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Candida Gastroenterologist - Dr. Rishi Chadha

The overgrowth of Candida may result in irritating infections of the mouth, throat, genitals, and gut. In Houston, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Rishi Chadha integrates individual diets, top diagnostics and specific antifungals to restore balance, reduce symptoms and help maintain long term optimal gut health.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
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Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

What Is Candida?

A Candida is a kind of yeast that lives in the skin and inner body of a person because it is not harmful under normal conditions. Nonetheless, on overgrowth, it may cause infections of parts of the body as mouth, throat, genitals, or intestines.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Using antibiotics recently (kills healthy bacteria)
  • Eating too much sugar or refined carbohydrates
  • Having diabetes or high blood sugar
  • Weakened immune system (due to illness or medications)
  • Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, birth control pills)

Signs and Symptoms

  • White spots or patches in the mouth or throat (oral thrush)
  • Red, itchy rash in the genital area
  • Bloating, gas, or loose stools
  • Feeling fatigued or mentally foggy
  • Frequent urinary tract infections

How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Candida?

Dr. Rishi uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Symptom Review

He examines your symptoms, previous infections, their use of antibiotics, their dietary habits, etc.

Swab and Culture Tests

To culture and identify the Candida species, he swabs the mouth, the throat or the area of the affected skin/genital area.

Stool and Blood Tests

  • Stool analysis checks for yeast overgrowth and gut microbiome imbalance.
  • Blood tests assess immune response and rule out systemic candidiasis.

Endoscopy and Biopsy (if needed)

To examine the esophagus or stomach lining, he uses the least invasive endoscopy and in case of suspected internal infection, he can take tissue samples to confirm the diagnosis.

Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Our Houston team offers a full range of care for Candida infections.

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions

  • Non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini) in order to starve away the excess yeast.
  • Low fat grains (rice, pasta) to promote immune health.
  • Fruits containing low levels of sugar (berries, green apples) to reduce the growth of candida.
  • Fermented food products (plain yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) to stimulate beneficial bacteria.
  • Sufficient water to facilitate the digestive and toxin removal.

2. Medications

  • Antifungal pills including fluconazole or nystatin depending on the site and severity of infection.
  • Dose and time according to clinical condition guidelines in order to wipe out all the results.
  • Follow-up on response and review therapy when necessary.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Surgery

  • Swab tests on the oral cavity or skin and stool /blood tests to accurately determine the yeast.
  • Gentle endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach and the small intestine.
  • Endoscopy including tissue biopsy to exclude other diseases and prove Candida.
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a man get Candida?

Yes. Men are capable of developing yeast infection on the skin, the genitals or in the mouth.

Is Candida a sexually transmitted disease?

No. Candida overgrowth is not an STD yet it may result in itching and discomfort of the genital area.

What does Candida mean?

It is Latin, which translates to clear or bright. It is used medically to refer to Candida yeast.

Which foods are included in a Candida diet list?

Low-sugar fruits, nuts and seeds, fermented foods, and probiotics Non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins.

What is the mechanism of action of antifungal pills against Candida?

They destroy the cell wall of the yeast preventing its increase and assist in the restoration of the natural balance of your own body.

How long does treatment take?

In combination with antifungals, most patients feel well after 2-4 weeks on a diet change.

Can I cure Candida naturally?

Candida can be controlled by dietary changes and probiotics; although antifungal medication may be required to achieve complete recovery.

What is your method of Candida in the gut?

With diagnostic tests, Dr. Chadha can request a stool or blood test, or conduct a biopsy and a minimally invasive endoscopy to establish overgrowth.

What are the reasons to visit a doctor in Houston?

Make appointment in case of persistent white areas,itching, digestion problems or frequent yeast infections.

Is Candida contagious?

No- usually yeast that you have grown yourself. Decent hygiene and proper treatment lessen the risk of contagion.

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