Candida Albicans: Top 10 Herbs and Supplements to Beat it
Candida Albicans is a strain of yeast that occurs naturally in the digestive tracts of humans. In low amounts, it coexists with a diverse array of other microorganisms to make up the gut microbiome. When certain conditions allow candida to proliferate, problems can occur. It makes its home within the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. When an overgrowth occurs, it can compromise this fragile barrier and make its way into the bloodstream (1, 2).
In this article, we are going to cover causes, symptoms, natural herbs, and supplements that you can use to overcome candida overgrowth. Something else to keep in mind is that candida albicans can be passed through sexual contact so if you have a partner, you should both follow a similar protocol for a period of time to avoid persistent reinfection.
Candida and Systemic Toxicity
Candida albicans overgrowth is toxic to the body for many reasons. This yeast can emit over 70 different toxins which can make their way into the bloodstream (3). These toxins create chronic inflammatory immune activity and place a heavy toxic load on the liver.
If this goes on long enough, chronic inflammatory activity and overactive immune response can set you up for autoimmune conditions like hypothyroidism, arthritis, or lupus. The following are two primary toxins of concern.
Acetaldehyde: This is a byproduct of candida albicans as it feeds and grows. High levels of acetaldehyde are toxic to the body and cause DNA damage. This may contribute to an increased risk of cancer (4, 5, 6).
Acetaldehyde is also a byproduct of alcohol consumption. This is likely why some people often report feeling “drunk” all the time when they have a particularly bad case of candida overgrowth.
Gliotoxin: Another toxin produced by Candida Albicans suppresses the immune system and impairs liver detoxification (7, 8). This creates conditions to protect and enhance candida growth even more. Once this yeast forms a protective mucosal lining, called a biofilm, these toxins are found in higher levels.
Just 2 out of the 70+ toxins from candida albicans have profound negative effects on the body. Using a thorough candida protocol can help to mitigate these effects.
Candida Albicans Symptoms
The further it progresses, the more symptoms candida albicans can elicit. These symptoms range from mental/emotional to metabolic or digestive – and even span out to negatively impact the entire body.
Some of the most common early signs include:
- Brain fog
- White tongue and bad breath
- Athlete’s foot
- Digestive issues
- Skin problems
- Food and chemical sensitivities
- Frequent sugar cravings
Candida Complications
Symptoms are more minor issues that occur as a result of Candida albicans overgrowth. Complications are more of a secondary health condition that can manifest as a result of chronic infection.
The combination of liver burden and chronic inflammation often leads to the destruction of the gut and eventually autoimmune diseases (9). At this point, a much more thorough approach is needed to support the body in healing.
Candida and Leaky Gut
It is extremely common that when I work with someone who has a thyroid condition, arthritis, lupus, or any number of autoimmune-related diseases – they almost always have gut issues.
When leaky gut occurs due to chronic candida albicans overgrowth, a flood of toxins and undigested food particles make their way into the bloodstream. This over-activates the immune system, leading to many of these autoimmune conditions.
Other Health Problems
General digestive upset is super common in those with chronic candida overgrowth. On top of this, studies have actually shown that those with higher levels of candida overgrowth suffer from higher instances of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (10).
Additionally, candida albicans can lead to alterations in the gut and brain that contribute to irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Extreme brain fog can also contribute to attention deficit disorders.
Common Candida Causes
Candida is a naturally occurring flora of the human microbiome. Certain influences from the environment can proliferate its growth to the point where it overpopulates and begins causing the problems mentioned above.
Factors that contribute to Candida albicans overgrowth include:
- Antibiotic Use
- Alcohol Use
- A diet high in refined carbs and sugar
- Tap water containing chlorine
- Oral Contraceptives
- Stress
- Low Stomach Acid or use of Anti-acids (or PPIs)
- Smoking
- Heavy Metal toxicity
- Sexual transmission from another person
Testing for Candida Albicans
NOTE: If you have already discovered that you have candida, skip ahead to read about the best herbs and supplements you can use to combat it.
There are a number of tests you can use to identify Candida albicans and the extent of its growth. They all have benefits and caveats. We have an in-depth article on this here: Candida Overgrowth: Best Home & Lab Tests
I am going to briefly cover some of these testing methods in this article.
Home Tests (Less Reliable)
Two home tests exist for a quick, low-cost, assessment of whether or not you have candida overgrowth. The issue with these tests is that there is a high risk of false positives or negatives.
