What is candida overgrowth and what are the symptoms?
Candida is a naturally-occurring yeast or fungus that inhabits the mouth, gut, vagina, and other mucosal membranes of the body. Ordinarily, it is harmless, existing in balance with the trillions of other bacteria that make your body home.
Concerns arise when that balance is disrupted. This disruption can transpire from stress, poor diet, poor lifestyle, poor sleep, antibiotic use, oral contraceptives, and other disruptors.
There are over 20 strains of candida that can cause infection. Candida albicans is the most common. Candida albicans is often referred to as “opportunistic,” quickly jumping at the chance to spread if the conditions are vulnerable.
It will quickly overpopulate and overpower good gut bacteria, and the symptoms are not fun: low energy levels, interrupted sleep, immunity issues, ringing in the ears, and sluggish digestion.
Western medicine’s approach to candida overgrowth is to completely eradicate the yeast in order to relieve the associated symptoms. Ayurveda, on the other hand, takes its characteristic approach of identifying and addressing the underlying cause of candida. Then, we use herbal remedies to restore a balanced microbiome.
Krimi Roga: The Treatment of Candida in Ayurveda
Ayurevda described the microbes that live on our foods and in our guts as krimi. They blamed the proliferation of bad bacteria or krimi on poor hygiene—a concept 2,000 years ahead of its time!10 Furthermore, krimi roga, or treatment of undesirable microbes, was not aimed at annihilating them but rebalancing the host and its environment.
This fascinating insight is still not on the radar of medical science today. Instead of killing bacteria, as we do today with drugs and harsh herbs, they suggested to:
- remove them physically
- remove the cause of the infestation
- alter the nature of the bacteria and the environment of the human gut11
They went on to suggest the prakriti (nature or basal makeup) of the human host, as well as the parasite, can both be suitably modified with dietary and lifestyle habits, herbal and mineral support, and immune-enhancing Ayurvedic procedures.
Today, we have volumes of science to suggest that stressful environments, highly processed foods, and imbalanced diets can severely compromise a healthy microbiome, setting the stage for candida overgrowth.12
How Does Candida Take Over?
Ayurveda says the underlying cause of frenzied proliferation of candida is agnimandya, or deficient digestion. Deficient digestion results in production of ama, the byproduct of undigested food. Ama is then absorbed into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This toxicity is the root of many health issues.
Invariably, ama will accumulate in the seat of vata, the lower digestive tract. The seat of vata is governed by apana (downward-moving) energy. Apana regulates growth of flora in the gastrointestinal tract. As ama accumulates in the small and large intestines, it will putrefy and ferment, inhibiting normal flora from proliferating. Under these conditions, yeast has free reign to spread through the intestines unchecked.
The next stage of the candida growth process is a result of intestinal absorption of ama into the liver and blood. In Ayurveda, it is believed that once yeast (candida) enters the bloodstream, the step-by-step generation and regeneration process of the seven tissues of the body becomes interrupted or imbalanced.
If the seven dhatus (tissues)—which include rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), medha (fat), majja (nervous tissue), asthi (bone), and shukra (sperm and ovum)—are imbalanced or improperly formed, overall lack of vitality is the result.
The dhatus are formed in a carefully designed succession. If any one of the dhatus is improperly formed, production of shukra will be inhibited. Properly developed shukra transforms into “ojas” the final culmination of the digestive process and of dhatu development, provides the body with procreation, vitality, luster, long life, and health. It is this overall lack of vitality that colors the symptoms of candida proliferation.
Reigning it Back In
From an Ayurvedic perspective, there are two important strategies when it comes to controlling candida:
- Restore integrity of digestive strength (agni).
- Build immunity back into the body.
In Ayurveda, it’s understood that candida overgrowth can present differently based on body type, and can respond to a different protocol depending on the form of candida overgrowth. There are three forms: vata, pitta, or kapha.
Below, I’ll walk you through how to tell which form you may be suffering from, and how to support each accordingly. After that, I’ll give you some general lifestyle suggestions that any presentation of candida overgrowth will benefit from.
