Post Author: Victoria Tyler

How to treat Candida Overgrowth in the Gut

Lately, I’ve seen more clients try “Candida cleanses” after reading about them online.

Some arrive with long lists of supplements they’ve been taking for months; others have been following very restrictive diets.

In some cases, the plan has been so extreme it has done more harm than good, leading to nutrient deficiencies, constipation or diarrhoea, due to inappropraite use of candida supplements and damage to the gut microbiome.

This article explains what Candida is, how overgrowth develops, how to approach treatment and the testing options I use in practice.

What is Candida?

Candida is a yeast that normally lives in the mouth, gut, skin, and genitals. In small amounts it co-exists peacefully with our bacteria and immune system.

Problems begin when the balance of the gut ecosystem shifts. Under those conditions, Candida can grow and switch into filamentous forms (hyphae), and build protective biofilms.

When that happens, it may contribute to bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habit, and itching around the anus or genital area.

These symptoms are non-specific, so they must be interpreted in context rather than blamed on Candida by default.

It is important to distinguish this gut dysbiosis from invasive Candida infections seen in hospitals. Invasive disease affects the bloodstream or organs, requires prescription antifungals, and is managed under specialist care.

How does Candida overgrow in the gut?

Candida Overgrowth is linked to the following factors:

1. Antibiotics

A common cause of candida overgrowth is linked to recent or repeated antibiotic use.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics reduce beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that normally prevent candida and yeast from colonizing.

With that protection lowered, opportunistic yeasts have more room to expand. This is why flares often follow an infection treated with antibiotics.

2. Diet

If you have been consuming a diet  that is relatively high in sugars and ultra-processed foods, this may  cause the species of yeast/ candida  to grow and proliferate.

If your diet has been low in vegetables and high in sugar, it is likely that  you will be deficient in  short-chain fatty acids,  such as Butyraye. Butyrate supports the gut lining and helps prevent Candida’s virulence.  The good news is when you incorporate more vegetables and healthy foods and cut out sugar, you should feel better.

3. Low Stomach acid

If you’ve used a proton pump inhibitor (like omeprazole or lansoprazole), or you suspect your stomach acid is on the low side—whether from stress or simply getting older—this can weaken your natural barrier against incoming microbes. When acid is low, more organisms can pass through your stomach and reach your small intestine, where they ferment and trigger bloating, gas, and unsettled bowels.

Studies link PPI use with greater Candida colonisation of the gastric/oesophageal mucosa. PMC+1

It’s also common to see patients with  a history of stress or reflux treatment alongside the development of  “Candida-type” symptoms.

4. Constipation
   

Gut motility may also a factor causing candida overgrowth. Slow transit due to constipation, certain medications (such as opioids or anticholinergics), or hypothyroidism gives yeast and bacteria more contact time with the gut wall.

This favours adhesion and biofilm formation, and it can make dietary changes and probiotics less effective until motility is corrected. A simple focus on regular, comfortable bowel movements can transform outcomes before any antifungal is added. In clinic in addition to diet I often use Magnesium Citrate.

5. Low Immune system

Stress and disrupted sleep can impact your immunity, making you prone to candida overgrowing.

How to treat candida overgrowth in the gut

Treating Candida overgrowth in the gut is about reducing the overgrowth and restoring balance not doing extreme cleanses.

In my clinic, we start by removing the foods that drive the overgrowth  (sugar, yeast, alcohol) and add in some gentle antifungals and probiotics,

Step 1 involves  following a diet for Candida, the key is to have lots of protein, eggs, fish, meat  and reduce cakes, biscuits, sugars and yeast as well as alcohol for 4 weeks, After this point you  should improve and hopefully will be able to cheat 20% of the time.

The Best Supplements for Candida Overgrowth and thrush

Below are the  Candida supplements  I most often use in clinic. It is essential to follow the anti-candida diet at the same time as taking the supplements.

My favourite  Candida supplement  is Caprylic acid. It is based from coconut.

Generally this candida supplement  is very tolerated  but the response is individual and it is recommmended that you seek help from a professional as candida die-off reactions are very common.

• Caprylic acid 
  Dose: 500 mg, 2 x daily with food.
  Notes: If stools loosen, reduce dose
• Berberine (from barberry/berberis, Oregon grape, goldenseal)
  Dose: 500 mg, 1  daily with meals (4 weeks).Notes: Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding; interacts with some medicines (e.g., ciclosporin, tacrolimus, some statins); can lower blood sugar.
• Garlic – this is generally well tolerated
  Dose: Aged garlic extract 600–1,200 mg/day;Notes: May thin blood—use caution with anticoagulants or before surgery.

• Undecylenic acid
  Dose: 150mg, 1–2× daily with food (4–6 weeks).This is a  Potent fatty-acid antifungal that targets yeast cell membranes.
  Notes: Can cause mild GI upset—start low and build.
• Grapefruit seed is another supplement that can be used but in some cases it cause diarrhoea.

Below is a list of probiotics that I use for Candida

• Saccharomyces boulardii
  Dose: 5–10 billion CFU, 1–2× daily.
  This is A beneficial yeast that competes with Candida and may be helpful for loose stools.
  Notes: Use caution in severely immunocompromised  patients.
• Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium blends (e.g., L. rhamnosus GG, L. reuteri, L. plantarum, B. lactis)
  Dose: 10–50 billion CFU/day.
  This helps restore a healthy pH and produce acids that discourage yeast. This is my favourite.
  Notes: Start low and build; rotate strains every 4–6 weeks.

Biofilm & die-off support (use alongside antifungals)

Candida Die-off symptoms  are common  when you start a candida protocol and the following may help:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
  Dose: 600 mg, 2–3× daily away from food.
  Helps break down biofilms and supports liver detox pathways.
  Notes: May irritate if you have active gastritis/ulcers.
• Lactoferrin (bovine)
  Dose: 250–500 mg, 1–2× daily away from dairy.
  Disrupts microbial adhesion; synergises with antifungals.
  Notes: Avoid if you have an allergy to dairy
• Proteolytic enzymes (e.g., serrapeptase)
  Dose: Per label, typically once daily away from food.
  : May help degrade biofilm proteins.
  Notes: Use caution with blood thinners.
• Short-term binders for “die-off” (optional)
  Activated charcoal / bentonite clay: 500–1,000 mg once daily, away from meds/supps, for 3–5 days only.
  Notes: Can cause constipation and reduce absorption—keep water intake up; not for long-term use.

1. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding

If you take anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, diabetes meds, or statins, or have liver/kidney disease, get personalised advicesome supplements interact.

How to test for Candida Overgrowth in the Gut

There is no single perfect test for candida- below are some of the tests available for Candida in the UK

Stool PCR/culture for Candida:Stool tests are our most popular tests. In addition to Candida these tests are able to detect other strains of  yeast and look at other pathogens including vad bacteria, viruses, salmonella, shigella and parasites

In many cases stool tests can reveal your specific strain of yeast as well as the most effective anti-fungals to take to treat the yeast overgrowth.

The candida overgrowth urine test is very sensitive and looks at a marker called Arabinose. The test is called an organic acid test  and can be indicative of an overgrowth in the small intestine.

If you would like more information on Candida overgrrowth testing options in the UK please visit our dedicated page including the Candida spit test

Can Candida affect men?

Yes. Men can develop oral thrush, balanitis (yeast on the glans/foreskin), and the same gut-related symptoms. Triggers are the same: antibiotics, high-sugar diets, steroids, imbalances in the gut microbiome/ dysbiosis. Treatment is the same antifungals, diet and probiotics.

References

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