With an estimated 70% of the population suffering from Candida overgrowth, there may be a high likelihood that this fungus is the culprit behind your unwanted weight gain.

Candida Albicans is a type of fungus that is naturally present in our body, primarily in the gut. However, certain lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in sugar and processed foods, can cause the yeast to proliferate beyond normal levels, leading to a variety of health issues, including weight gain.

What is Candida Overgrowth?

Candida overgrowth is when there is an imbalance of beneficial bacteria and harmful microbes in the gut.

This imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a diet high in sugar and processed foods, stress, antibiotics, birth control pills, and other medications.

Candida overgrowth can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, and vaginal yeast infections. In addition to these symptoms, Candida overgrowth can also lead to weight gain.

How Does Candida Cause Weight Gain?

There are several ways in which Candida overgrowth can cause weight gain:.

1. Increased Appetite for Sugar and Carbs

Candida overgrowth can cause cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. This is because the yeast feeds on sugar and carbohydrates, so it sends signals to the brain to consume more of these foods.

Consuming excess sugar and carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, especially if these foods are not burned off through physical activity.

2. Impaired Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Candida overgrowth can lead to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption. This can cause the body to store excess calories as fat, as it is not able to properly break down and utilize the nutrients it receives from food.

When the body is not properly digesting food, it can also lead to bloating and gas, which can make you feel and look heavier than you actually are.

3. Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Candida overgrowth can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inflammation is a natural response by the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to weight gain.

Insulin resistance is when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can lead to weight gain, as the body has difficulty breaking down and burning off carbohydrates.

4. Slower Metabolic Rate

Candida overgrowth can lead to a slower metabolic rate. Metabolism is the rate at which the body burns calories to produce energy. When the metabolic rate slows down, the body burns fewer calories, leading to weight gain.

Candida overgrowth can also slow down the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, further leading to weight gain.

How to Identify and Treat Candida Overgrowth?

The symptoms of Candida overgrowth can be similar to those of other health issues, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare practitioner.

There are several tests that can be done to identify Candida overgrowth, such as stool testing, urine testing, and blood testing.

The treatment for Candida overgrowth involves a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle changes. The first step is to eliminate sugar and processed foods from the diet, as these are the main foods that feed Candida.

Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean protein, can help to support a healthy gut microbiome and reduce Candida overgrowth.

Supplements such as probiotics, oregano oil, and grapefruit seed extract can also be helpful in reducing Candida overgrowth.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, getting regular exercise, and practicing good sleep hygiene can also help to support a healthy gut and reduce Candida overgrowth.

Conclusion

Candida overgrowth can be a hidden cause of weight gain, and it is important to identify and treat this issue in order to achieve a healthy weight.

By making dietary changes, taking supplements, and practicing healthy lifestyle habits, you can reduce Candida overgrowth and support a healthy gut microbiome, leading to improved overall health and well-being.