Vata Candida Issues
Vata becomes unbalanced from:
- Excessive intake of pungent, bitter, and astringent foods
- Sugar
- Hard-to-digest proteins
- Wheat, dairy, nuts, and soy
- Too much cold food
- Excessive travel
- Suppression of natural urges
- Excessive intercourse
- Irregular eating and sleeping habits
Signs of vata imbalance include:
- Dry skin
- Nervousness, moodiness, and an inability to cope
- Occasional constipation, gas, and bloating
- Swings in energy levels
- Unbalanced sleep patterns
If these are paired with signs of yeast imbalance, this can be considered a vata presentation of candida.
Dietary Support for Vata Candida Issues
- Start with an ama-decreasing diet. This involves avoiding dairy, sugar, breads, processed foods and fats and mucus-producing foods. Cold and raw foods should also be avoided.
- Sip hot water every 20 minutes and drink eight to ten 8oz glasses of warm lemon water per day.
- Eat a large relaxing lunch and a warm cooked soup for dinner.
- Avoid fruit juice and eat fresh fruit in moderation and separately from all other food groups.
- Use hing, ginger, basil, ajwan, and garlic to spice your food.
- Start each meal with a drink: equal parts of ginger juice and raw honey, a pinch of lemon juice, salt, and cumin powder.
Herbs for Vata Candida Conditions
The seat of vata is in the large intestine which is where most krimi or microbial imbalances arise. To treat vata candida I use a microbiome and intestinal environment reset with three primary herbs.
- Slippery Elm prebiotic for one month
- Gut Revival 1 packet twice a day for a month
- Constipated: Elim I: 1-4 caps twice a day for 2-3 months. For Loose Stools: Leaky Gut Support (Previously called Elim II): 1-4 cap twice a day for 2-3 month.
Pitta Candida Issues
Aggravated pitta can put out digestive fire in the same way that a flood of boiling water will put out a flame.
Pitta becomes unbalanced from:
- Greasy and spicy foods
- Sugar
Signs of pitta imbalance include:
- Acidic digestion and occasional heartburn
- Bloating
- Yellowing complexion
- Irritability
- Swelling of the joints
- Yellowing loose stool
- Raised body temperature
- Excessive thirst
Oftentimes, upward flow of vayu can take a vata-based candida issue and mix it with a pitta presentation. Both sets of symptoms at the same time indicate a vata-pitta combined cause. The support protocol would then have to address both vata and pitta.
Dietary Support for Pitta Candida Issues
- Eat more fresh, raw, leafy green vegetables
- Avoid sugar and fruit juice
- Eat pomegranates
- Eat bitter herbs, veggies, and spices
Herbs For Pitta Candida
Pitta types are prone to inflammation and the origin of this infalammation is in the digestive tract. As a result of excess pitta or an alteration of the environment of the intestinal tract undesireable microbes or krimi can opportunistically proliferate. This often causes pockets of candida or krimi that we now call biofilm. The best Ayurvedic herbs for biofilm and candida are both Neem and Tulsi Holy Basil.
For pitta types in the warmer summer months I suggest LifeSpa’s Neem Plus and for pitta types in the cooler months of suggest LifeSpa’s Tulsi Holy Basil. Dosage: 3 caps after each meal for 2-3 months.
Kapha Candida Issues
Kapha becomes unbalanced from:
- Food that is too heavy, too oily, and cold
- Pasta, bread, and sugar
- Overeating
- Sleeping after meals produces ama and puts out digestive fire
Signs of kapha imbalance include:
- Slow and difficult digestion
- Sluggish immunity
- Water retention
- Heavy mood
- Tiredness and excessive sleep
Dietary Support for Kapha Candida Issues
- Avoid all mucus-forming, oily, and greasy foods
- Avoid salt and sugar
- Eat primarily grains and vegetables
- Eat dandelion, asparagus, kale, collard greens, and spinach
- Flavor food with pungent spices like cayenne, ginger, black pepper, clove, and curry
Lifestyle Tips to Keep Candida in Check
If you experience the signs of yeast overgrowth, it can be very helpful to follow a regular daily routine. Here are some lifestyle tips to keep candida in check:
Each day:
- Wake between 5am and 7am
- Take lunch between 12pm and 1pm
- Take dinner between 5pm and 7pm
- Go to bed between 9pm and 10pm
- Make lunch your main meal of the day—the biggest and most satisfying. Dinner should be light. Breakfast should be very light and is optional.
