Candida albicans is a fungus that naturally lives in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. A candida infection develops when yeast overgrows or spreads to other body areas. People with candida overgrowth often report fatigue and difficulty concentrating. The yeast produces toxins that the intestinal lining can absorb into the body. You can ask your practitioner to do a test for this toxin to make a diagnosis. Let's explore yeast detox tips to help you stay healthy.

What Causes Candida?

Unfortunately, because this infection can cause such a litany of other concerns, it is sometimes over-diagnosed, and treatment is touted as a cure-all. Be sure to discuss the possibility of candidiasis with your healthcare provider to ensure it is the root cause of your concerns. Of course, you can always try treating it first to see if it makes a difference for your symptoms, if you prefer the do-it-yourself path. There are many risk factors for developing Candida overgrowth in the intestines. Some of the risks are common health concerns that create an environment in the body that allows yeast to grow out of control, while others are environmental factors. Here is a list of some (but not all) factors that can leave you predisposed to developing candidiasis:

  • Low Thyroid: The lower body temperature caused by hypothyroid creates a suitable environment for the yeast to proliferate.
  • Diabetes or Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar fluctuations and cravings for sweet foods make sugar more available and can make it easier for the yeast to grow.
  • Antibiotic Use: The use of antibiotics can kill off the natural, "good" bacteria that help to keep yeast in check.
  • Stress: Extended stress can exhaust your adrenal glands, thus lowering your body temperature. Stress also reduces your immune system, thus preventing your body's natural response to infection.
  • Menopause or PMS: These conditions cause hormonal fluctuations that can kill off the natural bacteria in the body and boost the growth of yeast.
  • Intestinal Toxicity: Yeast can proliferate in a toxic colon with the accumulated waste matter.
  • Low Immunity: The immune system will normally keep the yeast in check, but if it gets compromised, the yeast can be allowed to grow out of control.
  • Leaky Gut: Small perforations in the intestinal lining can harbour yeast cells and provide them with a more direct source of nutrients.

What Are Symptoms of Candida?

Apart from the above test, a definitive diagnosis of candidiasis is difficult because the symptoms can be non-specific and can vary depending on the part of the body that is involved. For example, Candida can cause: 

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Rashes
  • Athlete's foot
  • Itching
  • Tingling or burning sensations
  • Memory loss
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • PMS
  • Prostatitis
  • Diabetes or hypothyroidism

The symptoms may be worse in damp or mouldy places. They may also worsen after consuming high-sugar or yeast-based foods. Visually, a topical (skin or mucous membrane) candida infection appears as white patches that may grow together. The skin surrounding the spots is very irritated and red. There may be a white, curd-like discharge with a yeasty smell. Many of the symptoms of gastrointestinal candidiasis mimic those of Leaky Gut Syndrome, and these two conditions can often co-exist.

What Are Some Yeast Detox Tips?

Conventional Candida Treatments

Conventional treatment of candida involves antifungal agents applied topically or taken orally. These medications take care of the current infection but do not address the root cause of why the infection occurred in the first place. Candida often returns, and eventually the strains become drug-resistant.

Treating Candida Through Diet

Dietary therapy depends upon the severity of the condition. It is aimed at starving out the yeast by removing its food source, sugar.

The most severe dietary restrictions involve a total elimination of all sugar, yeast and fungal products from the diet. This includes: fruit, aged cheese, alcohol, baked goods (including bread), chocolate, fermented foods, gluten-containing grains, ham, honey and all sweeteners, nut butters, potatoes, mushrooms, soy sauce, sprouts and vinegar.

Less severe cases restrict all of the above-mentioned products for a short period of time, and then allow some products back into the diet. Vegetables, fish and gluten-free grains are the bulk of the diet. Fresh, live yogurt or other products containing live bacterial cultures can be added at a later time. 

What Happens When I Do A Yeast Detox?

Candida Die-Off Reactions

When you initially go to kill off the yeast in your body, beware that you will likely feel pretty terrible for a few days. Candida cells naturally produce toxins as part of their life cycle. When many yeast cells die at once, they can release large amounts of toxins. The intestines may absorb some of these toxins. This can result in flu-like symptoms, similar to those experienced during a detox or a cleanse. The symptoms will go away once the yeast is under control. 

Drinking filtered water may help support hydration during treatment. Eating more fibre may help support digestion and regular elimination. These supplements may also help prevent or manage candida infections. Treatment focuses on reducing yeast overgrowth and supporting the body's natural defences. Adult doses are given. Ensure all products are yeast-free. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek advice from a health professional before beginning treatment.