The first of these is the Spit Test which is outlined as follows:
- Upon waking, before consuming anything or brushing your teeth, spit into a clean glass of water.
- Observe over a 15-minute span and the following outcomes will determine that you have candida albicans:
-Stays at the top and you see thin strands that look like strings or spider legs extending downward.
-Floats to the bottom and looks cloudy.
-Suspended in the water and looks like little specs are floating.
The other option for a home assessment is the Candida Questionnaire found in this article here.
Comprehensive Organic Acids Test
The Organic Acids test is a urine analysis that is able to detect byproducts of different processes in the body. For example, when the liver processes a toxin, it is converted into a particular byproduct and sent for excretion through a few different pathways, one of which is the urine.
By analyzing different compounds in the urine, we get an idea of what is going on inside the body. The Organic Acids Test has several markers for yeast and fungal overgrowth which will become elevated in instances of candida albicans overgrowth.
This lab is cost-effective for detecting a number of other things going on in the body. The downfall is that is does not specifically analyze the stool for the extent of candida overgrowth in the actual digestive tract.
GI MAP Stool Analysis
The GI MAP stool analysis is a lab that directly observes the microbial balance of your stool. By observing the microbial and chemical balance of the stool, we get a good idea of what is going on inside the gut. The GI MAP specifically is one of the most comprehensive stool analysis tools currently available.
In addition to candida albicans, it also is able to detect a number of other microbial species like viruses, parasites, opportunistic bacteria, and even markers of inflammation. Sometimes addressing candida alone doesn’t work because there are a number of infections going on simultaneously.
The 5 Steps Critical for Beating Candida
Okay, now it is time to create a plan. It is one thing to just take anti-microbial and hope it helps – my intention is to help you create a comprehensive plan to attack this thing head on. The following steps are critical for making sure you take care of this Candida Albicans overgrowth once and for all.
Anti-Candida Nutrition: Avoid processed carbs, sugars, tap water, and meat or dairy raised with antibiotics (pasture-raised is ideal)
Natural Anti-Microbials: A combination of anti-microbial herbs, enzymes, probiotics, and binders will likely be needed to address the infection without suffering harsh die off side effects.
Support the Liver: The liver will need extra support during the healing process to get rid of die off byproducts.
Strengthen the Immune System: Taking steps to boost the immune system will help to fight off any residual candida that has made its way into the bloodstream.
Heal the Gut Lining: Healing the gut is critical for long-term success. We don’t want any more candida or undigested food getting into the bloodstream and over-activating the immune system.
Read more about these steps here: 5 Crucial Steps to Heal Candida Naturally
Top Herbs & Supplements to Beat Candida Albicans
The following list is comprised of some of the most effective compounds I have found clinically in regard to addressing candida albicans. They demonstrate a remarkable ability to inhibit the growth of not just candida, but a number of other unwanted visitors in the gut.
Using them as outlined in my personal protocol at the bottom of this article will help to ensure your infection is addressed as thoroughly as possible.
Oregon Grape Root
Oregon Grape root contains a plant alkaloid called berberine. Berberine has been shown in research to combat candida albicans by disrupting the cellular membrane (11). Berberine has demonstrated broad-range antimicrobial activity against a multitude of human pathogens.
Additionally, berberine is great for stabilizing blood sugar. During the initial stages of addressing candida, it is possible that sugar cravings will increase temporarily. Using berberine may be able to help with this side effect.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed is full of antioxidant bioflavonoids. One in particular, called hesperidin, is great for both boosting the immune system and anti-microbial activity.
A study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that this powerful extract was able to kill over 800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and many types of parasites (12).
Pau D Arco
Pau D’ Arco is a South American tree bark that is used to make tea and can be used in supplements. There are two active chemicals in pau d’arco called naphthoquinones; they are lapachol and beta-lapachone.
These compounds help to reduce inflammation, and they have strong anti-yeast, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic functions (13). Natives in South America have used Pau D’Arco to treat syphilis, fevers, fungal infections, dysentery, bacterial infections, and stomach and bladder disorders.
Caprylic Acid
This medium chain fatty acid is commonly found in coconut oil and has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Caprylic acid along with its derivates monocaprylin and sodium caprylate work to destroy the outer cell membrane of fungal species such as candida (14).
Using caprylic acid has been considered safer and less expensive than prescription anti-fungals and has other benefits such as improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system (15).
Oregano
Oregano is an extremely potent tool against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. It has even been shown in research to help combat antibiotic-resistant MRSA (16).