- Favor food that is freshly prepared. Avoid leftovers, frozen, canned, or processed food.
- Perform a sesame oil self-massage in the morning, followed by a warm bath or shower. Learn how to give yourself an Ayurvedic self-massage here.
- Sip hot water frequently throughout the day (every 1 or 2 hours or as often as desired). This keeps the digestive fire alive and flushes ama from the system. If you feel anxious, sipping hot water also settles the nervous system.
- Get fresh air and regular exercise (preferably outdoors), such as a morning or evening walk, sun salutations, or other yoga asanas.
Herbs For Kapha Candida
The seat of kapha is in the stomach and chest where mucus can commonly accumulate. The stomach in particular is the first defense against exposing the rest of the digestive tract to undesirable microbes that can alter the intestinal environment downstream.
The key to addressing a kapha candida condition is to ensure the strength of the agni in the stomach called jathara agni. This is best down by resetting the upper digestion with includes kindling acid production in the stomach with the coordinated production of bile from the liver and pancreatic and duodenal enzymes to complete the digestive process.
To understand this process fully, I suggest you read my free Digestive Troubleshooting Guide eBook.
To get started I suggest you reset the balanced production of stomach acid with either LifeSpa’s Warm Digest. Start by takin 1-2 before each meal.
Extra Mealtime Tips
- Eat in a settled environment.
- Eat three meals a day and avoid snacking (except for an afternoon yogurt lassi, below).
- Eat only when hungry, after the last meal has been digested. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, but not yet full (about 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 full).
- Sit quietly for at least five minutes after eating to promote digestion.
- If dairy tolerant, take a lassi (yogurt mixed with water, 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4) during lunch and between lunch and dinner to promote digestion. It is best to make lassi with freshly made yogurt. While traditional lassi can be sweet or seasoned, with yeast issues, you’ll want to keep it savory, flavoring it with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, or salt, ginger, and cumin.
- Avoid cold food or drinks, especially foods and drinks taken directly from the refrigerator.
- Avoid heavy food at the evening meal, including heavy desserts, yogurt, cheese, oily food, and fried food.
Ayurveda is all about flowing with cycles, rather than fighting against the current. Combining the dietary and lifestyle suggestions in this article with your existing protocol for candida elimination will help your body restore balance and help your body heal itself.
Puri says
Hi – I have Vata Pitta dosha and have been dealing with Vaginal yeast infection for over a year now. Does Neen and Tulsi supplements mentioned above help with it. I am already working with a Naturopath and am on 8 different supplements, including garlic, mushrooms and other anit fungal supplements. Please advice.
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Puri,
The supplements mentioned in the article are beneficial as outlined by Dr. John in the article.
For individualized advice, please consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. John directly.
You can learn more about consulting with Dr. John here:
https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/
Best,
LifeSpa STaff
CPP says
Hi, this breakdown by Dosha has been the best advice I’ve found online, thank you! I’m Vatta and have started the shot of ginger/honey/cumin/salt/lemon shots prior to meals but have been avoiding all sugars for weeks with the understanding that sugar feeds candida, is the honey in this concoction not a concern?
LifeSpa Staff says
If you are battling a candida condition, honey may be an aggravating factor although with the ginger and salt it can be mitigated and even beneficial for candida as it will strengthen the digestive fire which is a causative factor in candida. Try small amounts in the formula first.
Best,
LifeSpa Staff
Khyra Edwards says
Hi Dr, I am wondering about the role of dairy and FODMAPS in candida. A Vata balancing diet generally encourages legumes, garlic, onions, warm milk, yet I have read that FODMAPS and dairy are not advised in a candida overgrowth. Is there an article you would recommend to you about FODMAPS? How long would you recommend someone to follow this type of plan. I’m sure it would depend on the severity and frequency of overgrowth? Thank you kindly for all the informative resources.
