Opportunistic bacteria are a group of microorganisms that under normal conditions are not harmful, but under certain circumstances can cause disease. They are commonly said to take advantage of the body being “weakened” to seize the opportunity.

Opportunistic bacteria usually live harmlessly in our bodies (e.g. in the gut, on the skin, in the mouth) but activate their pathogenic nature when:

• the immune system is weakened,

• the gut or skin barrier is damaged,

• the microbiota is disrupted (e.g. after antibiotics).

Candida is a natural part of a healthy gut microbiota. In small amounts, Candida albicans and other species (e.g. Candida glabrata, Candida krusei) are present in most people, mainly in the intestines, mouth, vagina, and on the skin.

The role of Candida is not fully understood, though researchers suspect that:

• Candida may take part in the breakdown of food residues, especially sugars,

• Candida supports immunity – by teaching the immune system to recognize pathogens,

• Candida may protect against other, more aggressive fungi.

Balance is the key to gut health!

The microbiome is often compared to an ecosystem, where Candida can be like a “wild animal” in the forest: necessary, but only in controlled numbers.
If something disrupts that balance (e.g. antibiotics, stress, diet), Candida gets a chance to “overgrow,” leading to various health issues.

Candida overgrowth:

• Candida overgrowth disrupts gut flora and leads to dysbiosis,

• excessive Candida outcompetes beneficial bacteria,

• overgrowth of Candida weakens the gut barrier and may lead to toxin leakage → so-called “leaky gut,”

• Candida produces toxic metabolites, including acetaldehyde, which damages cells, burdens the liver, and affects mood and concentration (brain fog),

• Candida overgrowth strains the immune system, as the body focuses on “fighting” the fungus, leading to chronic inflammation,

• Candida overgrowth disrupts sugar metabolism – Candida feeds on sugar → increases sugar cravings, creating a vicious cycle.

Overgrown Candida can spread beyond the intestines, e.g. to:

• the vagina (yeast infections),

• the mouth (oral thrush),

• the skin (itching, rashes),

• in severe cases: the bloodstream (systemic candidiasis – serious, but rare in people with good immunity).

Symptoms suggesting Candida overgrowth:

• constant fatigue,

• brain fog, irritability,

• bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation,

• sugar and carb cravings,

• skin issues (e.g. rashes, itching),

• frequent fungal infections (vagina, nails, skin),

• bad breath, white coating on the tongue.

Gut dysbiosis is a condition in which the balance of the intestinal microbiota is disrupted.

Dysbiosis is characterized by an imbalance in the microbiome – changes in the composition, function, and metabolic activity of gut microorganisms, or a shift in their local distribution.

Dysbiosis develops as a result of:

• overgrowth of fungi (e.g. Candida),

• a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in pathogenic bacteria.

In a healthy gut, diversity and balance are key.

Factors that cause dysbiosis include:

• antibiotics (the most common culprit),

• a diet low in fiber and high in sugar and processed foods,

• chronic stress,

• environmental pollutants, pesticides,

• infections (e.g. parasites, fungi, viruses).