Oregano is also a powerful source of antioxidants along with other Italian herbs like basil and thyme (which also have anti-microbial activity)!
Ginger
Ginger can be helpful in the case of candida for several reasons. It is tremendously anti-inflammatory for the gut and can assist with many of the digestive complaints encountered with candida albicans overgrowth.
In addition to helping soothe inflammation and improving digestive upset, ginger actually has antifungal activity as well. For this combination of benefits, it is critical to include in your healing plan.
Turmeric
Turmeric, similar to ginger, is another powerful anti-inflammatory spice. Turmeric is excellent for upregulating detoxification in the liver and even disrupting microbial biofilms in the digestive tract.
The biofilm is a protective barrier that things like candida create to prevent being expelled. Using turmeric and some of the upcoming compounds is critical for disrupting this biofilm so the antimicrobials can really do their job.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract has demonstrated antifungal effects on candida albicans in addition to having powerful antiviral and immune-boosting benefits.
In fact, one of my go-to formulas for candida, Candida Elim, combines olive leaf extract with oregano, ginger, turmeric, and sodium caprylate which combine to fight candida and GI inflammation. This is one tool of many which I would recommend in the case of candida.
Probiotics
When employing antimicrobials to address candida overgrowth, it can be helpful to also use probiotics to assist with the restoration of healthy gut flora.
These flora will then have the opportunity to repopulate and provide a defense against a recurring candida albicans growth. You will see that this is a key part of my candida protocol. Our Candida product contains key probiotics to support the gut flora and fend off yeast overgrowth.
Digestive Enzymes
As has been mentioned a few times already in this article, candida has a tendency to develop a biofilm that protects itself within the gut. Breaking down this biofilm is an important part of getting rid of it fully.
In addition to some of the herbs mentioned so far, enzymes are excellent for breaking down biofilms. The Candida product contains cellulase and hemi-cellulase which are great for breaking through biofilm so that the other antimicrobial herbs can reach the candida albicans overgrowth.
In addition, it is wise to take digestive enzymes on an anti-Candida protocol. Digestive enzymes help to ensure that the food you are consuming gets broken into its smallest components and is easy on the digestive tract. Large food particles tend to get fermented in the gut and they are a source of food for yeast colonies to feast and thrive on. I put all my clients with yeast overgrowth on our Super D-Zyme enzymes with each meal.
Activated Charcoal
If you are going to target candida albicans, there will be some level of toxic waste that is released during the die-off. Depending on the extent of your infection and your detoxification abilities, you may or may not experience symptoms of die off.
Regardless, I always recommend using activated charcoal during this process to bind to toxins in the gut and help remove them before they become reabsorbed.
My Anti-Candida Protocol (60-days)
Gut Healing Protein: Take 2 scoops in a shake each day
Super D-Zyme: 2 caps with each meal
60 Day Protocol
Candida Elim: 1-2 Caps with each meal
Candida: 1-2 Caps with each meal
Activated Charcoal: 2-4 caps 90 mins after each meal and at least 90 minutes before using enzymes again
You can check out the Candida Support Pack here
Conclusion
Candida albicans is a normally occurring yeast in the digestive tract of humans. A number of different factors can throw off the normal balance of microbes in the gut, leading to a candida overgrowth.
If not addressed properly, this can lead to a number of side effects or more serious complications over time. This article provides you with a foundation for addressing a candida overgrowth using anti-microbials. This protocol goes well along with a gut healing protocol such as this one.
If you want to work with a functional health coach, I recommend this article with tips on how to find a great coach. On our website, we offer long-distance functional health coaching programs. For further support with your health goals, just reach out and our fantastic coaches are here to support your journey.
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I have two children with almost every symptom of candida who were given many antibiotics in infancy and as toddlers. They are now 12 and 15 and “sick” everyday with Gastrointestinal complaints, aches, itches, asthmas, etc to a degree these persistent symptoms effect their daily living and learning. They both also have dermatographia which I think is from high histamine and they take antihistamines daily for asthma and allergies. What parts of the Candida protocol would be safe for older children? It sounds like candid Elim would help them greatly. Would it be still be beneficial even without the full adult protocol?
Hey Laurie, so sorry to hear about this. Using just the Candida Elim would still be helpful, the full protocol along with the gut healing protocol would probably be best – just stick with lower dosages of the supplements over about a 3 month period!
