Candida can make life miserable! However, don’t despair you can get control over it. Probiotics for candida has proven an effective part of a good strategy. However, to regain control more than probiotics might be needed for Candida.
Keep in mind:
- In most cases, it’s not enough to grab any probiotic supplement thinking this will eliminate the candida infection. Read the entire post first!
- This post is not a treatment plan. It’s just a collection of studies and recommendations on the role of probiotics for candida.
What is candida?
There are several candida yeast species in the body and most are harmless. In fact, a healthy human will have a small amount in the gut, on the skin, in the respiratory system, and other places.
Candida albicans can turn from a normal inhabitant of the body into a band of thugs creating havoc
The intestines normally keep yeast and bacteria under control. But it’s a delicate balance. The gut hosts a complex community of 500-1000 different bacteria and yeast, both good and bad. When this delicate balance is disturbed, there can be an uncontrolled growth of bacteria or yeast.
Causes of candida overgrowth
When candida starts to overpower beneficial gut bacteria, it can take control of the gut (or mouth). The reasons are complex. Here are a few:
- Chronic stress.
- Inflammatory conditions.
- Antibiotics can ruin the gut balance.
- Consuming to much sugar and carbs.
Symptoms of candida overgrowth
Both men and women experience candida overgrowth. A lab culture and stool test help determine this.
A major symptom is cravings for sugar and carbs
A fast growing colony of candida feeds on sugar. They LOVE sugar and need it to exist and increase. This creates a vicious circle—candida creates sugar cravings, and when more sugar is consumed, the yeast increases.
Candida is able to release a number of toxins (50-80 different types) causing a wide array of symptoms. Here are a few:
- Tiredness, low energy, sluggish, chronic fatigue
- Difficult to lose weight (might gain weight)
- Feeling depressed, irritable, or anxious
- White-yellow patches in the mouth
- Burning pain in mouth, throat
- Annoying skin problems
- Stomach problems
- Food allergies
- Headaches
- Asthma
- PMS
- IBS
- Gas
- Much more…
Probiotics for Candida
Probiotics for candida is one way to promote gut balance. This is because probiotic bacteria produce lactic acid which lowers the pH (more acidic) in the gut and mouth, yeast don’t like this. People with candida overgrowth has a higher pH (less acidic) which promotes growth of yeast. Probiotics and candida are antagonists, on opposite sides.
Recommended probiotic supplements:
- Ultimate Flora Extra Care a powerful probiotic
- Hyperbiotics: some report good success
- Bio-Kult: designed for candida
Lactobacilli bacteria seems effective against candida. Several studies in 2010 and 2012 focused on Lactobacilli plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri which proved effective against candida. (References end of post.)
Probiotic-rich foods
Fermented foods contain many bacteria species as the lactobacilli used in the studies above. Fermented vegetables, yogurt or kefir are all good choices. Fermented food helps regain control in the gut and makes it harder for yeast to survive.
Besides probiotics there are also other good strategies.
Additional strategies
Controlling candida requires resolute action and compliance. One needs to control the reasons behind the yeast infection to prevent it from growing out of control again. Many report success when depriving candida of nourishment and promoting a healthy gut acidity level.
Specialists recommend the following. They sound strict and they must be for some weeks or until symptoms subside.
What to avoid
- Candida needs sugar and carbs to thrive. Avoid alcohol, bread, aged cheese, mushrooms, dried fruit, nuts, ketchup, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, dressings, fruit juices, soda, pasta etc.
- Avoid harmful chemicals in skin care products, food, and the environment (as passive smoking). Toxins weaken the body’s defense mechanisms.
- Stress can trigger reactions that undermine efforts to reduce candida.
What to try first
- A good, multi-strain probiotic supplement
- Oregano oil. Studies (and users) say that 2-6 drops per day for 10 days is effective.
- Cystus incanus tea (Rockrose). Contains high levels of antifungal substances. Start off slow, drink for a few months.
- Check for mercury in the body. Especially in difficult cases and relapses. A metal detox might be needed.
- Chlorella binds most known toxins and metals that is often an underlying cause of infections.
Additional tips
- Extra virgin coconut oil contains capric acid (try ozonated oil)
- Consume fresh vegetables, sprouts, meat, eggs, seeds
- Try juicing low-carb (lemon, ginger, cilantro, celery)
- Krill oil seems better than standard fish oil
- Physical exercise stimulates the immune system
- For some Pau D’Arco tincture works well
- Raw apple cider vinegar, 1 -2 tablespoons per day
- Add dill seeds, cinnamon, curcumin, lemongrass, lemon, basil, cloves, thyme, raw organic honey.
How long until results?
Many report that the first 2-4 weeks are critical. In some cases several months may be needed. When feeling better, many reintroduce one food at the time. If there’s no reaction, they continue with the next until things are back to normal.
NOTE: There are different approaches among health practitioners about candida. It’s a complex problem and it might be wise to consult a practitioner specialized in a holistic approach. In any case, probiotics for candida is for most beneficial and safe.
References
¹ Biomedcentral
² Probiotic Interference with the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Elinor says
“Avoid chemicals and exercise.” do you mean avoid chemicals and avoid exercise, or avoid chemicals and do some exercise?
thanks
Ken Silvers says
Hello, Elinor.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Not sure what happened there, but it is an obvious error; sorry about that. I’ve now corrected the text. Avoiding chemicals is an important advice because synthetic substances tend to add more work for the body that is already struggling with the candida overgrowth. Exercise is very beneficial because it stimulates and strengthens the body.
