How to Get Rid of Candida Naturally: What the Research Says

Have you been battling candida overgrowth and looking for a natural way to bring it back into balance — without the guesswork? This guide covers what the research says about getting rid of candida naturally, the diet-and-probiotics approach, and how to confirm candida is actually the cause before you start.

What type of yeast is candida?

Candida is a yeast (a type of fungus) found in various areas throughout your body, such as your gut, skin, mouth, throat, and genitals. A large share of SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth) involves candida species.

Small amounts of candida are a normal part of a healthy microbiome — it coexists with your beneficial bacteria. However, when candida multiplies beyond healthy levels, the result is candida overgrowth, which can throw your gut out of balance and drive some uncomfortable symptoms.

What are candida overgrowth symptoms?

Candida overgrowth is one of the most common fungal imbalances. An overgrowth of candida in the vagina is referred to as a yeast infection, while candida overgrowth in the mouth is called thrush. It can also affect breastfeeding women and babies.

Here's a more detailed list of symptoms people associate with candida overgrowth:

• Digestive issues: constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach pain. Gut-related conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have also been studied alongside candida overgrowth.
• Recurring vaginal yeast infections: roughly 75% of women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime. When they become recurring, it can point to an underlying imbalance. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also accompany it.
• Mood and mental-health shifts: some people report low mood, anxiety, or brain fog alongside gut imbalance.
• Skin issues such as acne or eczema: did you know that many skin issues start in the gut?
• Getting sick more easily: frequent minor infections or lingering fatigue.

Because every one of these overlaps with other conditions, symptoms alone can't confirm candida. For the full breakdown of how to confirm it, see our companion guide: Candida overgrowth: symptoms, the tests, and how to confirm it.

How do you get rid of candida naturally?

There are many contributors to candida overgrowth, but two of the biggest are:

• A diet high in sugar and processed foods
• Overuse of antibiotics

Antibiotics can't distinguish between beneficial and harmful bacteria. So while a course removes the bad, it also causes "friendly fire" on some of your gut's beneficial bacteria — which can open the door for candida to populate.

The natural approach research points to has two parts. Part one is cutting back on the foods yeast uses to grow:

• Foods high in added sugar (candida's main fuel source)
• Refined carbs
• Alcohol
• Excess caffeine

It's worth noting the strict "anti-candida" sugar-free diet is not strongly supported by controlled trials; the better-evidenced idea is simply reducing excess refined sugar while emphasizing gut-supportive whole foods.

Part two is building a diet centered on foods that promote beneficial gut bacteria and help bring balance back:

• Non-starchy vegetables: broccoli, kale, spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes.
• Low-sugar fruits: lemon, limes, strawberries.
• Quality protein: eggs, fish.
• Probiotic-rich foods: fermented foods and dairy with live cultures.
• Gluten-free grains: quinoa, buckwheat, oat bran.
• Healthy fats: avocados, olive oil, chia seeds.
• Nuts and seeds: low-mold nuts like almonds and pecans, plus flaxseed.
• Herbs and spices: black pepper, garlic, paprika, oregano.

Probiotics for candida: what the research shows

Research suggests probiotics can be a useful part of keeping candida in check and reducing the odds of recurrence.

One 6-month study looked at how probiotic supplements affected women with frequent vaginal yeast infections. Participants were split into two groups — one received a probiotic containing multiple Lactobacillus strains, the other a placebo. Over the study's duration, 7% of the probiotic group experienced another episode, compared with 36% of the placebo group.

Strains from the Lactobacillus family have been studied for their anti-fungal properties and their role in supporting a candida-resistant environment:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus paracasei

The catch: which of these strains you actually need — and which prebiotic fiber will feed them — depends on what's already in your gut. That's the case for testing before supplementing.

How long does it take to get candida back in balance?

Timelines vary widely from person to person and depend on diet, consistency, and individual factors. Some people notice a difference within the first few weeks of diet and lifestyle changes; for others (especially anyone immunocompromised) it can take longer. Rather than judging by feel, many people re-test after 8–12 weeks to see how their gut is actually trending. There's no guaranteed timeline — and no honest program can promise a permanent fix.

Is there a candida test to confirm overgrowth?

Yes — and confirming candida before you act saves months of guesswork. The two most common candida tests are blood-culture tests and stool tests. Our full guide compares all four options in detail: testing for candida overgrowth.

With Flore's personalized probiotic, we can see the yeast and bacteria in your stool and build a custom synbiotic tailored to your individual gut profile. The simplest way to start is the Flore at-home gut test: map your gut, then receive a formula built from your results — including the anti-fungal Lactobacillus strains shown to help keep candida in check.

When to see a doctor

A natural, diet-and-probiotics approach is about supporting gut balance — it is not a substitute for medical care. See a healthcare provider if you have recurring infections, symptoms that don't resolve, a weakened immune system, or signs of a more systemic problem such as persistent fever or severe fatigue — especially if you are immunocompromised, pregnant, or managing a chronic condition. Prescription antifungals (such as fluconazole or nystatin) are sometimes appropriate and should be decided with a clinician.

Wrapping things up

In small amounts, candida is a normal, even helpful part of your microbiome. When it overgrows, it can drive digestive issues, recurring yeast infections, and skin problems. The natural approach research points to is twofold:

Reduce what feeds the yeast:

• Processed and high-sugar foods
• Refined carbs
• Alcohol
• Excess caffeine

Emphasize foods that help repopulate beneficial bacteria:

• Non-starchy vegetables
• Low-sugar fruits
• Probiotic-rich foods
• Quality protein
• Healthy fats

And the step that ties it together: confirm candida is actually the cause with a test, then match your strains and fiber to your own gut instead of guessing. Results vary, and this is about supporting balance rather than promising a cure.

How to get rid of candida naturally: FAQ

How do you get rid of candida naturally?

The evidence-backed natural approach has two parts: reduce added sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and excess caffeine to stop feeding the yeast, then rebuild your gut with probiotic-rich foods and targeted Lactobacillus strains so beneficial bacteria can keep candida in check. Confirm candida with a test first so you're addressing the real cause. This supports gut balance rather than guaranteeing a cure.

Can you get rid of candida permanently?

There's no honest guarantee of a permanent fix — candida is a normal part of the microbiome, and the goal is keeping it in a healthy balance rather than eliminating it entirely. Sustained diet, probiotic, and lifestyle habits help reduce the odds of recurrence, and re-testing lets you see whether your gut is trending in the right direction.

What kills candida in the gut naturally?

Rather than "killing" candida, the natural approach is to crowd it out: reduce its fuel (excess sugar and refined carbs) and restore beneficial bacteria — especially Lactobacillus strains studied for their anti-fungal properties — alongside prebiotic fiber to feed them. Which strains help you depends on your own gut, which is why testing first is useful.

How long does it take to get rid of candida?

It varies by person and consistency. Some notice a difference within a few weeks of diet and lifestyle changes; others take longer, especially if immunocompromised. Many people re-test after 8–12 weeks to check how their gut is actually trending rather than guessing.

Do probiotics help with candida?

Research suggests probiotics can help support a candida-resistant gut environment and reduce recurrence. In one 6-month study, 7% of women taking a multi-strain Lactobacillus probiotic had a recurring yeast infection versus 36% in the placebo group. Probiotics don't "kill" candida directly — they help restore the beneficial bacteria that keep it in check.

Should I test for candida before trying to get rid of it?

Yes. Candida symptoms overlap heavily with IBS, leaky gut, and ordinary dietary triggers, so testing prevents months of guesswork. An at-home stool test reads your gut microbiome and lets you match strains and fiber to your own results.