What Does It Mean?
Candidiasis is an overgrowth of Candida yeast, primarily Candida albicans, in the gut, vaginal flora, and systemic circulation. In functional medicine, chronic Candida infections are linked to immune dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, hormonal imbalances, and high sugar consumption. The Candidiasis Protocol - Female focuses on restoring microbiome balance, enhancing immune response, and reducing fungal overgrowth naturally.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
• High Sugar & Processed Food Intake – Feeds Candida and disrupts gut microbiota balance.
• Frequent Antibiotic Use – Kills beneficial bacteria, allowing Candida overgrowth.
• Chronic Stress & Elevated Cortisol – Weakens the immune system, promoting yeast proliferation.
• Imbalanced Hormones (High Estrogen, Low Progesterone) – Estrogen dominance enhances Candida overgrowth.
• Weak Gut Barrier & Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) – Allows Candida toxins to enter circulation, causing systemic inflammation.
• Weakened Immune Function – Poor immune response fails to regulate yeast levels.
• Oral Contraceptive Use – Alters vaginal microbiota, creating an environment for yeast infections.
Signs & Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth in Women:
• Chronic vaginal yeast infections (itching, discharge, irritation)
• GI symptoms: bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation
• White-coated tongue (oral thrush)
• Brain fog, fatigue, difficulty concentrating
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Intense sugar cravings
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or recurrent bladder infections
• Skin rashes or fungal infections (athlete’s foot, nail fungus)
Lab Test Findings
(Note: Additional labs can be included for a more comprehensive assessment within this protocol)
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Albumin | Decreased | 4.50-5.00 g/dL |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Decreased | 45.00-100.00 IU/L |
| ALT (SGPT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| AST (SGOT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen | Positive | Negative |
| Total Bilirubin | Increased | 0.20-1.00 mg/dL |
| BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) | Increased | 12.00-20.00 mg/dL |
| Calcium | Altered | 8.90-9.50 mg/dL |
| Candida Antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM) | Increased | Negative |
| Homocysteine | Increased | < 8.00 µmol/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
The goal is to eliminate Candida overgrowth, restore gut microbiome balance, and enhance immune resilience.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports gut microbiome & immune function | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | Electrolyte balance & hydration support | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Prevents bacterial adhesion to gut lining | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Supports digestion & enzymatic function | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Candid | Antifungal & microbiome support | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Mitochondrial & cardiovascular support | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Hormonal & detoxification support | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Immune system support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant & cellular detoxification | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Neurotransmitter & adrenal support | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation & energy production | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function & relaxation | 2 capsule with or without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Supports gut lining & joint health | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Immunoglobulin support for gut healing | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Antioxidant & gut barrier protection | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Comprehensive probiotic support | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Immune & antioxidant support | ¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports microbiome balance | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Nitric oxide & vascular health support | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
• Eliminate Candida Triggers – Avoid sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and processed foods.
• Incorporate Antifungal Foods – Consume garlic, coconut oil, oregano, ginger, and turmeric to naturally suppress Candida.
• Increase Fiber Intake – Supports gut motility and elimination of yeast toxins.
• Optimize Gut Health – Use probiotics and fermented foods to restore healthy bacterial balance.
• Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep – Chronic stress weakens immune defense against Candida.
• Support Detox Pathways – Increase hydration, sweating (sauna or exercise), and liver-supportive nutrients.