The 7 Main Root Causes of Candida Yeast Infections Explained Naturally
Many potential causes can lead to Candida overgrowth, including a high-sugar diet, antibiotics, long-term stress, oral contraceptives, chemical exposure, and diabetes. Typically, two or more of these triggers are responsible. Let’s delve into the primary causes of Candida overgrowth and infection.
What Causes Overgrowth? Understanding The Key Triggers
A high-sugar diet combined with antibiotics, for instance, significantly increases the likelihood of Candida overgrowth. Similarly, the combination of a high-stress job and nighttime wine consumption can lead to recurrent urinary tract and vaginal yeast infections, especially when regular antibiotics or antifungal drugs like Fluconazole are used.
Article of Interest: What Are Fungi
It’s important to understand that most people already have Candida albicans in their digestive systems. This yeast is a natural component of a healthy gut, aiding in digestion and overall health.
When people mention Candida issues, they are referring to an overgrowth of this yeast. So, what triggers a Candida yeast infection if the yeast naturally occurs in the body?
The general consensus highlights a combination of medical, lifestyle, and dietary factors as the main catalysts for Candida overgrowth.
Net’s now discuss the several main reasons a person becomes more susceptible to developing a Candida yeast overgrowth, we’ll look at a brief list as an overview, then take a deep dive into each of these 7 common causes.
Here are the most common causes of Candida overgrowth or infection:
A combination of these factors is often responsible for Candida infections, emphasising the importance of addressing both underlying medical issues and lifestyle choices.
Key Articles
1. Hospital or Health Care Treatment
Candida Risks in Hospitals
Patients with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to Candida infections in healthcare settings. However, even individuals with relatively healthy immune systems can develop yeast-related issues, as observed in clinical cases.
Several factors contribute to the risk of contracting a yeast infection in healthcare settings. Catheters, used to administer medications or fluids, can facilitate Candida entry into the bloodstream, leading to fungal infection.
Treatment of cuts, wounds, or burns, especially deep ones, also poses a risk, allowing Candida to enter the body.
Hospital-acquired Candida infections range from minor skin conditions to severe illnesses like fungal pneumonia.
Factors that increase this risk include:
The emergence of Candida auris, a multi-drug-resistant species, has added complexity to hospital infection control. Known for its ability to survive on hospital surfaces, Candida auris has caused numerous outbreaks globally (Sabino et al., 2020).
Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Increased Candida Susceptibility
Cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy significantly heighten the risk of Candida overgrowth. This is primarily due to the secretion of hydrolase enzymes (e.g., phospholipase) by Candida hyphae, which expose the body to harmful mycotoxins.
Mucositis and Candida
A common side effect of cancer treatments is mucositis, a painful inflammation of the mouth or gut, which makes patients more susceptible to oral candidiasis.
Radiation Therapy and Candida
Research shows that radiation therapy-induced mucositis is primarily caused by Candida albicans, with prolonged treatment revealing additional species.
Key Take-Aways
2. Pharmaceutical Drugs
Many pharmaceutical medications have been linked to the development of yeast infections in individuals of all ages, including men, women, and children. These infections are often an overlooked side effect of commonly prescribed drugs, with women being particularly prone due to hormonal and physiological factors.
Four types of drugs are specifically linked with causing fungal infections. Corticosteroids (link), Birth control pills (link), TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors (link), and antibiotic drugs (link) have all been linked in multiple studies and can increase your chances of getting a fungal infection.
Medications can disrupt the body’s natural microbial balance, creating an environment that allows Candida species to thrive. While many drugs are essential for managing chronic conditions or acute illnesses, their unintended impact on the immune system and microbial flora can lead to fungal overgrowth.
Women, in particular, are more susceptible because of the hormonal fluctuations that can further destabilise the delicate balance of vaginal and gut flora, especially when combined with the effects of certain medications like the oral contraceptive pill or hormonal preparations.
These issues underscore the need for increased awareness among patients and healthcare providers about the potential for fungal infections as a side effect of pharmaceutical treatments.
Link Between Medications and Yeast Infections
Many pharmaceutical medications are associated with causing yeast infections in men, women, and children. Side effects, including fungal infections, are especially common among women. Four drug categories are notably linked to fungal infections:
Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids)
Increased Candida Risk: Corticosteroids, used to treat inflammatory conditions like asthma, arthritis, and psoriasis, suppress immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to fungal infections. These infections can occur in various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, lungs, gut, or genitourinary system. Because of their inhibitory effects on multiple types of immune cells, glucocorticoids are remarkably good in managing many of the acute symptoms of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (Chatham et al., 2001). But this immune-suppression comes at a cost – an increased risk of fungal infection.
