Got Fungus? Ten Tricky Signs of Chronic Fungal Overgrowth

I know, fungus is gross.

Mushrooms are okay sure, but any discussion about fungal infection seems to be a pretty embarrassing and taboo topic. The problem is that chronic fungal overgrowth is a really common issue that leads to some really common symptoms. The most typical offender is a fungus called Candida.

Candida is normally found in places like the mouth and digestive tract in small amounts, and it is part of our normal flora. However, when the balance of microorganisms in the body is disrupted, Candida can grow out of control and contribute to a wide range of symptoms. While some of these symptoms are pretty classic “fungal symptoms”, others are really broad and can cause the sufferer to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years before getting to the root of the issue. So it’s really important to be aware of some of the ways our bodies may signal that fungal overgrowth could be part of the picture.

10 Signs of Fungal Overgrowth

1. Sugar cravings.

Yup, you heard that right. Sugar cravings are one of the symptoms I commonly hear about when patients are dealing with fungal overgrowth. When you eat sugar, you are actually feeding the fungi their favorite food and helping them thrive. They’re basically sitting in there ordering GrubHub while you deal with the cravings, weight gain and upset belly.

2. Recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Recurrent vaginal yeast infections are one of the more classic signs I look for when considering Candida, but Candida can also be to blame for some recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially when multiple rounds of antibiotics have been tried.

3. Chronic Fatigue.

Fatigue. Persistent fatigue is one of those symptoms that can have many possible causes. When fatigue occurs alongside digestive problems, sugar cravings, recurrent yeast infections, or other signs of imbalance, Candida and other fungal infections may be one piece of the bigger picture worth investigating.

4. Sinus Infections.

Say what? I know - when most people think of sinus infections, they think bacteria. And while bacterial infections certainly occur, fungal involvement can also occur in certain chronic or recurrent sinus conditions. Frequent antibiotic use can also alter the normal balance of microorganisms, which is one reason recurrent sinus problems may deserve a closer look rather than simply repeating the same treatment over and over.

5. Skin Infections.

Remember your old friend athlete’s foot? That’s right, it’s most often caused by a fungal infection, possibly candida. Since candida and other fungi thrive in moist environments, areas like sweaty feet, skin folds, and the groin can be particularly vulnerable to these little buggers.

6. Aches and Pains.

Got achy joints? This one may seem completely unrelated to fungal overgrowth such as candida, but I often pay attention to unexplained inflammation and aches when they occur alongside other signs of digestive or microbial imbalance. When several seemingly unrelated symptoms are occurring together, it can be worth looking at the bigger picture and finding the underlying drivers of inflammation rather than treating each symptom separately.

7. Gut problems.

Digestive issues are another thing seen really commonly with fungal overgrowth, usually Candida. When Candida grows beyond its normal balance, it can be part of a broader imbalance in the gut microbiome (your little inner ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi). This system, when in balance, does a large portion of your digestion and nutrient gathering for you. Unfortunately, when it gets out of balance it can lead to poor digestion, gas, bloating, nutrient malabsorption and much more.

8. Nail Fungus.

That crinkly yellow nail that never seems to get better? That's a fungal infection.

9. Thrush.

This is an oral Candida infection that causes a white coating inside the mouth. Typically seen in infants, it can also spread to the mother from the babies’ mouth and can be tricky to get rid of. It can also occur in adults, particularly when the immune system is compromised or the normal balance of microorganisms has been disrupted.

10. Autoimmune disorders.

This is where things get really interesting. Research has explored connections between the gut microbiome, fungal organisms, immune regulation, and autoimmune conditions. When someone has an autoimmune condition along with digestive problems, recurrent yeast issues, or other symptoms of microbial imbalance, fungal imbalance may be worth considering as part of the bigger picture.

The Bottom Line

There are so many possible signs of Candida and fungal overgrowth that it's easy to overlook the connection - especially when the symptoms seem unrelated.

If several of these symptoms sound familiar, the next question isn't simply whether you have Candida or a fungal infection. It's why it may be getting out of balance in the first place. That's where looking at the bigger picture - and, when appropriate, functional laboratory testing - can be helpful.

If you're dealing with recurring yeast infections, digestive problems, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, or other symptoms that keep coming back, you can learn more about our Candida & recurring yeast support in St. Louis

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About the Author

Dr. Caroline Ricker, DC, DABCI, MTAA, is the founder of Whole Health & Wellness in St. Louis. Her practice combines functional medicine, clinical nutrition, functional laboratory testing, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other integrative approaches for patients with chronic and recurring health concerns.

Learn more about Dr. Caroline Ricker and Whole Health & Wellness