Candida overgrowth in the gut has been linked to digestive disorders, immune system issues, and even mental health problems like depression and anxiety. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or a host of others that don’t seem to have an obvious cause, it may be time to take action to treat candida overgrowth naturally. Here are five signs you have candida overgrowth in your gut.


1) Brain fog

One sign you have candida overgrowth in your gut is brain fog. This happens when candida releases toxins that make it hard to think clearly, according to Dr. Alan Christianson and Dr. Richard Kunin in their book on yeast overgrowth in men, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yeast Infections (Alpha Books). If you experience difficulty concentrating or feel spacey or forgetful, get tested for candidiasis. A study published in Research Immunology showed a link between chronic fatigue syndrome and candidiasis [3]. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by unexplained tiredness as well as cognitive impairment, headaches and depression [4]. Other signs of candidiasis include dizziness, impaired thinking, mood swings and low energy. When these symptoms occur alongside intestinal problems such as bloating, gas or diarrhea, ask yourself if you may have an infection. It's important to treat it early. While high levels of anti-fungal medication might damage your gut microbiome [5], probiotics can help restore balance to your digestive system and support healthy digestion overall. To get rid of unhealthy microorganisms, look for safe and effective products formulated with probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) bacteria strains; studies show LGG can inhibit growth of yeasts like candida albicans [6] in a petri dish. Ask about any prebiotic fibers that help grow good bacteria too; those will be helpful because we already know 70 percent of our immune system resides in our gut!


2) Depression

If you are suffering from depression, there are a few candida overgrowth diet tips that can help boost your mood and get rid of depressive symptoms. First, make sure you consume a diet high in probiotics. This type of yeast lives on every surface inside your body, including your intestines and colon. Probiotics helps improve mood by helping to regulate serotonin levels in your brain. High amounts of Lactobacillus acidophilus—one type of healthy bacteria used to treat candida overgrowth—can boost dopamine production and release as well, which can have an effect on serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine and cortisol levels (all three chemicals serve important functions for happiness). Second, avoid simple sugars. Sugar is directly converted into fat in your gut, causing bloating and gas. Yeast feeds off of sugar (another reason why it's essential to maintain healthy glucose levels if you want to treat candida naturally) so when you spike blood sugar via unhealthy foods or drinks, your risk for developing candidiasis increases as well. Some experts recommend changing up macronutrients instead of eliminating them entirely—for example, eating low-sugar fruits such as apples instead of candy bars or drinking black coffee instead of sugary lattes. Do some research before eliminating all sources of carbs or sugar from your diet!


3) Sensitivity to certain foods and chemicals

Many people who have candidiasis also become hypersensitive to certain foods, especially sugar. In addition, some individuals are allergic to chemicals such as sulfites or parabens, which are used in food and personal care products. As a result of these sensitivities and allergies, many people with candidiasis develop intestinal permeability (IP) or leaky gut syndrome. With IP, tight junctions between cells in your gut wall become weak and permeable due to inflammation. When these junctions become leaky, partially digested food particles can enter your bloodstream before being fully absorbed by your body. These food particles then trigger an immune response that releases even more inflammatory chemicals into your body. Some experts believe that increased intestinal permeability is at least partly responsible for brain fog and other common symptoms associated with yeast overgrowth . Eating a clean diet high in nutrients but low in toxins is crucial for healing leaky gut syndrome. This should be one of your top priorities if you suspect you have candidiasis. If you don’t know what it means to eat clean, consult our guide on how to eat healthy for more information on how to eliminate harmful substances from your diet while increasing your intake of vital nutrients.


4) Constipation

A sign of a candida overgrowth diet is constipation. Many people report not having regular bowel movements as soon as they start following a candida overgrowth diet. This is completely normal and caused by high levels of sugar in your body, which can feed candida overgrowth in your gut. Once you follow an anti-candida diet for at least two weeks you should see an improvement in your digestive health and more frequent bowel movements. If you are still experiencing constipation after two weeks, then try experimenting with some natural laxatives or supplements like probiotics. If you don’t want to use any extra products then simply change up your diet to include more magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and bananas—both are known to promote healthy bowel movements.


5) Allergies

Some people are more likely to develop food allergies than others. If you or your child is susceptible to allergies, yeast overgrowth is a risk factor because it can further alter your immune system’s response. Yeast overgrowth in babies has been linked to respiratory problems, ear infections and diarrhea. It’s not uncommon for women to experience yeast overgrowth during pregnancy, which could have an impact on their unborn baby’s health . Doctors aren’t sure if candidiasis can cause premature birth; however, there’s some concern that an imbalance in gut bacteria may alter normal fetal development and cause complications during delivery. People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often exhibit symptoms of yeast overgrowth, including food sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues and flu-like symptoms. A comprehensive medical evaluation is recommended if you suspect CFS; early treatment could significantly improve your prognosis.

If you have any of these signs of yeast overgrowth , talk to your doctor about how best to treat them: bloated belly (may feel like butterflies fluttering), chronic vaginal itching, recurrent thrush (white patches in mouth or throat), excess facial hair growth (in women), rashes after scratching skin too hard (particularly around crotch region), constipation and painful bowel movements.