What Is The Strongest Candida Killer? Experts Weigh In.

There’s a good chance you have Candida, a type of bacteria, inside your body right now. But it’s not as scary as it sounds. Candida doesn’t cause problems, unless there's too much of it. If Candida overgrowth occurs, you can experience uncomfortable infections, like vaginal yeast infections and thrush.

Fortunately, Candida overgrowth treatments are available, and the strongest Candida killer is clear: a multi-pronged approach that stops a current Candida infection and creates an inhospitable environment for future overgrowth. And yes, that sounds complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. Continue reading to learn how to implement the strongest Candida killer for the short and long haul.

Understanding Candida Albicans

“Typically, Candida Albicans is a harmless type of yeast found in the gut, skin, mouth, throat, and vagina,” says Sophia Deahl, RD, MS, LD, a nutritionist at Collective Wellness. Not only is Candida harmless, but it’s a normal part of our body and skin—unless it grows out of control.

When Candida is too plentiful, multiple infections can crop up, including:

• Vaginal Yeast infections: An overgrowth of vaginal Candida can lead to yeast infections. This is the most common type of Candida albicans overgrowth and may cause burning or itching in the vagina as well as a thick, white vaginal discharge.
• Thrush: Candida overgrowth in the mouth is referred to as thrush. This infection causes white patches in the mouth, though it’s usually harmless.
• Candida esophagitis: When Candida overgrowth occurs in the stomach, a doctor may diagnose you with Candida esophagitis.
• Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO): If Candida overgrowth is chronic and located in the small intestine, a doctor may diagnose you with SIFO.
• Candidiasis in the skin: When Candida in the skin is disrupted, rashes and itching can occur.
• Candidemia: When candidiasis overgrowth impacts the bloodstream, someone can be diagnosed with candidemia. This condition is serious, with almost 50% of patients dying due to candidemia in some studies.

Candidemia can also be called invasive candidiasis and may impact the kidney and brain in severe cases. Most healthy individuals are not at risk for invasive candidiasis, and it is the least common of the bunch.

Causes of yeast overgrowth

“There are a variety of triggers that can lead to Candida overgrowth such as altered immunity, antibiotic use, poor dietary choices, and stress,” says Deahl.

The likelihood of developing yeast overgrowth starts with your genes. Familial candidiasis is a rare condition that increases the likelihood of developing yeast overgrowths. Usually, it’s due to mutations in specific genes (CARD9, IL17RC, STAT1, and others, to be exact). But memorizing those genes isn’t necessary. What you need to know is if your family members get a lot of yeast infections, you may be at higher risk too.

Yeast overgrowth can also be caused by a weak immune system. A healthy immune system keeps Candida growth in check, so any issues with the immune system can also lead to Candida overgrowth. The usual suspects for a weakened immune system include an imbalanced gut microbiome, the use of certain medications, including antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs, and some viral infections, including the flu, mono, and a common cold.

Lifestyle choices that weaken the immune system can also contribute to Candida overgrowth. Stress and an ultra-processed diet are two common culprits.

Along with direct causes, there are some factors that increase your risk for yeast overgrowth. These include being pregnant, experiencing hormonal imbalances, having HIV/AIDS, and certain medication treatments, such as the use of catheters or antibiotics. Being seriously ill or hospitalized puts someone at higher risk for invasive candidiasis, should a yeast infection develop.

Pharmaceuticals for Candida treatment

We have good and bad news. The good news? Most yeast infections don’t lead to severe complications. The bad news? They don’t usually go away on their own. Luckily, the bad has a silver lining: Candida overgrowth is highly treatable.

Typically, most doctors will prescribe a medication to limit Candida growth, and antifungal medications are often the first line of defense. These medications come in many forms (pills, creams, oral rinses, and intravenous solutions). The dose and time on medication varies based on the infection’s severity.

While effective, antifungal drugs aren’t without their drawbacks. Topical antifungals can cause itching or burning, while oral antifungals may cause stomach pain, headaches, and nausea. Some antifungals, including the commonly prescribed fluconazole, should not be used by pregnant people. In non-pregnant people, these antifungals should be used with medical supervision since they can affect the liver.

It’s also possible for Candida albicans to become resistant to these medications. If, for example, you have recurring vaginal yeast infections and take the same medication each time, the Candida may become resistant, meaning a pharmaceutical treatment option will stop working.

