Top 10 Candida Symptoms
Top 10 Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
How to Know if You Have Candida Yeast Overgrowth
Are you constantly tired? Craving sweets? Suffer from constantly aching muscles? Unable to lose weight? Crippled by headaches?
Interestingly many of the most common symptoms and illnesses that plague humans today – fatigue, bloating, brain fog, arthritis, allergies, and depression – can be traced back to a very surprising source – yeast.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and your doctor is at a loss to explain the reason why candida yeast overgrowth could be to blame. Candida, a yeast fungus, normally exists in small amounts in your mouth and intestines where it aids in digestion. In the right amounts, candida helps your body function correctly but when the levels increase it can cause significant health problems in both men and women.
Many doctors have difficulty diagnosing candida overgrowth in both men and women. At Mitchell Medical Grup, our holistic doctors know how to diagnose and successfully treat candida overgrowth.
Top 10 Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
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- Feeling tired, worn down or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- In men, a red rash, itching and burning on the penis.
In women, vaginal itching, soreness, and redness; a white, clumpy discharge from the vagina; and painful or uncomfortable intercourse - Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog
- Severe seasonal allergies
- Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
- Irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression
- Digestive issues including bloating, constipation or diarrhea
- Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
- White coat on the tongue, redness or discomfort in the mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing or cracking at the corners of the mouth
- Skin and nail fungal infections which include athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
Are you at high risk for Candida yeast overgrowth? Take our Candida Quiz!
Signs of Candida Yeast Overgrowth
Here is a more in-depth look at some of the most common symptoms of candida overgrowth:
Gastrointestinal Distress / Digestive Problems
Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the most specific signs of Candida overgrowth. You may need treatment for candida if you suffer from persistent bloating, flatulence, and abdominal cramps. Constipation and diarrhea are also not uncommon symptoms among patients with yeast infections. Additionally, you may have compelling cravings for sugary foods and high-carbohydrate foods.
Cognitive Impairment
Imbalances of the body can have significant effects on the mind. If you have an overgrowth of Candida, you may find it difficult to concentrate at work or school. You may have trouble retaining information and thinking clearly. Some people may experience poor memory retention or formation, difficulty concentrating, and “brain fog.” Some people might even display symptoms that are associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Mood Disorders
The body and mind are closely and intricately linked. Many people with yeast infections also report suffering from various mood disorders. These co-occurring disorders can include depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, including panic attacks. Unusual mood swings and irritability are other possible signs of an overgrowth of Candida.
Dermatologic Signs
The skin is the largest organ of the body and it often serves as a barometer of a person’s health. Some people with Candida infections may also have dermatologic problems. A person with an excess of yeast in the body may display skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, hives, and rashes. Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells rapidly and uncontrollably replicate, causing the growth of scaly, itchy patches. Eczema is indicated by a red, itchy rash.
Recurrent Infections
Let your naturopathic doctor know if you have a history of any recurrent infections, even if they do not seem to be related to Candida overgrowth. Excessive levels of Candida can affect the sinuses, causing congestion, post-nasal drip, sore throat, and sinus infections. Candida has also been linked to recurrent urinary tract infections. These may be indicated by pain in the pelvis, groin, or lower abdomen, pain during urination, pain during sexual intercourse, fever, and fatigue. Urinary tract infections commonly cause frequent urination, dark or bloody urine, and a sense of incomplete urination. Women with Candida are at a high risk of developing vaginal yeast infections, which are generally indicated by pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Women may suffer from vaginal inflammation, itching, and discharge.
Chronic Fatigue
If you remain exhausted or fatigued no matter how many hours you sleep, you may have chronic fatigue syndrome. This disease is characterized by a minimum of 6 months of constant fatigue and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, joint pain, difficulties with memory and concentration. Often one of the main symptoms of candida overgrowth is chronic fatigue. While candida is not the only cause of chronic fatigue many doctors believe it does increase the risk.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are associated with an abundance of candida. These can include ulcerative colitis (UC), lupus, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma are other examples of autoimmune diseases that have been linked to an imbalance of yeast in the body.
Vaginal Yeast Infections / Sexual Health Issues
Perhaps the most well-known sign of candida overgrowth is a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections can cause intense itching in the area, along with burning or pain during urination and painful intercourse. Some patients with yeast overgrowth also experience urinary tract infections or rectal itching.
The Most Comprehensive Book on Candida Overgrowth
Check out Dr. Mitchell’s podcast “The Most Comprehensive Candida Book Ever Written!” with Dr. Marjorie Crandell, PhD. Dr. Crandell is a mycology researcher and Candida consultant who has just published Overcoming Yeast Infections A Ten-Step Program of Medical Care and Self-Help for Candidiasis
In this podcast, we discuss the proper way to diagnose and treat candida as well as the dietary truths and myths.
Check out the podcast and Dr. Crandell’s book – Overcoming Yeast Infections A Ten-Step Program of Medical Care and Self-Help for Candidiasis
What is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast. Normally, the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract balance the presence of Candida. However, many people have an overgrowth of Candida. If you suspect you may have an unbalanced digestive system, you can visit a holistic doctor like the ones at Mitchell Medical Group. We can help you explore lifestyle modifications that can treat yeast infections.
At Mitchell Medical Group, our doctors, Dr. Dean Mitchell, and Dr. Ricki Mitchell specialize in medically treating candida overgrowth with holistic, natural treatments.
Take our candida questionnaire to see if candida is causing your health problems.
Candida Resources
Learn more about Candida overgrowth or book your consultation with Dr. Mitchell today!
Book Your Virtual Meeting!
We know it can be difficult to always find time to get to the doctor’s office which is why we are now offering telehealth new patient meetings with Dr. Mitchell. During the meeting, you will speak directly with Dr. Mitchell about your health issues just like you would at his office.
Call our office today at 212-397-0157 to schedule your meeting or request an meeting online.