How to Beat Candida Biofilm with Probiotics

Our gut’s microbiome is home to an entire ecosystem made up of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. These microorganisms help us digest the foods we eat, and–when their populations are healthy and balanced–they also help regulate our energy, mood, and metabolism. But when the microbiome is out of balance, it can cause serious issues with our digestion and general wellbeing.

Candida overgrowth is a common form of microbiome imbalance that can impact our health. Keep reading to learn more about Candida biofilms and the best probiotics for Candida overgrowth. 

What is Candida? 

Candida albicans is a yeast that is a natural part of our gut’s microfauna. In most healthy individuals, small amounts of Candida are present on the skin, mouth, and intestines. Normal populations of Candida yeast are harmless and even moderately helpful. Scientists believe that Candida assists in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and helps defend the gut from dangerous bacterial infections, including C. difficile.  

However, under the right (read: wrong) conditions, those harmless colonies of Candida albicans can grow out of control, disrupting the body’s delicate ecology and outcompeting helpful bacteria. This can result in a range of health problems, including bloating, nausea, diarrhea, yeast infections in or on the genitals, mouth, and/or skin. 

Candida Overgrowth

Candida overgrowth occurs when Candida reproduces beyond its usual numbers. Depending on where this overgrowth occurs, it can result in a range of health issues. Even worse: once Candida overgrowth happens, it can be difficult to stop, resulting in a frustrating cycle of recurrent infections. 

Candida overgrowth in the gut (as opposed to vaginal or oral yeast infections) can cause brain fog, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, leaky gut, anxiety, and depression. 

What causes Candida overgrowth?

Candida overgrowth stems from a number of causes. Anything that disrupts the microbiome, or encourages Candida to grow can play a role. Common causes of Candida overgrowth include: 

• Hormonal imbalances
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• Antibiotic use
• High sugar or high carbohydrate intake
• Chronic stress
• Weakened immune system

Candida biofilms

Once excess Candida starts to take root in the gut, it can be hard to heal the microbiome’s delicate ecosystem. Not only is Candida overgrowth difficult to reign in once it happens, infections are likely to recur. But why? 

The answer lies in how microorganisms like Candida live and reproduce within the slimy environs of the human intestine. One special feature of Candida is its ability to form biofilm. Biofilms are a sticky substance that allows communities of microorganisms to adhere to the mucus membranes that line our digestive tract. 

These films not only anchor Candida and other microbiome inhabitants in place, but form a protective structure around these organisms, making them difficult to kill. As a result, disrupting Candida biofilm is an important part of helping the body limit Candida overgrowth and re-establishing a healthy balance in the microbiome. 

What destroys Candida biofilms

Since Candida biofilms are protective, they can be difficult to disrupt or destroy. While antifungals may help treat the initial Candida infection, they may not disrupt Candida biofilms, leaving some Candida colonies intact (and ready to regrow). 

Destroying Candida biofilms can be tricky, but certain probiotics can help. 

Our favorite Candida biofilm disruptor is Standard Process Biofilm Probalance. Standard Process Biofilm Probalance is specifically formulated to disrupt and rebalance intestinal biofilms so Candida and other unwanted microorganisms are discouraged. 

Organic garlic and kale work together to target and balance biofilm structures, making it more difficult for Candida to grow. At the same time, Standard Process Biofilm Probalance supplements existing beneficial microfauna with three strains of probiotic bacteria and one strain of probiotic yeast.   

Two clinical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Biofilm Probalance in discouraging Candida growth and rebalancing intestinal biofilms. 

Additionally, Biofilm Probalance can help relieve some of the discomfort associated with Candida overgrowth, including bloating and intestinal discomfort. 

Probiotics for Candida overgrowth

In addition to supplements that destroy Candida biofilm, probiotics can help support biodiversity within the gut’s ecosystem. However, when dealing with Candida overgrowth, it’s important to choose your probiotics with caution.

Many traditionally probiotic foods such as kombucha and kefir contain sugars and yeasts that may inadvertently feed Candida populations, alongside good gut bacteria. For this reason, it may be better to consider probiotic supplements such as Dr. Eric Snow's Gut Restore which focus on adding a selection of predetermined probiotic strains (rather than the random assortment present in probiotic food and drinks). 

However, because additional factors such as diet, stress, and lifestyle choices play a role in Candida overgrowth, probiotics alone can only do so much. This is why it’s often a good idea to tackle Candida overgrowth with the help of a doctor you trust.