From the Guidelines
Functional Medicine treatment for gastrointestinal candida overgrowth should prioritize a comprehensive approach focusing on dietary changes, antifungal agents, and lifestyle modifications to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes. When considering treatment options, it's essential to note that the provided evidence 1 primarily discusses the management of candidiasis, including candidemia and invasive candidiasis, rather than specifically addressing gastrointestinal candida overgrowth. However, the principles of treatment can be applied, focusing on antifungal therapy and supportive care.
Key Components of Treatment
- Dietary changes: A low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet is recommended, eliminating refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and added sugars while focusing on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Antifungal agents: Options include caprylic acid, oregano oil, berberine, and garlic extract. Prescription antifungals like nystatin or fluconazole may be considered in severe cases.
- Lifestyle modifications: Stress management, adequate sleep, and reducing environmental toxin exposure are crucial for preventing recurrence.
- Probiotics: Containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species to help restore gut flora balance.
- Biofilm disruptors: Such as N-acetyl cysteine may enhance treatment effectiveness.
Treatment Duration and Monitoring
The treatment typically lasts 4-12 weeks, depending on symptom severity. Improvement should be monitored through symptom resolution and, in some cases, follow-up stool testing.
Given the lack of direct evidence from 1 on gastrointestinal candida overgrowth, the approach is based on general principles of managing candidiasis and functional medicine practices, prioritizing patient outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the Research
Treatment of GI Candida Overgrowth
- The treatment of GI candida overgrowth can be achieved through a combination of antifungal medication and dietary modification, as shown in a pilot study 2.
- The study found that patients who adhered to a diet modification during and after treatment with nystatin had better outcomes than those who did not modify their diet.
- The diet modification included avoiding certain foods that can exacerbate candida overgrowth, such as purified wheat flour products, and increasing consumption of healthier alternatives, such as whole grains and saturated fatty acids found in cheese 3.
Antifungal Medication
- Oral nystatin is an effective therapy for many patients with GI candida overgrowth, but other antifungal agents may be needed in extensive or persistent disease, especially in immunocompromised patients 4.
- The susceptibility of Candida to antifungal drugs can be determined using tests such as the FUNGITEST™ Kit, which can help guide treatment decisions 3.
Probiotics and Pharmabiotics
- Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, can be useful in modulating the human microbiota and treating digestive disorders, including GI candida overgrowth 5, 6.
- Lactobacillus spp. have been shown to have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health, and further research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which they exert these effects and to gauge their inter-individual value 6.