Due to medications’ side effects and the chance of becoming drug-resistant, natural solutions are often the way to go. While these holistic approaches may not work as quickly as antifungal medications, they create long-lasting changes that address a current Candida infection—and prevent future ones.

Dietary changes for Candida treatment

The first, and most common, natural treatment is to starve Candida of its food source. And its favorite food? Sugar and carbs. Emily Spurlock, a registered dietitian with the Institute for Digestive Wellbeing, explains, “We want to cut off the food supply of the Candida, which is sugar and simple carbs. Following a very low sugar and low carb diet for some time can help improve a Candida infection.”

But eliminating food groups (i.e. sugar and refined carbohydrates) is much easier when you have healthier options to swap in. To manage Candida growth, Deahl recommends prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods, including non-starchy vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, lean protein sources, healthy fats, and fermented foods.

Popular anti-inflammatory options that can help balance Candida levels include (but are not limited to):

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Most nuts and seeds
• Citrus fruit
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Leafy greens
• Avocado
• Sauerkraut

If trying to keep track of what to eat and avoid isn’t your cup of tea, the paleo diet (which has preset dietary restrictions) may help manage Candida albicans growth. This diet emphasizes eating as early humans did, and it includes ample amounts of protein, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts. Fruits and other natural sources of carbs and sugar are eaten in moderation, while ultra-processed foods are avoided. The paleo diet can be extreme, meaning it’s best to complete it under the guidance of a registered dietitian.

Natural Candida killers

Along with adding the right foods to your plate, there are other natural Candida treatments to consider. The golden trio includes probiotics, herbal antimicrobials, and miscellaneous natural Candida killers.

If someone experiences Candida overgrowth, both Deahl and Spurlock recommend a supplement with probiotics alongside dietary changes. In one study on vaginal candidiasis, a group of women took a probiotic supplement and another group took a placebo. The group who took the supplement experienced fewer yeast infection symptoms within four weeks. Probiotics' ability to kill Candida may be related to how they rebalance the gut microbiome (indirectly strengthening the immune system).

Another natural Candida killer is herbal antimicrobials. These herbs may work similarly to antifungal medications: kill off the overgrowth when used in the short term. These herbal antimicrobials are often included in essential oils, though some may be consumed as well.

The third category is an “everything but the kitchen sink” situation. It consists of other foods, essential oils, and natural products with antifungal, antimicrobial, and/or immune-boosting properties—but more on that in the next section.

Top natural Candida killers

“Herbal antimicrobials” and “other natural Candida killers” can be abstract and hard to shop for. Fortunately, researchers have identified specific herbs and other natural Candida killers.

In the herbal space, Candida killers include:

• Neem
• Clove
• Coptidis
• Cinnamon
• Magnolia
• Turmeric
• Scutellaira
• Ginger
• Thyme
• Mint
• Primrose
• Lemongrass
• Garlic

Of the herbs on that list, garlic is one of the most commonly touted Candida killers. However, research suggests lemongrass and cinnamon may work better to treat Candida overgrowth.

Beyond herbs, other natural Candida killers are:

• Manuka (including manuka honey)
• Caprylic Acid (a fatty acid in many supplements, sunscreens and moisturizers)
• Berberine (found in some supplements and herbs)
• Olive Leaf Extract (especially from extra virgin olive oil)
• Oregano Oil (commonly found in oregano leaves or essential oils with oregano)

The way you approach natural Candida killers should be the same as pharmaceutical solutions—start by talking to a healthcare provider who can recommend the best option(s) for you. A healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about natural Candida killers can also advise on the right form, amount, and duration.

Other holistic approaches to Candida treatment

Alongside dietary changes and natural Candida killers, lifestyle changes can help prevent future Candida overgrowth—and may reduce symptoms from current yeast infections. Three of the most common include stress management, gut health improvement, and Ph balance restoration.

Managing stress

Technically, stress isn’t directly connected to Candida overgrowth, but the link between a weakened immune system and stress is clear—and remember, a weakened immune system leads to Candida overgrowth.

