Primal Blog

Signs and Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Are you dealing with continued gut issues, rashes, itching, and mental or behavioral changes? If so, you might be dealing with candida overgrowth. Here are some signs and symptoms of this condition so you can talk to a doctor and look for treatment options.

Skin and Nail Infections

If you have been getting consistent infections of your skin or nails, that might be a sign that you have candida overgrowth. This includes persistent infections of the nails, particularly with your toenails, as well as athlete’s foot and similar skin infections.

Vaginal Infections

Another type of infection that occurs frequently with candida overgrowth is when you have vaginal infections. This includes chronic yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and persistent anal itching. Talk to your doctor if you get these infections no matter what else you do.

Digestive Issues

Naturally, candida overgrowth can cause quite a few different gut and digestive issues as well. This might include constipation and/or diarrhea, stomach cramps, general upset and nausea, vomiting, and bloating or gas. You might also have an increase in gut issues related to conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which can be triggered by the candida in your body.

Mental and Behavioral Changes

What some people don’t realize is that the mental or emotional symptoms they are having are worsened from candida overgrowth. To start with, you might have fatigue or just feel worn down most of the day. It can affect your memory and concentration, lead to brain fog, affect your focus, and increase stress or anxiety. While these are not always caused by a candida overgrowth, they can still be common symptoms, so it is a good idea to get tested if you have mental health or behavioral changes.

Skin Conditions

Aside from infections of the skin, there are also other issues that can be symptoms of candida overgrowth. For example, if you have a lot of itching of your skin, it might be from candida overgrowth. There are also chronic skin conditions very closely related to an increase of candida in the body, including rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and hives. If you have an increase in these skin conditions, you should look into getting tested for candida overgrowth. 

Causes of Candida Overgrowth

• overuse of antibiotics
• diet high in sugar & processed foods
• currently battling autoimmune conditions such as IBS or Hashimoto’s

 Of all these factors, the most influential tends to be diet. Eating a clean diet is fundamental for optimal health. In the case of candida, it is essential. To truly kick candida to the curb, most sugars and all processed foods need to be removed. The following foods you will definitely want to avoid while trying to alleviate symptoms:

Foods That Feed Candida:

• Alcohol & Caffeine
• Grains & Gluten
• Dairy
• Fermented Foods
• Beans & Starchy Vegetables
• High-Glycemic Fruits

Foods that Fight Candida:

• Coconut oil
• Garlic
• Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale)
• Ginger
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Lemon Juice
• Salmon
• Probiotics

If you have candida overgrowth, your doctor can test your blood to confirm the diagnosis.