Understanding and Action: How Do You Treat Overgrowth?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Candida overgrowth can cause significant digestive distress, with SIBO affecting up to 15% of the population. Understanding how do you treat overgrowth is the first step toward reclaiming your gut health and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms.

Quick Summary

Treating gut overgrowth involves addressing the specific type of imbalance (e.g., bacterial or fungal), typically with a combination of targeted medications, specific dietary modifications, and sometimes supplemental support. The approach depends on the underlying cause and is best guided by a healthcare professional.

Key Points

Differentiate the Cause: Understand if your overgrowth is bacterial (SIBO) or fungal (Candida) to ensure the correct treatment plan.
Medication is Primary: Use prescribed antibiotics for SIBO and antifungals for Candida to reduce the initial overgrowth.
Dietary Restriction is Key: Follow a targeted diet—Low-FODMAP for SIBO or low-sugar for Candida—to starve the excess microbes.
Address the Root Cause: Long-term success depends on treating the underlying issue, such as poor gut motility or structural problems.
Professional Guidance is Essential: Always work with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment strategy.
Consider Recurrence: Be aware that overgrowth can return, and a long-term maintenance plan may be necessary.

Understanding the Problem: SIBO vs. Candida

Overgrowth in the gut is a broad term that most often refers to two distinct conditions: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Candida overgrowth. While both can cause similar symptoms like bloating, gas, and digestive issues, their underlying causes and treatment protocols differ significantly. A misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and prolong suffering, making a proper diagnosis crucial before starting any treatment plan.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine, especially bacteria typically found in the colon. This can happen when motility in the small intestine slows down, allowing bacteria to multiply and ferment food particles before they can be properly digested.

The Medical Approach to SIBO

For most people, the primary treatment for SIBO is a course of antibiotics. The goal is to reduce the bacterial population in the small intestine, not to completely eradicate it. Rifaximin is a commonly used antibiotic for SIBO because it is minimally absorbed by the body, allowing it to act locally in the GI tract with fewer systemic side effects. In some cases, especially with methane-dominant SIBO, a combination of antibiotics like rifaximin and neomycin may be prescribed. Since SIBO can recur, doctors may sometimes recommend cyclic antibiotic therapy or a second course of treatment.

Dietary Strategies for SIBO

Dietary modifications are a critical component of SIBO management. The goal is to starve the overgrown bacteria of the fermentable carbohydrates they feed on. Two common dietary approaches include:

Low FODMAP Diet: This diet restricts Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. It is a short-term dietary strategy to reduce symptoms. Foods to limit include certain fruits (apples, pears), vegetables (onions, garlic), dairy (milk, soft cheeses), and sweeteners (honey, sorbitol).
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD): More restrictive than the low FODMAP diet, SCD focuses on eliminating all complex carbohydrates and processed sugars. It is designed to promote the healing of the intestinal lining.

Common High FODMAP Foods to Limit During Treatment:

Garlic and onions
Wheat and rye
Beans and lentils
Certain fruits like apples and peaches
Dairy products like milk and ice cream
Honey and high-fructose corn syrup

Addressing the Underlying Cause of SIBO

For successful, long-term SIBO treatment, it is vital to address the root cause. This could include repairing a structural abnormality in the gut through surgery, managing an underlying condition like diabetes, or using prokinetic medications to improve intestinal motility. A gastroenterologist can help identify and treat these issues. You can learn more about SIBO treatments from reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic.

Candida Overgrowth (Candidiasis)

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the body. When it overgrows, it can lead to candidiasis, causing symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, and digestive problems. This often occurs after a course of antibiotics, from a high-sugar diet, or due to a compromised immune system.

Antifungal Medications for Candida

Treatment for Candida overgrowth typically involves antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. The type of medication and its application (oral, topical) depend on the location and severity of the infection. Common examples include:

Nystatin: An antifungal medication often prescribed for intestinal Candida.
Fluconazole: A systemic antifungal used for more widespread infections.
Clotrimazole or Miconazole: Topical creams used for skin or vaginal yeast infections.

The Candida Diet

Dietary management is central to treating Candida overgrowth. The primary goal is to starve the yeast by eliminating its food source: sugar. This diet involves removing all forms of added sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fermented foods from your diet.

Sample Foods for a Candida Diet:

Non-starchy vegetables
Low-sugar fruits (lemons, berries)
High-quality proteins (chicken, eggs, fish)
Healthy fats (avocado, coconut oil)
Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir (introduced carefully)

Supportive Therapies and Lifestyle Adjustments

Beyond medication and diet, other therapies can support Candida treatment. Herbal antifungals like oil of oregano and caprylic acid can be used under professional guidance. Probiotics are also often recommended to help restore a healthy balance of gut flora, but timing is important. Lifestyle factors like stress reduction and adequate sleep are also essential for immune system health.

Comparing SIBO and Candida Treatments


Feature	SIBO Treatment	Candida Treatment
Primary Medication	Antibiotics (e.g., Rifaximin)	Antifungals (e.g., Nystatin, Fluconazole)
Dietary Focus	Low-FODMAP to limit fermentable carbs	Low-sugar to starve the yeast
Underlying Cause	Often motility, structural issues, or other diseases	Often antibiotic use, high sugar diet, weakened immunity
Dietary Restrictions	Restricts FODMAPs (can include some healthy foods)	Restricts all sugars, refined carbs, and processed foods
Likelihood of Recurrence	High, especially if underlying cause is not addressed	Possible, especially if diet or lifestyle factors revert
Role of Probiotics	Use with caution, as some strains can worsen symptoms initially	Generally recommended to rebalance gut flora after treatment

Working with a Healthcare Professional

Given the complexity of gut overgrowth, self-treatment is often ineffective and can lead to resistance to medications. A healthcare provider, ideally a gastroenterologist, is essential for a correct diagnosis and to rule out other conditions. They can use breath tests for SIBO or lab tests for Candida to confirm the issue and create a personalized treatment plan.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Treating overgrowth requires a multi-faceted and personalized approach. It begins with an accurate diagnosis to distinguish between conditions like SIBO and Candida. From there, a strategy combining targeted medication, a specific diet, and addressing the root cause can lead to effective symptom relief and long-term gut health. Consistency with dietary changes and professional guidance are key to preventing recurrence and restoring balance to the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIBO involves an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, whereas Candida overgrowth is an overpopulation of yeast. The distinction is critical because they require different types of medication—antibiotics for SIBO and antifungals for Candida.

The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying cause. A typical course of antibiotics or antifungals may last 2-4 weeks, but dietary modifications and managing the root cause can be a much longer process.

While diet is a cornerstone of managing overgrowth, for many people, it is not sufficient on its own. Medication is often necessary to reduce the microbial load enough for dietary changes to be effective and for the gut to begin healing.

Yes, it is possible to have both conditions, as imbalances can trigger cascading issues. In such cases, a healthcare provider will typically create a phased treatment plan to address each overgrowth sequentially.

Common symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, brain fog, and skin issues. However, these symptoms are non-specific and can indicate many other conditions, so proper diagnosis is essential.

Probiotics can be helpful, but they must be used carefully. Some probiotics can worsen SIBO symptoms, while others are beneficial after initial treatment. Probiotics are generally a supportive therapy, not a standalone cure.

Chronic stress negatively impacts gut health by disrupting motility and the immune system. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep is a crucial part of a holistic treatment plan for preventing overgrowth recurrence.

Prevention involves maintaining a healthy diet low in processed foods and sugar, managing stress, supporting gut motility, and continuing to address any underlying medical conditions or anatomical issues that led to the overgrowth.