Stress management techniques can set off a chain reaction, resulting in less Candida growth. Three of the most effective stress management techniques include:

• Breathwork: when stressed, the advice to take a breath may be scientifically sound. That’s because breathing is associated with the autonomic nervous system and when we complete intentional breathing exercises, we regulate this system and instill a sense of calm throughout the body.
• Meditation: mindfulness and meditation have a known calming effect on the body and mind, which can help manage stress levels.
• Acupuncture: sticking needles into your body may not sound relaxing, but acupuncture relaxes the body and regulates stress hormones.

For a more comprehensive approach, you can also work with a healthcare provider to design a custom cortisol detox, a holistic plan to get cortisol (a primary stress hormone) back to its natural rhythm.

How to improve gut health

Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) can lead to Candida overgrowth, especially when experienced alongside colonic Inflammation. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true ways to improve gut health (including the stress management techniques above).

Other methods include cutting back on alcohol consumption, quitting smoking or not starting to smoke, and eating a gut-healthy diet. Staples of the latter include lots of fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics (either from a supplement or diet), and cutting out or reducing gluten and ultra-processed foods.

Restoring pH balance for Candida treatment

If experiencing vaginal yeast infections, restoring the pH balance in the vagina may help. For reference, a vaginal pH between 3.8 and 4.5 is considered normal and may help prevent Candida overgrowth.

Vaginal Ph balance is a measurement of acidity (which can indicate the balance of good and bad bacteria in this region). When good and bad bacteria are balanced, the vagina operates business as usual. When imbalanced, infections, including Candida overgrowth, may occur.

To balance vaginal pH levels, avoid douching (washing or cleaning out the vagina with water and external fluids) and use latex condoms when having sex. Other factors, like the number of sexual partners you have, menopause, an ultra-processed diet, and overall gut health, can disrupt the pH balance in the vagina too.

Overcoming Candida infections

Overcoming Candida infections is two-fold: treating current overgrowth and preventing future infections. For the former, antimicrobial medications and/or natural Candida killers can be used. For the latter, dietary and lifestyle changes often bring about the best results.

The most common mistake people make (including some healthcare providers) when treating Candida overgrowth is using medication to treat the current problem without addressing why Candida overgrowth is occurring in the first place. Candida is an opportunistic bacteria, meaning it must have the right circumstances to grow in abundance. By implementing lifestyle and dietary changes to your treatment plan, you nix an environment where Candida thrives.

The second biggest mistake is trying to solve Candida overgrowth on your own. Your healthcare provider is here to support you. If you don’t already have a healthcare provider or their treatment approach isn’t working, look for a provider who takes a holistic approach and knows why Candida overgrowth occurs, not just the names for common prescriptions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What kills Candida in the gut fast?

Candida killers eliminate overgrowth in the gut fast. They include topical and oral antifungal medications, though these have side effects and Candida can become resistant to these drugs when used time and time again. Natural candida killers may work better. Cinnamon, lemon grass, and a supplement with probiotics are three of the most effective natural treatments.

What is the strongest treatment for Candida?

The strongest treatment for Candida is a multi-pronged approach. This approach should include fast Candida killers to get rid of the current yeast infection and lifestyle and dietary changes to create an inhospitable environment for future overgrowth.

What is the strongest antifungal herb?

Multiple antifungal herbs are effective at killing Candida. While garlic is one of the most commonly used, recent research suggests lemongrass and cinnamon may work better.

How do I get rid of Candida ASAP?

To get rid of Candida ASAP, you need to take an antimicrobial and antifungal medication or natural alternative. Natural alternatives include herbs, like cinnamon and lemongrass, oregano oil, and extra virgin olive oil. A probiotic supplement may also reduce symptoms of Candida overgrowth within four weeks.

What is the best Candida cleanse?

The best “Candida cleanse” includes natural Candida killers, such as antimicrobial herbs or a probiotic supplement, that get rid of infections in the moment accompanied by lifestyle or dietary changes to prevent future overgrowth. These long-term changes may include eating a diet high in lean protein and vegetables, implementing stress management strategies, and avoiding ultra-processed foods when possible.

Final thoughts

Candida overgrowth can be uncomfortable and lead to an array of infections. Fortunately, it’s also treatable (and preventable) with the right approach. An effective treatment plan should look at the short- and long-term—aka, it should combine fast-acting Candida killers with long-term changes.

If looking for a provider that can help you develop and accomplish an effective Candida overgrowth treatment plan, contact Parsley Health. Our team can get to the root of Candida overgrowth, not just treat the symptoms.