What Is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast (fungus) that naturally lives in your mouth, gut, skin, and other warm, moist areas of the body. Most of the time, it’s harmless and kept in balance by your immune system and the good bacteria in your gut.
But when candida grows too much, it can cause infections—commonly called candidiasis.
Why Candida Matters
Candida is normal, but overgrowth can lead to problems such as:
- 👅 Oral thrush → White patches in the mouth or throat
- 👩🦰 Yeast infections → Itching, discharge, and discomfort
- 🦶 Skin infections → Red, itchy rashes in folds of the skin
- 💩 Digestive issues → Bloating, diarrhea, or discomfort if gut balance is disrupted
What Causes Candida Overgrowth?
- 🍬 Eating too much sugar or refined carbs (candida feeds on sugar)
- 💊 Antibiotic use (kills good bacteria that normally keep candida in check)
- 😰 High stress (weakens immunity)
- 🤰 Pregnancy or hormone changes
- ⚕️ Weakened immune system
How to Keep Candida in Balance
- 🥦 Eat a balanced diet with less sugar and refined carbs
- 🥛 Include probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) to support gut health
- 🧘 Manage stress to support your immune system
- 🚶 Stay active and maintain healthy habits
- 💊 Only use antibiotics when truly needed (as prescribed)
When to See a Doctor
If you have recurring yeast infections, persistent thrush, or severe digestive issues, it’s important to seek medical care. Sometimes candida overgrowth signals a bigger health issue.
Fun Fact 🌟
Candida normally lives in harmony with your body—it only becomes a problem when the balance is thrown off, kind of like weeds taking over a garden.