Patients with long-term corticosteroid use may control their symptoms but often develop significant side effects, including serious fungal infections. The dose and duration of use are critical factors influencing the severity of these side effects. A recent study of 1.5 million U.S. patients found that one in five had used oral corticosteroids short-term over three years. After just one month of use, the risk of acute adverse events like sepsis and fractures increased by two- to five-fold (Waljee et al., 2017). The long-term use of corticosteroids for skin problems has been linked with serious withdrawal side-effects (Gov.uk).
Key Take-Aways
Fluconazole Antifungal Therapy
Fungal resistance to antifungal drugs like Fluconazole can occur due to prolonged treatment duration or inadequate drug dosage. Over time, this resistance becomes a significant challenge, as fungi adapt and evolve mechanisms to evade the effects of these medications (Vitiello et al., 2023).
A 2014 study highlighted the potential role of Fluconazole therapy as a contributing factor to the development of non-Candida albicans Candida infections, suggesting the need for more careful consideration when prescribing this treatment (Tyczkowska-Sieron et al., 2014).
Similarly, a study identified specific genes and mutations in Candida albicans that increase resistance to Fluconazole in clinical settings (Berkow et al., 2017).
It’s also important to note that some fungal species are inherently resistant to certain antifungal drugs. For instance, Fluconazole is ineffective against Aspergillus species. Additionally, repeated or prolonged exposure to antifungal medications can promote resistance, making infections more challenging to treat.
Key Takeaways
Oral Contraceptive Pill
Link Between Oestrogen and Candida Overgrowth
Research has shown a clear connection between oestrogen dominance and Candida overgrowth. Oral contraceptives, which increase oestrogen levels in the body, can raise the risk of yeast infections, particularly vaginal yeast infections. Elevated oestrogen levels create an environment conducive to excessive yeast growth, though the degree of susceptibility varies among women.
Over the past several years, studies have consistently demonstrated that oestrogen promotes faster growth and survival rates of Candida yeast. For instance, a 2000 study revealed that oestrogen directly stimulated Candida’s growth and enhanced its survival (Zhang et al., 2000). More recently, a study found that oestrogen increases fungal virulence by helping Candida albicans evade the innate immune system (Kumwenda et al., 2023).
Additionally, the primary form of oestrogen during reproductive years, 17-β-estradiol, has been shown to support Candida’s transformation from its oval bud form into its filamentous (hyphae) form, which is more invasive (Cheng et al., 2006).
Oestrogen Fluctuations and Infections
Many women notice an increase in yeast infections before their menstrual cycle. This is linked to changes in oestrogen levels, which peak before the cycle and decline toward the end. Similarly, menopause, with its fluctuating oestrogen levels, can increase susceptibility to vaginal yeast infections. Lower oestrogen levels during menopause may cause vaginal dryness and tissue damage, further heightening the risk of infection.
Oral Contraceptives and Risk
Older contraceptive pills with higher doses of oestrogen were particularly associated with increased yeast infection risk. Women experiencing recurrent yeast infections while on birth control should consult their gynaecologist or primary care physician to explore alternative contraceptive options. Lower-oestrogen pills or non-hormonal methods may help reduce the frequency of infections.
Key Takeaways
TNF Inhibitors and Fungal Infections
What Are TNF Inhibitors?
TNF inhibitors, often referred to as biologics, are pharmaceutical drugs designed to target inflammation. These medications are commonly prescribed for managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. By suppressing inflammation, TNF inhibitors provide relief from pain and other debilitating symptoms associated with these conditions.
Fungal Infections and TNF Inhibitors
While TNF inhibitors are effective in controlling inflammation, their immuno-modulating properties increase susceptibility to infections, particularly invasive fungal infections (Arnold et al., 2009). Over the years, their widespread use has coincided with a rise in reports of fungal complications. Chronic psoriasis patients and those experiencing poorly controlled pain are among the most frequent users of these medications.
Warnings and Observations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a “black box” warning in 2008, explicitly alerting healthcare providers to the heightened risk of fungal infections in patients using TNF inhibitors. These warnings emphasize the importance of monitoring patients closely for signs of infections during treatment (Ali et al., 2013).
From my clinical experience, I observed a growing trend in TNF inhibitor prescriptions over the past two decades before my retirement in 2019. Many patients reported recurrent fungal issues during or after treatment with these biologics, highlighting the need for careful management.
Key Takeaways
Antibiotics and Their Impact on Candida Overgrowth
The Role of Antibiotics
In my clinical experience, antibiotics are the most frequent cause of Candida overgrowth. While antibiotics can be life-saving in cases such as bacterial meningitis or pneumonia, they are often prescribed unnecessarily for trivial complaints, such as a sore throat or common cold.
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have become significant contributors to antibiotic resistance and gut health issues.
