Understanding Candida: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Persistent fatigue, digestive discomfort, cognitive challenges, and recurrent skin issues are among the most common — yet often misunderstood — complaints we hear from patients. While many factors can contribute to these symptoms, one often overlooked root cause is Candida overgrowth.

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally resides in the human body, particularly in the digestive tract, mouth, and skin. In a balanced state, it plays a relatively harmless role within the microbiome. However, when Candida is allowed to proliferate, it can disrupt multiple systems in the body and give rise to a wide array of symptoms.

Common signs that Candida may be impacting your health include:

• Chronic bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort

• Intense cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates

• Persistent fatigue or low energy

• Recurring vaginal yeast infections

• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory challenges

• Skin concerns such as rashes, eczema, or fungal infections

• Mood swings, irritability, or heightened anxiety

  
  

How Candida Overgrowth Creates Symptoms

When Candida grows unchecked, it can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, weakening the populations of beneficial bacteria that help regulate digestion, immunity, and inflammation. Additionally, Candida can produce toxic byproducts — such as acetaldehyde — that stress the liver, impair detoxification pathways, and contribute to inflammation throughout the body.

Over time, Candida overgrowth can also damage the intestinal lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability (commonly known as "leaky gut"). This allows partially digested food particles, toxins, and microbes to enter the bloodstream, which may trigger systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation — contributing to symptoms far beyond the digestive tract.

What can trigger Candida Overgrowth?

Several factors can disrupt the body’s microbial balance and promote Candida overgrowth, including:

• Frequent antibiotic use, which diminishes beneficial gut bacteria

• Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars

• Chronic stress, which impairs immune function

• Use of oral contraceptives and corticosteroids

• Imbalances within the gut microbiome

  
  

If left unaddressed, it can place a significant burden on the immune system, impair nutrient absorption, and lead to persistent health challenges.

At Origins Integrative Medicine, we take a comprehensive, root-cause approach to assessing and addressing Candida overgrowth.

Our clinical process typically includes:

• In-depth evaluation and diagnostic testing when appropriate

• Personalized nutrition protocols designed to reduce yeast proliferation and promote microbial balance

• Supplementation strategies to eradicate overgrowth, support gut health, immune resilience, and detoxification pathways

• Lifestyle recommendations to address contributing factors and promote long-term wellness

Our goal is not merely to suppress symptoms, but to restore harmony to the body’s internal environment— helping patients achieve sustainable improvements in energy, digestion, cognitive function, skin health, and overall vitality.

If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms and suspect Candida overgrowth, take the quiz below to see if this may be a contributing factor:

Candida Questionnaire

Ready to take the next steps towards healing?

Schedule a Free Health Intro Call today! We would love to help you identify and address the root causes of your chronic symptoms — so you can regain your energy, restore balance, and truly thrive.

Schedule a Free Health Intro Call