How can i to by your products for protocol treatment of candida? I am from Azerbaijan
Hey doctor did your suppliments are available in all world ????? Bcoz for me am in Uganda
Hey Shifra, Yes, we do ship internationally! Please visit our FAQ’s page for more information: https://store.drjockers.com/pages/drjockers-com-store-faqs
Hello,
Your article mentions Candida can be passed on through sexual contact. Is that still possible if you are not experiencing any Candida symptoms in your genital area? Is Candida treament the same for men and women? Thank you.
Hi Rose, Genital Candida can be present without symptoms. Normalizing Candida levels is critical upon specific factors for both men and women. This article provides more information: https://drjockers.com/heal-candida-naturally/
How can I contact you
Are you from Nigeria?
Hello. Great article. I have a lot of symptoms. I’m breastfeeding my 10 month old and want to continue long term. Could I use all your supplements safely? Thanks, Sally Valley
Hi Sally, Sodium Caprylate may cause GI upset in nursing moms. Plant extracts may cause a reduction in breast milk in high quantities. For these reasons I do not recommend Candida Elim for nursing moms but you could use SBO Probiotic. I would recommend a healing diet rich in nutrients and cut out refined sugars. Read this article for more information: https://drjockers.com/heal-candida-naturally/
How to get rid of h pylori and candida forever. What diet or probiotics or natural herbs to keep in diet for healthy guts. First I had urine infection. After few day h pylori and h pylori is negative
Now but since 3 months my tounge and lips burning they think it’s from thyroid or from acid.. I decided to change my doctor. My new doctor told me that I have mouth candida. Fungal yeast infections. I have in both ribs dry mouth and throat all the time.i want to get heal naturally. Pain in last side above lower back.They think its muscle pain. Plz sir reply me back
Hey Raji, I am sorry to hear. This article offers information on an anti-inflammatory diet that can help: https://drjockers.com/candida-diet-heal-autoimmunity/. I also recommend working with a functional health practitioner that will customize a plan that works for you: https://drjockers.com/functional-nutrition-tips-to-find-a-great-health-coach/
How to get rid of h pylori and candida forever. What diet or probiotics or natural herbs to keep in diet for healthy guts. First I had urine infection. After few day h pylori positive and now with antibiotics h pylori is negative
Now but since 3 months my tounge and lips burning they first think it’s from thyroid or from acid.. I decided to change my doctor. My new doctor told me that I have mouth candida. Fungal yeast infections. I have pain in both ribs dry mouth and throat all the time.i want to get heal naturally. Pain in back side above lower back.They think its muscle pain. Plz sir reply me back
Hi I am 40 years old and after giving birth I have too many episodes of recurrent candida at vaginal level! I tried various natural cures but then returns. Almost chronic. It could help me ? I live in Sardinia
Hey Sarap, Yes, follow the recommendations in this article!
I did a comprehensive stool test in summer 2017 and tested positive for Candida Intermedia- is that any different from Albicans?
It is very similar Claire!
So would you recommend the same treatment protocol for Candida Intermedia?
Yes!
I have been HIV+ for 30+ years. I was sexually abused and raped as a kid and contracted the virus. I try and eat very well but I do have a lot of gut issues and many of the symptoms listed above. I take a lot of diflucan for yeast infections to no avail really. I am undetectable for 20 years but my t-cells hover around 300-350.
Will this work for me or am I doomed because of an already weak immune system?
I did have a DNA stool test done about 8 years ago and the only thing that was positive was Candida +4.
Hey Rev, I would try the supplements as it will help improve your situation.