Data that is yet published from the CDC, shows that over 50 percent of antibiotic prescriptions written for patients in an outpatient clinic may be unnecessary or even inappropriate. (MNT)
Here are common reasons your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic:
Did you know that probiotics can even work better than antibiotics? Based on a pilot study results, the probiotic used in the study worked better than an antibiotic called Metronidazole, in patients with chronic abdominal distension and SIBO. (Soifer et al., 2010).
How Antibiotics Contribute to Candida Overgrowth
When antibiotics are administered, they not only kill harmful bacteria causing infections but also destroy beneficial bacteria in the gut. This disruption creates an environment where Candida and other resistant organisms can flourish. A 2016 study found antibiotics profoundly reshape the gut microbiome, leading to increased populations of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Candida albicans (Raymond et al., 2016).
Prolonged or repeated courses of antibiotics exacerbate these effects, leaving some individuals with seemingly untreatable gut issues. Research from healthy volunteers in Germany, the USA, and Sweden demonstrated that antibiotic treatment increases Candida albicans populations while reducing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Antibiotics in Food
The agricultural use of antibiotics is another critical contributor to antibiotic resistance and Candida overgrowth. Many non-organic animal products contain residual antibiotics, which make their way into our diets. Studies have highlighted the role of antibiotics in livestock farming in creating resistant microorganisms, posing a significant public health risk (Landers et al., 2012).
In the EU, antibiotics in livestock feed are banned, but countries like the USA still use them extensively to promote animal growth and reduce disease. Over half of all antibiotics in America are used in livestock. Consuming organic animal products is one way to avoid exposure to these residues and support gut health.
Alternatives and Precautions
Doctors in Western countries have become more cautious in prescribing antibiotics, yet overprescription remains common globally. If antibiotics are necessary, ensure the shortest possible course is taken, followed by a recovery plan that includes a healthy diet and probiotics to restore gut flora.
Key Takeaways
Time and again I’ve heard patients in our clinic make this statement:
I’ve never felt truly well since taking antibiotics
—A recurring and chronic gut case Patient –
3 – Immunodeficiency and Fungal Infections
What is “Immunodeficiency”?
Immunodeficiency refers to a weakened or compromised immune system that makes individuals more vulnerable to infections, including fungal infections.
This condition can result from:
Individuals with immunodeficiency often experience frequent, severe, or prolonged bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They may also develop secondary conditions like autoimmune disorders or cancers due to their weakened immune state (Lanternier et al., 2013).
Fungal Infections in Immunodeficient Individuals
Fungal infections are less common than bacterial or viral infections in immunodeficient patients, but they can result in severe illness or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Common fungi causing infections in these individuals include:
Primary vs. Secondary Immunodeficiency
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Fungal infections in immunodeficient patients are often under-diagnosed due to their rarity and the overlapping symptoms with bacterial or viral infections. The low prevalence of primary immunodeficiencies in the general population further complicates clinical research, making it challenging to develop targeted diagnostic or therapeutic protocols.
Key Takeaways
4. Chronic Stress or Anxiety
The Link Between Stress and Candida
Scientific research has established a connection between chronic stress or anxiety and Candida yeast infections. A study by Meyer, Goettlicher, and Mendling in Germany identified stress as a primary cause of chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (Meyer et al., 2006).
Their study, involving 309 women, found that stress was a significant psychosocial factor driving Candida vaginal yeast infections, and they emphasised that traditional antifungal therapy only addresses symptoms, not underlying causes.
A Swedish study by Ehrström in 2005 revealed that women with chronic vaginal yeast infections exhibited low morning cortisol levels, a marker of chronic stress, compared to women without infections (Ehrström et al 2005).
A later study by Ehrström study showed higher degree of perceived stress in women with recurring chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis compared with healthy women (Ehrström et al 2007).
How Stress Contributes to Candida Overgrowth
Higher Cortisol Production
Altered Stomach Environment
Immune Suppression
Reduced Mucus and Saliva Production
Lower Antibody Levels
Gut Microflora Disruption
Key Takeaways
5. Diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to Candida infections. Research shows that diabetics are more prone to fungal infections, which are also harder to treat due to biofilm formation (Rodrigues et al., 2019).
A high glucose environment can impair the ability of antifungal drugs to work. Glucose directly promotes antifungal drug-resistance in the fungal pathogen Candida, according to research (Mandal et al., 2014).
Poorly controlled diabetes creates a high-glucose environment that fuels Candida growth. A 1990 review by Hostetter found that excess glucose makes Candida more virulent by triggering proteins that block immune responses (Hostetter et al., 1990).
High glucose also reduces the effectiveness of antifungal drugs, as shown in a 2014 study.
