When the Gut is Out of Balance: Understanding Dysbiosis and Candida Overgrowth

Many patients come to me after struggling for months or even years with digestive symptoms that conventional medicine has either treated symptomatically, or has overlooked completely. They report persistent bloating, loose stools or constipation, flatulence, acid reflux, and abdominal discomfort — yet their standard labs and scopes have resulted as “normal,” and they are often told everything is fine. But they know their body, and they know something isn’t right.

In my practice, I focus on uncovering the origin of patients’ gastrointestinal issues. One of the most common root causes I see is dysbiosis — an imbalance of the gut microbiome — often accompanied by Candida overgrowth, a form of yeast that can thrive when the internal terrain is disrupted. This imbalance can occur after a course of antibiotics, prolonged periods of stress, poor diet, or even a single stomach virus that throws the microbiome off balance.

To diagnose gastrointestinal issues, I may use advanced testing not typically available in conventional settings. This includes the GI-MAP stool test, which looks for pathogens like yeast (Candida), parasites, overgrowth of bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Strep, Staph, and more. It also assesses gut inflammation, digestive enzymes, and immune markers. Additionally, I often test for food sensitivities (which are different from food allergies) via a blood draw to identify delayed reactions that may contribute to gut inflammation.

In functional and naturopathic medicine, we understand that symptoms like bloating and reflux are not usually due to excessive acid production, but instead from digestive dysfunction and imbalances — such as low stomach acid, poor motility, or microbial overgrowth — that interfere with the body’s natural ability to break down food.

In fact, suppressing stomach acid with medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can worsen digestive function over time. These medications may offer short-term relief, but they impair the breakdown and absorption of critical nutrients like B12, iron, and calcium, and weaken the gut’s defense against infections. Long-term acid suppression can contribute to further dysbiosis, overgrowth of pathogens, and nutrient deficiencies, ultimately perpetuating the very symptoms patients are trying to resolve.

Instead of PPIs, I use herbal antimicrobials, gut-repair protocols, targeted dietary changes, as well as support for the nervous system and detox pathways to help my patients restore microbial balance, reduce inflammation, and heal from within. 

Every person’s microbiome is unique, and with the right tools and guidance, the body has an incredible ability to return to health.

RECIPES

Blueberry Smoothie 

(Well Plated By Erin https://www.wellplated.com/blueberry-banana-smoothie/)

This healthy blueberry smoothie tastes like blueberry pie! Made with banana, yogurt, and a pinch of cinnamon, it’s filling and delicious!

Ingredients

• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• ½ medium banana cut into slices and frozen (about 1/3 cup sliced or 50 g)
• ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons old fashioned rolled oats
• ½ tablespoon almond butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• Optional: 1/2 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder if using vanilla, reduce amount of vanilla extract to 1/4 teaspoon
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

• 1. Place the blueberries, bananas, Greek yogurt, oats, almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, almond milk, and protein powder (if using) in your blender and puree until smooth.
• 2. If the smoothie seems too thick, add more almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and add maple syrup for sweetness as desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• To Store: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day
• To Freeze: Freeze smoothies in an airtight, freezer safe storage jar for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• To Make Vegan: Use a non-dairy milk and non-dairy yogurt. You can also make this a blueberry smoothie without yogurt, but you may want to swap in some extra ice cubes to thicken it up.

NutritionServing: 1smoothieCalories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgPotassium: 442mgFiber: 6gSugar: 17gVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 158mgIron: 1mg

Cold Cucumber Soup with Irish Sea Moss 

(Gluten Free And More July 20, 2024)

https://glutenfreeandmore.com/cold-cucumber-soup-with-irish-sea-moss/#wprm-recipe-container-46397

Gluten Free Spring Roll Salad

(Gluten Free And More May 2, 2025)

https://glutenfreeandmore.com/gluten-free-spring-roll-salad-recipe/