naturally present in the body. It is most often found in:
The mouthThe intestinesThe female reproductive system
This bacteria is thought to have health benefits. One of these is activity against Candida.
Yogurt and other fermented foods can help you maintain Lactobacillus acidophilus in your digestive system.
There are also probiotic supplements that contain this bacteria. In fact, probiotics usually contain several types of bacteria thought to benefit gut health.
Probiotics can help you maintain your immune system and digest your food.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are foods that contain fiber. They are said to reduce the amount of yeast in the body.
Asparagus, for example, is a prebiotic food. It contains a combination of fiber and antioxidants. Research suggests it may reduce substances in the body that promote infection.
Research also suggests that the prebiotic fiber in bananas may be beneficial. It may promote healthy gut bacteria and balance yeast levels.
Other Supplements
Supplements that have been said to slow down yeast growth include:
Caprylic acid from coconuts Oleic acid from olive oil Pau d’arco
In general, natural health practitioners say you should use these supplements every day or until your symptoms go away.
It is important to note that there hasn’t been enough research to support the use of these supplements for this purpose.
Enteric-Coated Essential Oils
Enteric-coated capsules have an acid resistant coating. They are designed to bypass your stomach so they can be absorbed by the small intestine.
Alternative health practitioners believe enteric-coated capsules containing oregano oil, peppermint oil, and other oils help prevent the overgrowth of Candida.
A 2017 study found that essential oils, including oregano and thyme, may reduce the growth of Candida albicans.
Enteric-Coated Garlic
Research suggests garlic may prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria. Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend taking it alone or with enteric-coated peppermint or oregano oil.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are also said to help manage or prevent Candida overgrowth. Remember, though, that none of these are proven effective. Don’t delay standard treatment in favor of trying these.
Diet
Some alternative medicine practitioners believe diet can help manage the growth of Candida. They usually suggest sticking with a diet for at least two weeks. At that point, you may start to see benefits, although the length of time depends on your symptoms and overall health.
You can slowly add restricted foods back to your diet after you start to see improvement. Sugar is an example of a food that is recommended in moderation with a Candida diet.
Interestingly, there is some evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners like saccharin may suppress the growth of Candida.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption may be linked to the growth of Candida yeast.
A 2017 study found that intestinal fungi was associated with alcoholic liver disease. It is not clear, though, if the yeast is caused by alcohol consumption. It is also not clear if it plays a role in the development of the disease.
Tobacco Products
A 2016 study found that both alcohol and tobacco smoke may encourage Candida growth. Tobacco users had elevated levels of the yeast in their body. Levels were especially high in their mouths.
Summary
Candida overgrowth is not a recognized medical condition. Still, alternative health practitioners believe it may contribute to a number of conditions.
Candida overgrowth is not the same as Candida infection. A Candida infection requires prompt treatment with antifungal medication.
Symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, and discharge.
Supplements sold to treat Candida overgrowth are not regulated by the FDA. They include probiotics, prebiotics, certain kinds of oils, and enteric-coated essential oils. There hasn’t been enough research to support the use of these supplements.
Changes in diet are sometimes also recommended to treat Candida overgrowth. Abstaining from alcohol and smoking is also said to be helpful.
A Word From Verywell
If you have any of the symptoms said to be associated with Candida overgrowth, consult your doctor.
You may want to self-treat, but it’s important to remember that you may be experiencing symptoms of a condition that needs standard, prompt treatment.
Vitamin BVitamin CVitamin D3
More research is needed to understand how these supplements might combat yeast infections.
