Many people are surprised to learn that candida overgrowth is common among patients, including those being treated with functional medicine from Toronto.

But according to the journal ISRN dermatology, candida “has been regarded as the most common causative agent in human fungal infections.”

When your body’s healthy bacteria or immune system is disturbed, additional candida can thrive in the body. Consequently, candida overgrowth can cause body stress and mayhem, such as vaginal yeast infections, nail fungal infections, unexpected weight loss, and hindrances to brain health and bodily functions.

Do you suspect that candida is affecting your wellness? Read on to learn about candida, the functional medicine approach to treating it, and how to reach the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre for help.

Understanding Candida Overgrowth and the Functional Medicine Model

Candida is a type of yeast that aids with digestion by helping break down food and absorbing nutrients for optimal health. Trace amounts of this yeast are found in the mouth, skin, a woman’s vagina, and large and small intestines.

Candida is situated in the gut microbiome, where levels of candida and “good” and “bad” bacteria are balanced. When this balance is impeded, candida can flourish and cause candidiasis (yeast overgrowth), resulting in various symptoms, including:

• Vaginal yeast infections
• UTIs, vaginal itching
• Excessive fatigue
• Digestive issues (i.e. constipation)
• Cravings for sugary foods or carbohydrates
• Mental health struggles (i.e. mood swings, brain fog, anxiety, depression, memory and concentration issues)
• Psoriasis, eczema, skin rashes
• Heavy seasonal allergies

Candida overgrowth can disrupt homeostasis by harming the cellular walls of the gut. This yeast has the ability to alter its shape, which allows it to survive tough surroundings. Thus, that’s how candida overgrowth can evolve from the gut to the rest of the body.

According to the functional medicine model, integrative care for patients should treat each patient as a unique being. Patients can individually trigger yeast overgrowth if they over-consume antibiotics, eat a sugary diet, drink excessive alcohol, or have stressful lifestyle factors. Candida overgrowth also tends to appear alongside other health conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and an autoimmune condition (i.e. ulcerative colitis).

With that, a personalized medicine plan with an evidence-based approach could help alleviate candida overgrowth; this can be conducted with a functional medicine doctor.

How Do You Test for and Treat Candida Overgrowth in Toronto?

If you were to consult with a functional medicine provider about candida, they may suggest functional medicine testing. The results from these tests could help identify the root cause of yeast overgrowth. Some of the tests may include:

• DUTCH hormone testing: Did you know that high estrogen levels could trigger candida overgrowth? This test may be advised for measuring hormones and how your body absorbs them. If hormone imbalances are noted on your test, your health care provider can build a hormonal health treatment plan to lessen yeast overgrowth.
• Candida antibodies test: This blood test can quantify IgG, IgA, and IgM candida antibodies; elevated levels tend to exhibit candida overgrowth. Keep in mind that candida overgrowth can suppress your immune function. So if your immune system is already weak and the candida blood test result is negative, there’s a chance you still have candida overgrowth.
• Yeast Culture Stool: unlike conventional medicine, this functional medicine yeast test could assist with finding abnormal levels of particular yeast in your stool. Along with this test, an antimicrobial susceptibility test would be conducted to verify if fungi/fungus might be susceptible to specific medications or natural herbs to eliminate them. This analysis is imperative for planning treatments, especially for patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal symptoms. 

After lab testing has been conducted, a comprehensive treatment plan can be tailored for your needs. Functional medicine treatments that target yeast overgrowth are based on scientific evidence and may include: strengthening the immune system; diet and lifestyle changes; the use of antimicrobials, essential oils, and/or medications; and probiotics.

Overall, lab testing can aid functional medicine providers in addressing each patient’s uniqueness and long-term health. Let’s get you started on your path to wellness at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.

Contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

Candida overgrowth can cause individual symptoms, sometimes even affecting brain function and digestive health. Our functional medicine private practice and clinical care can help you tackle yeast with a wide range of strategies. Here’s your chance to reach optimal wellness with personalized treatment plans!

Our integrative approaches in treatment are available for in-person and virtual consultations, for both chronic and acute health issues. Some of the modalities we use include: allopathic medicine, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture for pain relief, IV vitamin therapy for chronic conditions, oxidative stress, and cellular function, and naturopathy. Functional medicine testing is also available at our clinical practice.

Is candida overgrowth affecting your wellness? Let’s find out and customize a comprehensive treatment medicine plan. Call (416) 968-6961 to book your session for functional medicine from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

 

References:

Brown D. Probiotics: Key Players in Female Genitourinary Tract Health. Naturopathic Doctor News and Review. https://ndnr.com/womens-health/probiotics-key-players-in-female-genitourinary-tract-health/. Published December 3, 2018. Accessed February 27, 2019.

Gates D, Schatz L. The Body Ecology Diet: Recovering Your Health and Rebuilding Your Immunity. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House; 2011.

Hudson T. Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2008.

Kumamoto CA. Inflammation and gastrointestinal Candida colonization. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2011;14(4):386-391. doi:10.1016/j.mib.2011.07.015

Miazga A, et al. Current views on the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnostics, treatment and correlation with other nosological entities of SIBO. Adv Med Sci. 2015 Mar;60(1):118-24.

Raz-Pasteur, A et al. “The pathogenesis of Candida infections in a human skin model: scanning electron microscope observations.” ISRN dermatology vol. 2011 (2011): 150642. doi:10.5402/2011/150642