How to Lose Weight Caused by Candida Overgrowth
Candida overgrowth is a common problem that can cause a range of symptoms, including weight gain. If you’re struggling to lose weight caused by Candida, there are steps you can take to help you get back on track.
What is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present in the body. It is usually kept in check by beneficial bacteria, but when the balance of bacteria is disrupted, Candida can overgrow and cause a range of symptoms.
One study found that individuals with obesity had an increased occurrence of Candida albicans. Moreover, Candida albicans, Candida kefyr, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa had a strong positive association with obesity, weight gain, and fat mass, while they had a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein and lean mass, which are indicators of weight loss.
Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Candida overgrowth can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- fatigue
- digestive issues
- skin problems,
- weight gain,
- Cravings for sugar and other carbohydrates can make it difficult to stick to a healthy diet.
Causes of Candida Overgrowth
The most common causes of Candida overgrowth are:
1. Antibiotic use – Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body, leading to an overgrowth of Candida.
2. Diet – A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause an overgrowth of Candida, as these types of food are easily converted into energy for the yeast to feed on.
3. Hormonal imbalances – This can be caused by changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, menopause, or due to the use of birth control pills.
4. Stress – Stress can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more susceptible to Candida overgrowth.
5. Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of Candida overgrowth, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
6. Other medications – Some medications can cause an overgrowth of Candida, such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and immunosuppressants.
How to Lose Weight Caused by Candida
If you’re struggling to lose weight caused by Candida, there are steps you can take to help you get back on track. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Follow a Low-Sugar/Low Simple Carbohydrates Diet
Eliminating sugar and other simple carbohydrates from your diet is essential for reducing Candida overgrowth. This means avoiding sugary foods and drinks, as well as processed foods that contain added sugar. It’s also important to limit your intake of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn.
2. Eat Plenty of Fiber
Eating plenty of fiber is important for reducing Candida overgrowth. Fiber helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which helps to keep Candida in check. Good sources of fiber include vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Nevertheless, if you have underlying SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) in addition to Candida or yeast overgrowth, certain types of fiber may make you feel bloated.
3. Take Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement can help to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut and reduce Candida overgrowth. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains a variety of beneficial bacteria strains. My favorite probiotic is the probiotic is Ther-Biotic® Factor 6 – Klaire Labs which mainly consists of Bifidobacterium species.
4. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut and make it easier for Candida to overgrow. If you’re trying to lose weight caused by Candida, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.
5. Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is important for overall health, and it can also help to reduce Candida overgrowth. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
7. Manage Stress
Stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut and make it easier for Candida to overgrow. Make sure to take time for yourself and practice stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce Candida overgrowth and lose weight. It’s also important to talk to your doctor if you’re struggling to lose weight, as there may be other underlying causes.
Source URLs:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/candida-overgrowth
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fiber-rich-foods
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33586805/
- Al-Assal K, Martinez AC, Torrinhas RS, Cardinelli C, Waitzberg D. Gut microbiota and obesity. Clin Nutr Exp. 2018;20:60-4.
- Abenavoli L, Scarpellini E, Colica C, Boccuto L, Salehi B, Sharifi-Rad J, et al. Gut microbiota and obesity: a role for probiotics. Nutrients. 2019;11:2690.