Candida overgrowth has become a common health concern and I’ve seen it over and over again in my patients struggling with chronic symptoms during the postpartum years and beyond. The likely reason for this is that pregnancy and the postpartum period can increase the risk of candida overgrowth due to several factors. And if the issue is left untreated and factors that contribute to the overgrowth are left unchanged, then the candida overgrowth can end up leading to a number of complex health issues.

What is candida overgrowth?

Candida is a fungus (i.e., a form of yeast) that is naturally found in small amounts in the mouth, intestines, skin, and vagina. In the digestive tract and mouth, it aids in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients when it’s in proper amounts. It’s considered a normal part of the body’s microbiome which is the collection of various microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast that live in different areas such as the gut, mouth, skin, vagina, sinuses, and throat.

When the microbiome is in a healthy, balanced state, the different microorganisms keep each other in check and issues are less likely to arise. However, if the balance is disrupted, opportunities arise for certain microorganisms to overgrow- such as candida. The most common type of candida is Candida albicans.

When candida is overproduced, typical symptoms may appear such as vaginal yeast infections, vaginal or anal itching, white coating on the tongue, and/or thrush. If overgrowth occurs in the digestive tract and is left unchecked, it can lead to a fungal infection called Candidiasis and start to break down the walls or lining within the intestinal tract and end up in the bloodstream. 

Essentially, this leads to the release of toxic byproducts and other toxins created from the body trying to fight it off and from the fungus itself- leading to increased gut permeability or “leaky gut”. It also creates the perfect opportunity for bacterial biofilms to be created which is a protective slime for groups of microorganisms that makes it harder to control candida overgrowth. 

Moreover, undigested food particles can also leak into the bloodstream and people with candida overgrowth can start to develop new food sensitivities and allergies that they never had before, e.g., gluten, dairy, eggs, and corn. In addition to this, other symptoms can start to arise from an overgrowth of candida, such as those associated with mood, cognitive health, digestion, food cravings, immune function, skin, and more (which we’ll cover below).

Unfortunately, what happens is that candida overgrowths can end up leading to various biological changes in the body, such as reducing immune system function and altering the body’s pH levels (i.e., making it more acidic), which ultimately can make it more difficult to eliminate candida overgrowths without the right holistic treatments. 

Why is it common during postpartum?

In some individuals, candida overgrowth becomes more likely after pregnancy due to a number of different factors that create the perfect opportunity for candida to multiply.

1. Hormonal changes
   During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase significantly, but after childbirth, there is a rapid drop in estrogen levels and it may stay low for up to 6 months or longer. This drop can lead to a shift in the composition of the microbiome of the gut and vagina which can create an environment that’s more favorable to candida overgrowth.
   
   Moreover, estrogen is known to have an immunoenhancing effect on the immune system and has been shown to regulate the immune response in various ways. This means that when estrogen is within normal levels, it helps to support a healthy immune system but when it drops too low, it may lead to immune system suppression. As a result, it may become more difficult for the immune system to fight off candida overgrowth.
   
2. Antibiotic use
   Antibiotics are commonly prescribed during childbirth usually for Group B Strep to decrease the chances of passing this bacteria to the baby because it can cause serious infections. Antibiotics may also be given during postpartum for illnesses or infections such as mastitis.
   
   Unfortunately, antibiotics can cause disruption to the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can lead to candida overgrowth. And since postpartum is a more vulnerable time for mothers, the risk for candida overgrowth from taking antibiotics may be even higher.
   
3. Reduced immune function
   The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against pathogens, including candida. When the immune system is weakened or suppressed, candida can overgrow more easily because the body is less able to fight off the fungus. This can happen in a variety of situations, including during periods of stress, or illness, or after taking certain medications such as antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs. 
   
   In postpartum women, the immune system may be weakened due to the physical stress of giving birth, healing after birth, lack of sleep, and/or hormonal fluctuations, which can increase the risk of developing candida overgrowth.

4. Nutritional deficiencies
   During the postpartum period, there is an increased demand for essential nutrients due to the physical demands of recovery and lactation. A deficiency in nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, and selenium can impair immune function and compromise the body’s ability to fight off candida overgrowth.
   
   Inadequate intake of B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1), can also contribute to the development of candida overgrowth because thiamine is required for proper cellular energy production, including the energy required for the immune system to function effectively.
   
   Additionally, certain nutrients like prebiotics and probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which can help prevent candida overgrowth. A diet lacking in these nutrients can lead to imbalances in the gut microbiome, increasing the risk of candida overgrowth.
   
   Lastly, postpartum women may have difficulty consuming a balanced diet due to various factors like time constraints, sleep deprivation, and lack of access to healthy food options. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can increase the risk of candida overgrowth.

5. Increased sugar consumption
   Increased sugar consumption can be driven by a number of factors. For one, the body has just gone through a significant physical stressor, and many women may find themselves reaching for sugary foods as a form of comfort or stress relief. Additionally, sleep deprivation and fatigue are common during this time, and the body may turn to sugar as a quick source of energy. Hormonal changes can also contribute to sugar cravings, as fluctuations in hormones like cortisol and insulin can impact blood sugar levels and lead to cravings for sweets.
   