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Sandy says
My son gets oral thrush time to time. He is also overweight. I’m pretty sure he has candida overgrowth. He also has problems with sleep. He cannot get up in morning. And he was diagnosed with GERD when he was a boy. He is 28 now and does not know what to do: can you help?
Vacheslav says
the comments above are more than enough to know the answer!
Jk2914 says
Mix cumin apple cider vinegar ginger coconut oil lemon garlic into drink twice daily stop all sugar cut carbs out dairy to after 3 weeks stop and start taking probotics use hydrogen peroxide on external areas
lois samsin says
I used to suffer from from chronic BV yeast infections since I was 12 yrs old. No Rx helped. The most it would do is clear it up for a week but then it would be right back. I did some research online and now use the Lady Soma Candida Cleanse.
To my surprise it worked the first day. During the second day of using the Lady Soma Candida Cleanse I had no side effects and was fresh and odor free. I am now experimenting to see how long I can go not taking it. I have noticed that I need to take it after my menstral cycle and after having sex bc there is a little smell but it clears it right up.
I am getting ready to order my second bottle and I have no complaints. Definitely give this a try if you’re having issues down there that nothing is fixing it’s worth a shot.
Rekha says
Excellent article on candida. I am also suffering from this problem since six months. As i gained so much weight. Candida and trush problem hurt me lot i have to think so many time to eat something. But when i took glance on your blog it really support and help me lot to solve my problem. All the advice you given in this article is quiet good. Can you please suggest me what should i have to eat and what is left in my diet. It could be very helpful for me. Thanks for solving my problem. https://goo.gl/dTVyXc
KASJ says
I have an candida overgrowth with oral thrush of the tongue and middle ear pain. It seems that after reading the article “Candida Care for Your Ayurvedic Type” I’m experiencing Vata Candida Issues and some Pitta Candida Issues. I want to seriously rebalance this and maintain a healthy balance in the future. Im asking for some advice in overcoming some obstacles Im currently
Things to note:
Im currently on, by RX, 70mlg Vyvance for ADD/ADHA and 100mlg of Zoloft for anxiety and depression.
I have an 1hr & 40min commute to work on public transportation.
I cant for the life of me figure out what my parkriti is, every time I try to answer the question its different every time.
Im experiencing the following:
dry skin; nervousness, moodiness and an inability to cope; constipation, gas and bloating; ups and downs in energy levels, and unbalanced sleep patterns. Issues of the joints; raised body temperature also overeating and sleeping after meals(the only Kapha Candida Issue). I have some skin issues, like acne, sores and bumps on my skin and painful sores on my tongue. I have a deviated septum with sinus and allergy issues; severe allergy to both Dust Mites and Grass Pollen and a slight allergy to pet dander and smoke. Also, TMJ with teeth grinding and sometimes painful clinking/ cracking of the jaw.- I’m not sure what dosha these go with.
I’m suffering with many imbalances and to be honest, I have no Idea where to start or what dietary support will be best for me.
Could you help me figure this out and maybe some advice, tips and tricks would you be willing to share on how to fix and maintain this on the go?
John Douillard says
Thanks for reaching out. This would be best discussed in consultation. Please research what we offer: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ Tauna or I would be happy to meet with you.
Vacheslav says
Time to visit a chiropractor, would also help going to a massagist for a belly massage followed by castor oil.
Pushpa Choudhary says
Dr please admise some tips to increase glutathione production in the body.
John Douillard says
Hi Pushpa. Thank you for reaching out. Turmeric Plus – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15650394
& Amalaki – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23105810
These will be good to start with — with some studies to back it is — I would take 2 of each 3x/day after food.
To find them in our store visit: http://store.lifespa.com/turmeric_plus.html http://store.lifespa.com/amalaki_amla.html
Be well. John
Joyce L. says
Thanks Dr. John for these study references ! I was listening to the Alzheimer’s Prevention Summit today, and there is now a probiotic by Dr. Ohhira’s group called ME3 (in a product called Reg’Activ by Essential Formulas) that has studies showing it increases glutathione levels. Will have to find out if it is one of the colonizing ones. Do you have any experience using it at all ?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for your comment and question. While we do not have enough information or experience with Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics, we are confident in our own probiotic formulas: http://store.lifespa.com/probiotics_kit.html” and encourage you to research them more on our site.
