That Sugar Craving Isn't Willpower — It Might Be Yeast
Candida is a yeast that naturally lives in your gut. Problems arise when it overgrows, disrupting your microbiome and causing symptoms throughout the body.
Think candida might be an issue?
Our AI can help identify if your symptoms fit the pattern.
Something in Your Gut Is Out of Balance
Candida albicans is a yeast that's part of your normal gut flora. In a healthy gut, it's kept in check by beneficial bacteria. But when balance is disrupted, candida can proliferate and even become invasive.
Sugar Cravings
Candida feeds on sugar. Intense cravings are often the yeast "demanding" its food source.
Brain Fog
Candida produces acetaldehyde, a neurotoxin that impairs cognitive function.
Fatigue
The immune response to overgrowth plus toxic byproducts drain your energy.
Systemic Effects
Candida can contribute to leaky gut, spreading inflammation throughout the body.
Check If This Sounds Like You
How the Balance Gets Tipped
Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria that keep candida in check
High-Sugar Diet
Candida thrives on sugar and refined carbs
Weakened Immunity
Chronic stress, poor sleep, illness impair control
Hormonal Changes
High estrogen promotes candida growth
Other Medications
Steroids, acid blockers, immunosuppressants
Chronic Stress
Impairs immune function and gut health
Testing Note
Candida can be tricky to diagnose. Stool tests may miss it, and blood antibody tests can be hard to interpret. A comprehensive stool analysis with culture or organic acids test (OAT) showing candida markers is often most helpful.
Starve It, Kill It, Rebuild — In That Order
Starve the Yeast
Eliminate sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and high-glycemic foods that feed candida. This is the foundation — without it, other interventions will be less effective.
Kill the Overgrowth
Natural antifungals help eliminate excess candida:
Restore Good Bacteria
High-quality probiotics (especially Saccharomyces boulardii) to recolonize the gut. S. boulardii is particularly effective because it's a beneficial yeast that competes with candida.
Heal the Gut Lining
L-glutamine, zinc, and collagen to repair damage caused by overgrowth. Candida can damage the intestinal lining, contributing to leaky gut.
Support Detox
Candida die-off releases toxins. Support liver and lymphatic drainage with binders (activated charcoal, bentonite clay) and liver support herbs.
What to Eat (and What Feeds the Problem)
Foods to Avoid
Foods to Emphasize
You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel Better
When candida dies, it releases toxins that can temporarily worsen symptoms — this is called a Herxheimer reaction or "die-off."
Common Die-Off Symptoms:
Go slowly and support detoxification. These reactions are temporary and indicate the treatment is working.
Your Gut Can Find Balance Again
Our AI can help you understand your symptoms and create a starting point for addressing candida overgrowth.
Start Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in your digestive tract. Overgrowth occurs when the balance of gut flora is disrupted — commonly by antibiotic use, a high-sugar diet, chronic stress, or a weakened immune system. When candida proliferates beyond normal levels, it can cause widespread symptoms throughout the body.
Common symptoms include intense sugar cravings, brain fog, chronic fatigue, digestive issues like bloating and gas, recurring yeast infections, skin issues such as rashes or fungal infections, and white coating on the tongue (oral thrush). Many people experience a combination of these symptoms.
Diagnosis can be challenging since symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Functional medicine practitioners may use comprehensive stool testing (like the GI-MAP), organic acids testing, or blood antibody panels. A thorough symptom history combined with testing provides the clearest picture.
A candida protocol typically eliminates sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, vinegar, mushrooms, and fermented foods during the initial phase. These foods either feed the yeast directly or promote its growth. After the overgrowth is addressed, many of these foods can be gradually reintroduced.
Treatment typically takes 2-6 months depending on the severity of the overgrowth and how long it has been present. A comprehensive approach includes dietary changes, antifungal supplements or herbs, probiotics to restore balance, and addressing the underlying factors that allowed the overgrowth in the first place.
Effective natural antifungals include caprylic acid (from coconut oil), oregano oil, garlic, berberine, and grapefruit seed extract. These are often rotated during treatment to prevent the yeast from developing resistance. Working with a practitioner helps ensure you use the right combination for your situation.