Finding Balance with Fungi and Candida: A Holistic Guide

By Audrey Dickinson, Nutritionist

Fungi are everywhere — in the soil, on our skin, and even inside our bodies. Most of the time, they play a natural and harmless role in our ecosystem. One fungus in particular, Candida albicans, is a common resident of the gut, mouth, and vaginal tract. In balance, it coexists peacefully with other microbes. However, when conditions shift in favour of fungal growth, Candida can overgrow and trigger uncomfortable — and sometimes persistent — health issues. Symptoms may include altered digestion, bloating, brain fog, headaches, sinus congestion, urinary discomfort, fungal nail infections, skin issues, food intolerances, and sugar cravings.

What Disrupts the Body’s Natural Balance?

Several factors can disturb the microbiome and give Candida the upper hand:

• Antibiotics – While useful for eliminating harmful bacteria, antibiotics also remove beneficial bacteria, creating space for yeast to multiply. The use of probiotics to restore balance is often overlooked, leaving body systems vulnerable to re-infection.

• High-sugar or refined-carbohydrate diet – Yeast thrives on sugar and multiplies rapidly when fuelled by sweets, alcohol, and processed foods.

• Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, birth control, and hormone therapies can alter the vaginal and gut environment, encouraging yeast growth. During perimenopause and menopause, declining oestrogen and testosterone affect local immunity and pH balance, increasing susceptibility to infections.

• Weakened immune system – Chronic stress, illness, or reduced immunity can limit the body’s ability to regulate fungal populations.

• Gut imbalance – Low stomach acid, poor digestion, and lack of microbial diversity can promote fungal dominance. Candida albicans may also contribute to intestinal permeability, impairing nutrient absorption and immune function.

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How Candida Protects Itself

One reason Candida is difficult to manage is its ability to shield itself:

• Forms biofilms – A slimy protective layer that blocks antifungal compounds.

• Shifts forms – Candida can alternate between yeast-like and root-like forms, invading tissue.

• Releases toxins – As it dies off, Candida releases by-products like acetaldehyde, which can stress the liver and cause discomfort.

These defences explain why herbal cleanses can take time and why some people feel worse before they feel better.

The “Die-Off” Period

As Candida dies, you may experience what’s known as the Herxheimer reaction (or “die-off”). This temporary phase can include:

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Digestive upset (bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation)

• Skin flare-ups or rashes

• Headaches or flu-like symptoms

• Vaginal itching or discharge

These symptoms occur as fungal toxins are released. Supporting detox pathways and pacing your cleanse can help minimise discomfort.

Nourishing Balance: Nutrition for Gut and Vaginal Health

The goal isn’t simply to eliminate yeast — it’s to create a nourishing internal environment where balance can thrive.

For Gut Health:

• Choose whole, unprocessed foods — focus on vegetables, leafy greens, clean proteins, and healthy fats while reducing sugars and refined carbs.

• Add probiotics — fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and plain yogurt help repopulate good bacteria.

• Increase fibre — flaxseed, chia, and psyllium husk support healthy elimination and limit yeast growth.

• Support your liver — bitter greens, dandelion tea, and cruciferous vegetables aid natural detoxification.

For Vaginal Balance:

• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements — especially Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which support vaginal pH. Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast, can also help flush out Candida.

• Stay hydrated — water is simple yet powerful for detoxification.

• Gentle topical support — natural coconut oil can soothe externally and has mild antifungal properties (always patch-test first).

  
  

Testing the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome

Functional testing of the gut and vaginal microbiome can help identify the exact strains of fungi or bacteria present.At The Hague Natural Health Centre, I work with leading European labs such as Biovis (Germany) and ScreenMe (UK) to uncover underlying imbalances — from Candida and mold-related mycotoxins to bacterial infections like Gardnerella or Ureaplasma.

Testing both partners can be particularly valuable when infections are recurring or shared, allowing for more complete and effective treatment.

This information helps create a personalised nutrition and lifestyle protocol that targets unwanted organisms while supporting beneficial microbes — avoiding a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

As part of my women’s health and fertility work, I guide clients through both testing and symptom mapping, paying close attention to:

• Changes in discharge (colour, smell, texture)

• How symptoms shift throughout the menstrual cycle

• Recurring discomfort after antibiotics, intercourse, or hormonal changes

This holistic approach builds a clearer picture of what’s happening internally, allowing for care that truly gets to the root of the issue.

Healing from Candida or bacterial imbalance is not about fighting your body — it’s about listening, understanding, and supporting it.

Background“Jane” (name changed), a 48-year-old woman in perimenopause, experienced recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal dryness, and irritation. While antibiotics offered temporary relief, her infections kept returning, affecting her comfort and confidence.

Testing & FindingsTesting with Biovis revealed low Lactobacillus levels, reduced vaginal acidity, and microbial imbalance — all linked to declining oestrogen. Since both oestrogen and testosterone receptors are present in the vaginal tissues, hormonal changes can directly influence local immunity and microbial stability.

Personalised PlanJane’s plan included a phytoestrogen-rich diet (flax, soy, red clover) to naturally support hormonal balance, alongside probiotics targeting urinary and vaginal health. Hydration, gentle vaginal moisturisers, herbal urinary support, and stress management were also introduced.

ResultsWithin 12 weeks, Jane experienced fewer UTIs, improved comfort, and renewed confidence. After six months, she remained symptom-free and described feeling “like herself again.”

By addressing both hormonal and microbial factors, Jane was able to move through perimenopause with greater ease — restoring comfort, balance, and wellbeing.

For more information about your nutrition or testing, please contact Audrey Dickinson at https://www.thehague-naturalhealthcentre.com/about-us or directly via email at adickinson.nutrition@gmail.com.