Gut Classics

If you’ve found yourself struggling with symptoms like digestive upset, skin issues, brain fog, or recurring fungal infections, you may be experiencing Candida overgrowth. But not to worry – there are lots of things you can do to dive into better digestive health and detox your way to a healthier gut this season. 

What’s Candida?

Candida is a fungi or yeast which lives on the skin and inside the body, in places like the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and vagina, usually without causing symptoms. Having Candida is normal and harmless when it isn’t overpopulating the gut. Friendly, lactic-acid producing bacteria in the digestive tract, such as the lactobacillus family, keep Candida at bay.

How does Candida overgrowth happen?

When balance in the gut microbiome has been thrown off due to infections, poor diet, stress, or medications like antibiotics, the friendly bacteria strains like lactobacillus can decrease. This paves the way for Candida to overgrow, eventually leading to Candidiasis and a plethora of seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Want to kick yeast overgrowth for good? 

It’ll require a holistic approach that gets to the root cause. This means a combination of natural antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and quality fibre sources, alongside healthy, sugar-free eating habits and plenty of hydration. 

Caprylic acid is effective against Candidiasis and other microbial overgrowth due to its ability to disintegrate the microbe’s cell membrane. The membrane is the outer protective layer, without which the microbe cannot function.

Licorice root has been used for many years in traditional medicine, most commonly to treat stomach ulcers. Its main biologically active component is glycyrrhizic acid, which gives licorice its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

In order to rebalance the gut microbiome and make sure there are enough good bacteria to fight off Candida, grab a probiotic. This one contains a clinically studied superstrain at a low dose to help normalize stool and bowel habits and contribute to a healthy gut flora.

You’ll also want to include a high-quality fibre source in your protocol. Psyllium husk acts like a sponge, mopping up Candida-induced toxins as it moves along your intestines, and preventing them from lurking too long in your bowels.

If you’d like a little guidance along the way, be sure to pick up a copy of The Candida Solution, a comprehensive guide to living yeast-free. Available now at your local health food store!