Glucose promotes Candida’s invasive hyphal form, as proposed by a key study (Buu and Chun Chen 2014). Additionally, a 2009 study by Rodaki et al. demonstrated that glucose activates Candida’s stress response, making it more resistant to immune defences. Poorly managed diabetes, therefore, provides ideal conditions for Candida to thrive and resist treatment.
6. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence Candida growth, both through internal and external factors. Estrogen and progesterone, in particular, play key roles in modulating Candida’s virulence and ability to colonise the body.
External and Internal Hormonal Influences
External factors such as endocrine disruptors—including pesticides, herbicides like glyphosate, and phytoestrogens—can interfere with hormonal balance. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills may contribute to conditions that favor Candida overgrowth.
Oral Contraceptive Pill
A study involving 270 women found women who use contraceptive pills were more likely to suffer from Candida infection of the vagina than those who did not use it (84.1% vs. 15.9%) (Salih 2021).
Internal factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and shifts in gut microbiota can also impact hormone levels, indirectly creating an environment where Candida can thrive.
Estrogen’s Role in Candida Virulence
Progesterone’s Protective Effects
Understanding these hormonal interactions is essential in managing Candida overgrowth, particularly for those experiencing hormonal imbalances due to lifestyle, medication, or endocrine disruptors.
7. Lifestyle Factors and Diet
Your lifestyle choices and dietary habits play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut flora. Candida overgrowth often results from a combination of factors, including stress, poor sleep, medications, excessive sugar intake, and inactivity. While many people focus on diet alone, overlooking lifestyle factors can make it difficult to fully recover.
Let’s dive deeper into the impact of lifestyle and diet on Candida overgrowth:
The Importance of a Balanced Approach
Many people trying to overcome Candida, SIBO, IBS, and IBD, focus heavily on their diet and what they eat, while neglecting lifestyle habits that may be contributing to their condition.
Conversely, others prioritise fitness or stress management while making poor dietary choices. True recovery requires a holistic approach, balancing both diet and lifestyle.
For instance, you might:
These imbalances can create an environment where Candida thrives, making it essential to focus on both what you eat and how you live.
The Impact of Lifestyle on Candida Growth
Excessive Screen Time and Sedentary Behaviour
A study found that children who spent more than two hours daily on screens had higher BMI, sleep disturbances, depression, lower physical activity, and poor eating habits – it’s highly likely that the same applies to adults (Kamaladdine et al., 2022).
Similarly, a study on social media’s impact on diet highlighted how digital influences can drive unhealthy food choices. Researchers recommended that healthcare professionals screen adolescents for social media usage and educate them about its potential risks (Dwyer et al., 2018).
Long hours behind a screen often correlate with poor dietary habits, stress, and lack of movement, all of which contribute to Candida overgrowth.
A Diet High in Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Consuming excessive refined carbs—such as white sugar, white flour, and alcohol—feeds Candida. Common culprits include:
These foods spike blood sugar levels, creating an ideal environment for Candida to flourish.
High Blood Glucose Levels
Even if you’re not diabetic, fluctuating blood sugar can make it easier for Candida to attach to cells (Pattnaik et al., 2020). Irregular eating patterns—such as skipping meals or binge eating—can disrupt glucose stability, weakening immune function.
Studies indicate that high blood sugar affects immune response, making the body less capable of fighting off yeast infections. Additionally, excess sugar in blood leads to higher sugar levels in saliva, sweat, and urine, encouraging Candida growth in areas like the mouth, skin, urinary tract, and genitals.
Lack of Sleep Weakens Immunity
Chronic sleep deprivation compromises immune function, reducing the body’s ability to control Candida. A study confirmed that sleep loss significantly alters our immune responses (Krueger et al., 2016).
Moreover, sleep patterns are closely linked to gut health. Your gut microbiota is influenced by your circadian rhythm, stress, diet, and exercise, all of which affect Candida growth.
Tight Clothing and Candida Growth
Wearing tight or synthetic clothing, especially underwear, can trap moisture and create a warm, damp environment ideal for Candida overgrowth. A study suggested that tight clothing increases the risk of candidiasis by limiting airflow and fostering yeast-friendly conditions (Elegbe et al., 1982).
We’ll explore this topic further in our men’s and women’s health sections.
Final Thoughts
Overcoming Candida overgrowth requires a balanced lifestyle and diet. Simply eating well isn’t enough if you’re not addressing lifestyle factors such as sleep, movement, and stress management. Likewise, staying active doesn’t compensate for a diet high in refined sugars or processed foods.
By focusing on both what you eat and how you live, you create the best possible environment for long-term gut health and Candida recovery. We expand a lot more on this topics and so much more under the men’s and women’s section in this website.
Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.
