What is Candida Treatment?
Candida is a yeast that lives harmlessly in the mouth, gut, skin and genital area of most people. The most common species is Candida albicans. Normally it is kept in balance by the other microorganisms in the gut and body flora and by the immune system.
When this balance is disrupted, Candida can overgrow and cause infections such as oral thrush, recurrent vaginal yeast infections, and fungal infections in skin folds and nails. Overgrowth in the gut is thought to be associated with complaints such as bloating, gas, strong cravings for sugary foods and fatigue.
Dr. Güzin Güntekin, a specialist in Medical Microbiology, served as a laboratory head for many years. The culture and laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections is one of the core subjects of her specialty.
How does it work?
The first step in treatment is the correct diagnosis: the necessary culture and blood tests are used to investigate whether the complaints are really caused by Candida or by something else. The necessary medical (antifungal) treatment is planned according to the diagnosis.
The complementary approach targets the ground that makes Candida overgrowth easier: an eating plan low in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates, supporting the gut flora with probiotics and prebiotics, treatments to strengthen immunity, and addressing triggers (unnecessary antibiotic use, uncontrolled blood sugar).
When is it used?
- Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
- Recurrent oral thrush
- Digestive complaints after long-term or frequent antibiotic use
- Bloating, gas and strong cravings for sugary foods
- Recurrent fungal infections in skin folds and nails
- Support during periods of weakened immunity
How is it done?
- 1Assessment of your complaints and medication and antibiotic history.
- 2Clarifying the diagnosis with the necessary laboratory tests (culture, blood tests, etc.).
- 3Creating a plan of medical treatment plus diet and flora support.
- 4Immune support and follow-up to prevent recurrence.
- Note the antibiotics, steroids and contraceptive pills you have taken in the last year.
- Bring previous culture, blood sugar and other test results.
- If a culture is to be taken, you will be told in advance whether to use antifungal creams or medication beforehand.
- Your complaints, how often they recur and your risk factors are assessed.
- An examination is carried out if needed and culture or blood tests are requested.
- Based on the results, a plan of medical treatment and diet–flora support is created together.
- It is usually recommended to follow the eating plan for 6–12 weeks; this period varies with the complaints and diagnosis.
- Probiotics and other supplements are used at the dose and for the duration recommended by the doctor.
- At follow-up consultations, complaints and, if needed, tests are reassessed.
Possible side effects
- Side effects of medication are explained separately according to the drug used.
- Temporary tiredness or changes in digestion may occur in the first days of dietary change.
- Mild gas and bloating may occur when starting probiotics.
Who is it not suitable for?
- High fever, chills or feeling generally unwell (urgent assessment is needed; outpatient complementary treatment is not suitable)
- Complementary methods alone in uncontrolled diabetes or severe immune deficiency (always monitored together with the relevant specialist)
- Certain medicines and supplements during pregnancy (after medical assessment)
Sources
- Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes DR, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62(4):e1–e50.
