Candida Overgrowth: My Triggers and Symptoms

I am breaking down what exactly Candida overgrowth is, the triggers that caused mine, and the physical and mental signs that showed I had Candida overgrowth.

Living with Candida overgrowth is like battling a silent intruder that wreaks havoc on both the body and mind. It took me a couple of years of confusion, suffering, and misdiagnoses before finally uncovering the truth behind my IBS symptoms. I wanted to share my personal journey with Candida overgrowth, shedding light on what my triggers and symptoms were, how I discovered I had it, and the steps I took to reclaim my health.

Understanding Candida Overgrowth

Candida, also known as Candida albicans, is a naturally occurring yeast in our body. It can be found in different systems in our body, including our digestive tract. For most people, they live in peace with this fungus, and it never causes an ounce of harm. However, some lifestyle factors can shift the delicate balance between the yeast and other microorganisms in your gut, leading to an overgrowth of Candida.

Everyone's triggers for Candida overgrowth can be different, but mine were certainly influenced by key lifestyle factors:

1. Weakened Immune System

Growing up, I was constantly getting sick from seasonal allergies and respiratory infections. I was often susceptible to the flu, stomach bug, or strep throat - whatever was going around in school that year. I have taken probably over 10 rounds of antibiotics since I was a kid. The overuse of antibiotics has weakened my immune system over time, making me susceptible to Candida overgrowth.

2. High Sugar and Processed Foods Diet

3. Birth Control

4. Imbalance in the Gut

The Severity of Symptoms: The Physical Symptoms

Before I was diagnosed with Candida overgrowth, I was a seemingly healthy, 21-year-old who just returned from a study abroad program in Italy. My symptoms arrived slowly, like infrequent constipation/diarrhea, feeling queasy after a meal, and even not feeling hungry. After about 6 months of minor disturbances, my physical symptoms began to intensify.

1. Digestive Issues

Digestive issues were the main driver of my Candida overgrowth symptoms. I had persistent bloating, nausea with every meal, stomach cramps, inability to go to the bathroom, going to the bathroom too much, and was really gassy. I could not eat a meal and enjoy it without some digestive disturbance. In fact, sometimes I wouldn't eat at all and would still experience bloating and nausea.

2. Recurring Yeast Infections

3. Skin Issues

The Severity of Symptoms: The Mental Symptoms

Candida overgrowth does not stop with the physical symptoms, no. That would be too easy! It was affecting my mental well-being, too.

1. Severe Migraines, Fatigue, and Brain Fog

I had been susceptible to migraines in the past, but during this period I would experience migraines and migraine-related-nausea more frequently. I often had to take time off of work to combat these 24–48-hour migraine episodes. I was also chronically exhausted, no matter how much I slept or coffee I drank. There was no sense of mental clarity, and I just did not feel present.

2. Trouble Sleeping

3. Stress and Anxiety Peaked

4. Moody and Low Energy

For almost a year and a half, I endured these worrisome symptoms without a clear diagnosis. It wasn't until I started working with a holistic chiropractor and took a comprehensive gut microbiome test, that I was able to take back control. I embarked on a journey towards healing and ridding my body of Candida overgrowth.

Learn more about how I tested for Candida overgrowth and the protocol I used to manage my symptoms.