Yeast overgrowth is one of the 7 root causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Candida is the specific type of yeast overgrowth that causes irritable bowel syndrome in certain cases. Essentially, the excess of yeast in the gut causes an imbalance that inhibits the digestive process. Due to your diet or other factors, yeast can start to grow in more significant amounts in your gut. This yeast stops your gut from processing food correctly, and IBS symptoms occur.
Yeast overgrowth, especially from Candida, thrives when the gut environment is imbalanced. This often happens after antibiotics, high-sugar diets, or chronic stress. Many patients don’t even realize yeast may be a factor until they describe persistent bloating, sugar cravings, or brain fog. Even “healthy” choices like fruit smoothies and whole grain breads can unknowingly feed yeast if your system is already compromised. Our team helps patients rebalance the microbiome and starve off the yeast using targeted dietary strategies, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Before You Self-Treat For IBS Caused By Yeast Overgrowth
As mentioned above, there are 7 different causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is best to have a medical professional diagnose your IBS so you can reach PEAK wellness. Also, you may have IBS caused by yeast overgrowth, but it can also be caused by another root cause as well. Contact PEAK so you can find out the root cause of your IBS.
“Yeast can be very difficult to eradicate, especially if it’s been there for a long time. If basic self-care remedies do not work, it is important to work with a practitioner well-versed in the treatment of yeast and associated issues like gas, bloating, skin itchiness, and even issues like anxiety and brain fog.”
– Dr. Buddy Touchinsky DC, CFMP
How To Treat Yeast Overgrowth Causing IBS
There are a few key ways to treat yeast overgrowth in the gut. At PEAK we work to provide solutions that are tailored to your personal needs, beliefs, and preferences. Below are a few ways to treat yeast overgrowth and IBS:
1. Improve Your Diet To Stop Yeast Overgrowth
Improving your diet is key to stopping yeast overgrowth in your gut. There are a few key steps you should take to adjust your diet and the food you consume:
- Stop consuming sugary foods, overly processed carbohydrates, and alcohol.
- Start consuming a well-balanced diet of healthy meats and vegetables. Try focusing on lean meats. Make sure you focus on vegetables that do not have a large amount of starch. This means celery, cucumbers, and spinach rather than potatoes.
- Increase water intake and make sure you are hydrated.
- Consider introducing fermented foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, or lacto-fermented pickles (quick pickles) that do not use acid-like vinegar in the fermentation process.
- Physical activity can help support a healthy gut and impact your overall health.
2. Certain Medication or Supplementation To Stop Yeast Overgrowth
In some cases, diet changes are not enough. Many people with IBS induced by yeast overgrowth in the gut need antifungal medication or supplements that will help combat the yeast in their gut. We will work with you to find natural supplements or the medication you need to stop your IBS.
3. Rebuild Your Gut Health With Probiotics
No matter if your IBS is caused by Yeast overgrowth, food intolerances, or leaky gut, it is important to rebuild your gut health. We recommend using probiotics, prebiotics, and support for the gut lining to help your gut recover from yeast overgrowth and IBS.
What This Article Does and Does Not Mean
When we talk about IBS caused by yeast overgrowth, we are not saying that every case of irritable bowel syndrome is caused by Candida or another type of yeast. IBS can have many different factors.
What we are saying is that yeast overgrowth may contribute to IBS-like symptoms in some patients, especially when the gut environment is already out of balance. This may be of more relevance to consider if you have symptoms such as ongoing bloating, gas, sugar cravings, brain fog, reactions to foods, irregular bowel habits, or symptoms that seem to flare after taking antibiotics, eating a high sugar diet, chronic stress, or immune challenges.
This article is designed to help you understand more about the possible relationship between yeast overgrowth and IBS symptoms. This is not meant to diagnose Candida, substitute medical tests, or suggest that all with IBS require antifungal medication or supplements. The best way to do this depends on your symptoms, health history, prior testing, diet, medications, immune function, and overall gut health. We just want to assist you with the ability to ask better questions.
At PEAK Integrative Medicine, we help patients see the bigger picture. If yeast overgrowth is a possible factor, we may consider your symptoms, as well as your gut microbiome, immune function, or stress load before we build a personalized treatment plan for you.
Contact PEAK To Treat Your Yeast Overgrowth & Stop IBS
Treating your irritable bowel syndrome that is caused by yeast overgrowth in your gut can be challenging, but it is easier when you work with us. We want you to reach PEAK wellness and provide the hands-on guidance and health coaching you need to regain control of your digestive health.
Our experience and knowledge of chronic diseases and common health issues make us the perfect family medical practice to help you. We are located in Orwigsburg, PA a small town in southern Schuylkill County and we are equipped to serve residents of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Peak Integrative Medicine and how we are reinventing direct primary care.
IBS and Yeast FAQ
Can yeast overgrowth cause IBS?
Yes, yeast overgrowth (particularly Candida) may be a cause of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as bloating, pain, and loose stool. It can also be a contributing factor to imbalance in your gut.
How do you get yeast overgrowth in the gut?
If the overall balance of your gut is thrown off, yeast can begin to overgrow. Usually, factors that contribute towards this imbalance are stress, immune imbalance, and diets that are high in refined sugars, alcohol, or carbs. Certain medications like antibiotics also have the potential to throw off the balance of your gut.
Are Candida and yeast the same thing?
Yeast is a type of fungus, and Candida is a specific kind of yeast. There are other forms of yeast besides Candida, but Candida is most commonly associated with IBS symptoms.
How do you flush yeast out of your system?
Eating nutrient-rich foods and avoiding carbs and refined sugars “starve” yeast. While “starving” yeast isn’t a clinically precise term, it simply refers to reducing the excess sugars and carbs that yeast uses to grow, helping to restore a healthier balance in the gut. Staying hydrated is also important to support gut function. A provider with knowledge of IBS caused by yeast overgrowth can also help you with an individualized plan.
How do I test myself for Candida?
There are limited options to testing yourself for Candida at home, but a provider like PEAK Integrative Medicine has the tools to help create a personalized plan. Specialized blood work or professional stool tests are go-tos for many providers.
Do probiotics help with IBS caused by yeast overgrowth?
Some studies show that probiotics may help some patients, but it’s not a magic bullet. What’s right depends on many other factors such as your symptoms, overall gut health, and testing. For some patients, other problems may need to be managed along with the yeast overgrowth to achieve the best relief of symptoms.
Do I need antifungal medication for yeast overgrowth?
Not everyone with suspected yeast overgrowth needs antifungal medication. Some patients may benefit from lifestyle changes and a personalized nutrition plan. Sometimes, medication may be an appropriate option. A qualified provider will consider more than one factor and help you make the decision.