What Is Candida Overgrowth?

Candida is a bacterium naturally found in the digestive system. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), an overgrowth of candida can cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush or skin rashes.

Symptoms

According to holistic health-care practitioners such as Dr. Peter M. Zeischegg, candida overgrowth can cause headaches, fatigue, and sinus and digestive problems.

Causes

A course of antibiotics may spark candida growth.

The two main factors in candida growth are the use of antibiotics and a poor diet. Antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria that normally keep candida growth under control, while certain foods feed candida and allow it to proliferate.

Factors

Some foods inhibit candida growth, while others promote it.

Candida feeds on sugar, alcohol, dairy and refined foods. These should be consumed in moderation or eliminated from your diet as much as possible. According to Mayo Clinic internist Dr. Brent A. Bauer, eliminating sugar and processed foods, which are high in calories and low in nutrients, can improve your general health, whether or not symptoms are attributed to candida growth.

Prevention

Leafy greens, protein, yogurt, probiotics and green algae can inhibit candida growth.

Considerations

Over-the-counter herbal supplements contain ingredients that manufacturers say help maintain healthy levels of gastrointestinal bacteria or combat candida while repopulating the digestive tract with healthy bacteria. Bauer, however, says there's no clinical evidence to support such claims.