We also suggest reading an article we put out about probiotics: https://lifespa.com/from-prebiotic-to-probiotic-4-steps-healthy-microbiome/
Be well.
Robert thornton says
This article has some good basics,
but sometimes you need to add in anti-fungal herbs into the diet like Valerian or Pay D’arco.
matt says
What the heck is this going to do? Beside let the fungus live a nice relaxing life florish in your body till it rages out of control when you get sick enough from a cold or flu and then you die when the fungus gets in the blood stream?
Guess I’ll tell people who read the comments in hope to help them.
Systematic fungus infection give off heavy metals that is why you get the brain fog and anxious like panic attacks.
The fungus also give off 100s of different toxins and your liver has to deal with all of that.
Your body’s natural detox is glutathione but when your very sick your body will not make enough or just stop making it.
So best way to over come that is liposomal glutathione. 90% of it gets into the blood unlike pills or powders because they are not bioavaible.
Liposomal vitamin c is also a must it will kill off any other pathogens your body if trying to kill off.
Then your going to want to use olive leaf extract with 20% oleuropein take at least 2 grams a day with warm water
Also take goldenseal 2 grams a day of that as well with warm water. Colloidal silver kills all kinds of different fungus.
Drink one cup a day at room temperature on a empty stumic. You should also look into getting a dr clark zapper.
Good luck I hope this gets posted.
Robert says
@matt You obviously are not familiar with Ayurveda. What you write does not take into account one’s dosha. By the way, it’s stomach not stumic. Your western approach is a one size fits all. This site is recommending an Ayurvedic approach which is tailored for each body type.
Sathiya says
Hi sir
I am having candida in my blood pls suggest me some home remedies to remove it quickly.Already im having coconut oil,garlic and lemon.Thanks in advanve.
John Douillard says
Sathiya, once you know your dosha type you can find some in-depth recommendations for yeast in the body here: https://lifespa.com/candida-care-ayurvedic-type/. And here is a link to an article that will help you discover your dosha: https://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-health-quizzes/body-type-quiz/
matt says
You have it in your blood for crying out loud. You would be dead in 48 hours tops.
Leaving a fungus infection unchecked will lead to the fungus spreading then reaching your blood stream.
By the you will be on the ER and deadly Ill the only thing to save your life then is the most powerful medical antifungals by a IV.
you don’t that to happen they are very toxic to the liver and kidneys.
Gilles DEOM says
Thank you for this beautiful note.
What about loosing nails of the toes because of candida?
Rashmi Singh says
I m having iitching in my outer parts of vagina from last two years.taken lots of medicine but not cured.all my test reports are normal.please suggest some medicine.
Gilles DEOM says
What bad food you eat? Like something you overheat.
Is it red colored?
Which emotions you don’t release, aout the subjet of procreation, or creation (project or art) ?
Do you practice a little exercise?
Sarah says
Apply coconut oil and 100 pure aloe (drinking grade kind) – several times a day and after bathroom/ before bed. Goes away in a day and a half.
Vacheslav says
I am amazed you haven’t heard of soda! It even cures cancer!
LSA? says
LSA?
Nora says
Tea tree oil will cure it immediately. Try it out 🙂
Vickey says
I am a Vata-Pitta with candida, and have a few questions.Could you please clarify:
1) In the 3-Season book, pages 71&72, says the protein soup (kitchari?) is great for what ails you, but it contains Basmati rice. I know Vata should not have rice, but is this soup OK for me??
2) In your 2012 video “The Truth About Gluten and Dairy” you discussed using Ezekiel Bread. Can Vata with Candida have either Ezekiel bread or raw organic cheese?
Thank you for all of the wonderful information on your site.
Sincerely,
Vickey
Gilles DEOM says
Basmati rice is good for Vat.a