What Is Candida Overgrowth? Signs, Symptoms & Natural Remedies to Reclaim Balance
- Nikki
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 26
If you’ve ever felt unusually bloated, constantly fatigued, or plagued by recurring yeast infections or brain fog, you might be dealing with a candida overgrowth. But what exactly is candida—and is it the same thing as a fungal overgrowth? Let’s break it down.
What Is Candida?
Candida is a genus of yeast—a type of fungus—that naturally lives in the body, particularly in the mouth, gut, skin, and vaginal tract. In healthy amounts, candida is harmless and even plays a role in digestion and nutrient absorption. However, when the immune system is weakened or the microbiome becomes imbalanced (due to factors like antibiotics, high-sugar diets, or chronic stress), candida can grow out of control, leading to what’s commonly referred to as a candida overgrowth or systemic yeast infection.
Yes—candida overgrowth is a type of fungal overgrowth, and it can wreak havoc if left unchecked.
Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Because candida can affect various parts of the body, the symptoms can vary. Common signs include:
Persistent bloating, gas, and digestive issues
White coating on the tongue (oral thrush)
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
Chronic fatigue or brain fog
Skin issues like athlete’s foot, eczema, or fungal rashes
Sugar and carb cravings
Joint pain
Mood swings or irritability
These symptoms are often vague and can mimic other conditions, so it’s important to look at the full picture before jumping into a cleanse.
When Is a Candida Cleanse Necessary?
If multiple symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, especially after antibiotic use, or if you have recurrent yeast or skin infections, a candida cleanse may be helpful.
However, a cleanse isn’t for everyone. You should NOT attempt a candida cleanse if you are:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Severely immunocompromised (without supervision)
Underweight or dealing with disordered eating
Recovering from surgery or a major illness
On medications that may interact with antifungal herbs
Always consult with a qualified health practitioner before starting a cleanse.
Herbs That Help Cleanse Candida Naturally
Nature offers powerful allies in the fight against candida. These herbs can help rebalance the body’s terrain and reduce fungal overgrowth:
Pau d’Arco – Anti-fungal, immune-boosting, and helps inhibit candida cell growth
Calendula – Soothes the gut lining and supports lymphatic drainage
Thyme – Strong antimicrobial properties and supports respiratory and digestive systems
Barberry – Rich in berberine, known for killing off candida and restoring gut balance
Oregano – Especially potent in oil form, kills fungal cells
Black Walnut – Antifungal and antiparasitic
Echinacea – Supports immune function and detox pathways
Garlic – Naturally antifungal and helps rebalance the microbiome
Internal vs. External Treatment Methods
A holistic approach works best. Here’s how to treat candida both internally and externally:
Internal:
Herbal tinctures or capsules with the herbs above herbs
Probiotics to crowd out candida and rebuild healthy flora
Low-sugar, low-carb diet to starve yeast
Binders (like activated charcoal or bentonite clay) to mop up die-off toxins
Liver support herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root to enhance detoxification
External:
Calendula or Pau d’Arco washes for vaginal or skin infections
Oregano oil diluted in a carrier oil for athlete’s foot or nail fungus
Apple cider vinegar or calendula tea rinses for oral thrush
Epsom salt and antifungal herb soaks for fungal skin flare-ups
Foods to Avoid on a Candida Cleanse (and Why They Matter)
If you’re working to clear a candida overgrowth, what you don’t eat can be just as important as what you do. Candida thrives on sugar and foods that quickly convert to sugar in the body. It also loves a damp, mucousy, inflamed environment—which certain foods encourage.
Below is a handy breakdown of foods to omit from your diet during a candida cleanse, and why avoiding them can make or break your success:
Food to Avoid | Why You Should Omit It |
Sugar (white, brown, cane, etc.) | Feeds candida yeast directly, worsening overgrowth and symptoms. |
High-Sugar Fruits (bananas, grapes, mangoes) | Natural sugars can still fuel candida, especially during the initial cleanse phase. |
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon) | High in sugar and prone to mold contamination—both of which aggravate candida. |
Fruit Juices | Concentrated sugar without fiber causes rapid blood sugar spikes and feeds yeast. |
Alcohol | Fermented sugars disrupt gut flora and suppress the immune system. |
Refined Grains (white bread, pasta, rice) | Easily break down into sugar, providing food for candida. |
Gluten (especially wheat) | Can inflame the gut lining and contribute to dysbiosis. |
Dairy (especially milk and soft cheeses) | Contains lactose (milk sugar) and increases mucus production—candida’s playground. |
Fermented Foods with Yeast (beer, wine, kombucha, commercial vinegar) | Yeast in these products may contribute to overgrowth or worsen symptoms. |
Processed Foods (chips, frozen meals, boxed snacks) | Full of hidden sugars, preservatives, and gut-disrupting additives. |
Mushrooms (culinary varieties) | Some believe fungal foods can aggravate candida due to cross-reactivity. |
Caffeinated Beverages (coffee, energy drinks) | Can spike cortisol, alter blood sugar, and weaken digestion—an indirect win for candida. |
Vinegar (except raw ACV) | Most vinegars are fermented with yeast, which can aggravate symptoms. |
Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, peanut butter) | High in carbs and hard to digest during a cleanse. Peanuts are especially mold-prone and may contain aflatoxins that worsen fungal issues. |
Starchy Vegetables (potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes) | These break down into sugar quickly and can feed candida. |
Artificial Sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose) | Can disrupt the microbiome and confuse your body’s natural insulin response. |
Not everyone can avoid all foods on a candida cleanse, but do your best to eliminate as much as you can. Even after an herbal candida cleanse lasting 14-21 days, you can continue to eliminate or reduce these foods to keep your gut healthy and keep candida and fungal overgrowths at bay. I like to use the Candida Tea after a cleanse to maintain a good candida balance.
Here are Herbal Remedies that Monarch Herbs offers:
What to Expect During a Cleanse
Cleanses ususally last two to three weeks. The first few days, it’s common to experience a “die-off” reaction (Herxheimer reaction), where symptoms temporarily worsen due to the release of toxins. Stay hydrated, rest, and keep elimination pathways open with gentle exercise movement, and fiber and water to increase bowel movements.
The Takeaway
Candida overgrowth is more common than most people think—but it doesn’t have to take over your life. With the right herbs, diet, and awareness, you can bring your body back into balance. Just remember: cleansing should always be tailored to your needs and done with care.
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