Tatianna Wells says
Yeah well, I started taking a probiotic last Dec 2015, for diarrhea. I took them for several weeks, they made me bloat and had pain and now June 2016, I still have the problem. The doctor just looks at me and prescribed some mess that did not work. It’s very painful and caused my relationship to fail as my stomach swells till I look as if I am with child at 5 months.
I go to the gym and still nothing helps. I have tried several different probiotics and small amounts but all cause me to completely not go to bathroom. Funny they did help with the diarrhea but caused a complete shutdown of my GI tract. The swelling is high up and even makes my ribs feel sore. I am at a loss as to what might help.
Any advice is welcomed.
Ken Silvers says
Hello Tatianna
I’m really sorry to hear about your problem. It sounds very unpleasant. If such a reaction occurs when taking probiotics, you should try reducing the dose until symptoms disappear. This might mean a very small dose, or in a few cases, to stop completely. In case of an infection, candida overgrowth or parasites it can cause a strong reaction.
Try dissolving a probiotic capsule in a glass of water or juice and drink a little now and then during the day. If you ferment your own vegetables, take a teaspoon of juice with every meal. If there are no symptoms you can take more.
Whatever is causing the reaction, many people report good results with bone broths. Broths are excellent to heal a leaky gut, alleviate symptoms of infections and many other problems in the digestive tract. In case of candida you need to stay away from all sugars. If you have a juicer, then drinking fresh vegetable juice is great. Especially ginger root can be beneficial for certain gut problems.
Sue W says
Hi I’m Sue
Going on 60 and I’m trying to change bad eating habits etc. for the better me Thank you so much for the excellent advise on gut healing etc. ,I’m attempting to make my first home made organic bone broth today I got recipe through dr Mercola and the gaps nutritional sites. Firstly as i need calcium I’m assuming since I gave up sugar tea and milk as that’s how I use to drink tea and was the only milk I ever had in tea as I have glaucoma and a very over sensitive nose to smells and have had constipation problems for too many yrs. I decided to give up caffeine and sugar
Anyway I have gone to herbal teas at organic shops one i seem to handle ok is digest with ginger, lemon grass and peppermint but needed to sweeten some and have been using raw clover honey , I’m guessing now after researching gut probs with you and other sites that most probably the raw honey could be adding to my gas and bloat problem as well as too side effect of probiotic that I can only take now and then as that ads to bloating and gas, and yes I’ve read about the side effects now of die off etc. man its a lot of learning but thank goodness for sites like yours . I’ve done the mineral clay cleanse about 2 months ago and I’ve found half a large golden kiwi fruit twice a day is helping with letting go better, I am attempting to give up bread and grains as of their side effects of them and yes I will be pushing myself into doing more Tapping more often to help with all underlying probs. I’ve noticed with Tapping that I get encouraged to do more research which is how I found you. Thank you Ken. Thank you Universe.
Ken Silvers says
Hello Sue
Nice to see you determination! Keep it up! Something I’m preparing to write about too is fasting. This is something I’ve discovered can have a profound effect on the digestive tract and overall health. There are different kinds of fasting like vegetable juice fasting and fasting on bone broth and they are both great. However, water fasting has by far the strongest effect. It might be something to try as many people report excellent results. Experts recommend starting with one or two days per week which can have a tremendous effect on the body.
Larissa says
I started taking lactobacillus gasseri as a probiotics a few days ago, and have started experiencing eye and sinus pain on the left side of my face. I’m wondering if this is a normal reaction? A few years ago, I gained a significant amount of weight out of nowhere. I’ve been on serious exercise and diet regimens and my weight does not change. I was a woman who was typically weighing at 115-120 after two kids and all of a sudden gained 40 pounds after dropping post pregnancy weight. I am hoping maybe this will my give my body a push in the right direction towards losing weight. I’m just wanting to know if the eye pain is a sign I should stop taking the probiotic?
Ken Silvers says
Hello Larissa
Sorry to hear about your sinus problem. Infection in the sinuses often affects eyes, ears and even the mouth. Reasons can be viral, bacterial or allergy. Some studies indicate that probiotic bacteria support the growth of antibacterial substances in the body and this can alleviate sinusitis. However, in some cases symptoms increase before there is improvement. However, if this is so in your case, I cannot tell.
Generally, some specialists recommend adding a wider range of probiotic strain instead of just one. This is because bacteria work in synergy and more diversity adds many more benefits to the body. It’s also very hard to determine exactly what bacteria are needed for each individual. Therefore, a supplement containing eight or more strains might be more beneficial. This applies also to weight loss, though this includes other factors as well.
KaylaKayla Turner says
I have been struggling with continuous yeast infections for a year now before it was continuous bacterial vaginitis. I just purchased probiotic gummies and I do need to change my sugary diet. I was doing well at first, then I just recently started back my bad habits like 2 weeks ago. Your article really encourages me to do better and change my diet. Im going to try this and see how things turn out. Thank you.
Ken Silvers says
Dear Kayla
Please be aware that your struggle is a hard one so setbacks are normal. Many people experience several setbacks before winning the battle against yeast infections; but it can feel very hard. Motivation is a key factor, as is self-discipline. Take one step at the time. And no matter how hard it seems, you can do it! Many others have. The strict diet is only for a relatively short time. Keep in mind the positive outcome–you will get control of your health and enjoy a normal life!