   However, consuming large amounts of sugar can also create an environment in the body that is conducive to candida overgrowth. Candida is a type of yeast that feeds on sugar, and consuming too much sugar can cause an overgrowth of candida in the gut.

6. Constipation and reduced gut motility
   When bowel movements are infrequent, it can lead to an accumulation of undigested food particles in the gut, providing a breeding ground for candida to thrive. Additionally, when the gut is not moving properly, it can compromise the immune system’s ability to regulate the growth of candida and other harmful microbes. This can allow candida to multiply and lead to overgrowth. Therefore, it is important to address any underlying digestive issues to prevent and treat candida overgrowth.

What are symptoms of overgrowth?

There are a variety of symptoms that can manifest from candida overgrowths that are very well known. Most people think of yeast infections when they picture candida overgrowths, but it can lead to many other issues that can affect various aspects of your health and parts of your body. 

Common candida overgrowth symptoms include:

1. Anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, panic attacks- Excess yeast can impact neurotransmitter production such as serotonin and disrupt the delicate balance of chemicals in the brain, potentially leading to mood imbalances and emotional symptoms.
   
2. Burnout, chronic fatigue, tiredness- Candida overgrowth can contribute to systemic inflammation and nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium, omega 3s, and B6- leading to fatigue, decreased energy levels, and overall feelings of exhaustion.
   
3. Strong cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates- Candida thrives on sugar and refined carbohydrates, and an overgrowth can create intense cravings for these foods as the yeast demands more fuel to sustain itself.
   
4. Seasonal allergies and/or itchy ears- An immune response can be triggered by candida overgrowths, leading to increased sensitivity to allergens and potential symptoms such as itchy ears or seasonal allergies.
   
5. Brain fog, issues with concentrating, ADD/ADHD, poor memory- High levels of candida can produce toxins that affect cognitive function, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, ADD/ADHD-like symptoms, and impaired memory.
   
6. Skin and nail fungal infections (e.g., toenail fungus, ringworm, athlete’s foot)- An elevated amount of yeast can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms on the skin and nails, creating an environment conducive to fungal infections.
   
7. Digestive issues (e.g., bloating, excess gas, constipation, diarrhea)- When the delicate balance of gut flora is disrupted it can lead to digestive symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, and changes in bowel movements.
   
8. Autoimmune conditions (e.g., Hashimoto’s, psoriasis)- Candida overgrowth can contribute to systemic inflammation and compromise the immune system, potentially triggering or exacerbating autoimmune conditions.
   
9. UTIs, vaginal infections, anal itching, or vaginal itching- Candida can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the urogenital tract, leading to an increased risk of urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, and uncomfortable itching in these areas.
   
10. Skin issues (e.g., rashes, eczema, psoriasis, hives): Candida overgrowth can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, potentially manifesting as skin issues like rashes, eczema, psoriasis, or hives. The overgrowth disrupts the natural balance of the skin microbiome, leading to these skin manifestations.

Candida can affect these various parts of the body because of its ability to break down the lining of the intestinal tract when it becomes overgrown in the intestines and causes a fungal infection called Candidiasis. This leads to “leaky gut” and candida can travel through the bloodstream and begin to invade other tissues such as the skin, ears, mouth, reproductive organs, thyroid, and other places.  

What are effective ways of getting rid of it? 

To eliminate candida overgrowth, a multifaceted approach is needed. It involves more than just stopping the growth and reducing the amount of candida- it also involves restoring a healthy balance of good bacteria that help to keep candida in check and repairing the gut lining to prevent candida from traveling through the gut. 

Step 1: Starve the candida

To starve the candida, it’s important to follow an anti-candida diet that eliminates simple sugars (e.g., cane sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, etc.) dried fruits, fruit juices, fermented foods, gluten, inflammatory vegetable oils, and alcohol, and limits carbohydrates like fruits (only low-sugar fruits should be eaten like berries and citrus), legumes, non-gluten grains, and starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes.  

Step 2: Reduce the amount

It’s important to increase the intake of foods and herbs that help to fight off the candida due to anti-fungal properties such as garlic, coconut oil, cloves, cinnamon, pau d’ arco, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and ginger. 

It’s also vital to use supplements and herbs to help break down the cell walls of the yeast and disrupt biofilms. These include herbs like garlic, plantain leaf, oregano, cinnamon, curcumin, and cranberry (for UTI-associated biofilms). And supplements like NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), caprylic acid, EDTA (e.g., THER-BIOTIC® InterFase® Plus)

Step 3: Balance the microbiome 

Lastly, it’s important to balance the microbiome by repopulating it with friendly microbes that keep candida in check. Taking a probiotic that contains at least 100 Billion CFU and contains beneficial strains for controlling candida like Saccharomyces bouliardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum,  Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

Conclusion

Candida overgrowth is a common issue that can wreak havoc on our health and well-being. It occurs when the balance of beneficial bacteria in our gut is disrupted, allowing the candida yeast to proliferate. The symptoms of candida overgrowth are diverse and can affect various systems in our bodies, including digestion, mood, and immunity. However, by taking proactive steps, you can reclaim your health and restore balance.