I have been dealing with gut issues for over a decade. A few years ago an EGD revealed that I had two stomach ulcers that were perforated. Fast forward to this year, A ton of NSAID use for arthritis and neck pain resulted in emergency surgery in March to repair a hole in my stomach.. AND ALSO since late last summer I’ve been dealing with an itchy, itchy rash that went misdiagnosed for months.. until an ER Dr diagnosed me with scabies on THANKSGIVING DAY. With my weakened immune system and plethora of gut issues I was an easy unsuspecting target/victim/new host for these disgusting skin mites. All it took for me to get it was just a few moments of playing with/holding an infected child from my church last summer. The first few months I only had a few spider bite-looking spots come and go on my legs… I assumed I was getting eat up by spiders…By August I also had an extremely itchy red spot between my middle and ring finger on one hand that felt rough and scratchy like sandpaper and some extreme itching on my neck.. right under my chin. It was coming and going as well but got intolerable so I saw a dermatologist which was a fat waste of time money and energy. He was perplexed and said the only thing he thought it could be was that I wasn’t drying my hands completely after washing them. He never gave an account for the red itchy spot on neck. Hello… I now know those are primary areas for mites to go to… the spider bite looking spots were behind my knees and on ankles… other favorite places for mites to burrow. Any dermatologist worth his white coat should know this, however he never he mentioned scabies. Had i been properly diagnosed that day I truly believe I would not have landed in the er on Thanksgiving day with cellulitis/staph infection on right leg caused from scratching what I thought was a horrid spider bite and also a nasty rash developing on my torso/stomach/back/feet. I’ve been dealing with this for almost a year but only really bad since November… 7 months of pure torment all day every day… even worse at night. Seven months.. several dermatologist.. countless after hours clinic visits, er visits, pcp visits, several thousands of dollars, 22 rounds of ivermectin, 3 rounds premethrin cream, lbs and lbs of sulfur soap, sulfur powder, diatomaceous earth, essential oils..here i am… still plaqued and still suffering. At moment im the clearest I’ve ever been with it bc I’m using all the natural ingredients that I just listed last. I’ve hammered dwn hard with each one of them and have became OCD clean in the process yet I’m still not totally cleared. I’ve used multiple treatments at the same time to no avail.
Clearly unresponsive to ivermectin and premethrin made my symptoms 100 % worse each time I used it.. obviously a bad reaction was being had. I research scabies and scabies treatments every night bc scabies will not let you sleep at night and I ran across a forum or blog post where someone was talking about a connection between candida yeast overgrowth and poor immune/gut health and scabies. They said that if you have a yeast overgrowth and get scabies you will NEVER EVER get rid of the scabies… until the candida is wiped out first… that explains A Lot, if accurate, bc there is NO WAY I should still be suffering from this when I’ve done everything everything right. Can you please please elaborate on this… I am beyond desperate for help. I don’t know what else to do. I have done it all
So sorry to hear about this! I would recommend working with a functional health practitioner to get to the root cause of your problems and help you correct these. Here is a helpful article on how to find a good practitioner: https://drjockers.com/functional-nutrition-tips-to-find-a-great-health-coach/
I noticed you have been out of stock of GI Clear. As an option I’m interested in grapefruit seed extract. How many drops should I use in water and how many x per day?
Is it best on an empty stomach? Thank you
YOUR ARTICLE – [Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed is full of antioxidant bioflavonoids. One in particular, called hesperidin, is great for both boosting the immune system and anti-microbial activity. A study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that this powerful extract was able to kill over 800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and many types of parasites (12).]
Yes the typical recommendation for the liquid concentrate is 10–12 drops in 6–7 ounces of water one to three times daily with or without meals.
I have candida overgrowth bc of antibiotics use and I’m not having too many symptoms the only symptoms I have is gurgling noise and sometimes cramp in my intestines, I have used natural anti microbial but not totally cured is their any protocol to eliminate biofilm
I would like to add oregano oil in to my diet for a month. How much do I use ..and how often?
Hello Vickie,
Yes we recommend 60-120 mg – 2-3 times daily with meals. Here is the product we use in our clinic: https://store.drjockers.com/products/oreganx
Hello Dr Jockers,
How do you treat Candida spp?
Thanks!
This protocol in the article will help!
I would love to follow your protocol but I also have a histamine issue with Candida and Leaky Gut because of mold toxicity. I’m not sure which of your products I can take because of the histamine. Can you help me with this?
Sorry to hear this! With histamine issues, I recommend doing the Hista Response here: https://store.drjockers.com/products/hista-response
Hello, it’s Jillianne again. I forgot to add that I have a Major Oxalate issue as well as Histamine, Leaky Gut, and Candida because of Mold Toxicity. I would love to follow your Candida protocol but I’m not sure which of your products I can take because of the histamine and oxalate problem. Can you help me with this? I reside in Georgia.
Hello Jillianne, I would recommend working with one of our functional health coaches to customize a plan for you: https://drjockers.lpages.co/long-distance-coaching-dr-jockers/
Thank you! I’m on it.
My dentist told me I had candida. I have a white tongue. I have had it forever. Is it a different type? He told me to stop all sugar. Just eat meat and veggies, take oil of oregano and nystatin. I have not started it yet. Will anything else help. I am 52, my tongue has always been whitish – well for at least 45 or so years that I know of.
You may not need the Nystatin but the dietary strategies are key and taking anti-fungal herbs such as oil of oregano, garlic, berberine, grapefruit seed extract are very helpful!