6: The Smartest Doctor in the Room with Dean Mitchell, MD - Episode 66: The Smartest Doctor in the Room with Dean Mitchell, MD - Episode 6
UK Health Radio Podcast
Two functional medicine doctors break down candida overgrowth, microbiome health and a structured healing protocol, sharing clinical experience and practical guidance. The discussion focuses on how diet, antifungals, immune support and careful diagnosis may relate to persistent, unexplained symptoms.
48:09•14 Jul 2026
Candida, the Microbiome and Dr Mitchell’s Step‑by‑Step Healing Protocol
Episode Overview
- Candida overgrowth is mainly a clinical diagnosis, guided by detailed questionnaires and history rather than a single definitive test.
- A diverse microbiome supports a strong immune system, while chronic use of antibiotics, acid blockers, steroids and birth control can promote candida overgrowth.
- Dr Mitchell’s protocol combines a short‑term strict low‑glycaemic diet, targeted antifungals, vitamin therapy and sublingual immunotherapy to rebalance the microbiome.
- Self‑treating with high‑dose herbs and over‑the‑counter supplements for years without supervision is discouraged due to safety and effectiveness concerns.
- Finding a supportive health‑care provider and, where possible, a community or family backing is presented as key to truly addressing candida and related symptoms.
“I think the good news is you can restore your microbiome. It just takes a little work and I think support from a physician that's willing to work with you.”
In this eye-opening episode, you'll learn about candida overgrowth from two functional medicine doctors who have spent decades trying to crack its mysteries. The conversation centres on Dr Dean Mitchell’s new book, *Conquering Candida*, and his step‑by‑step protocol for helping patients whose chronic symptoms haven’t been explained by conventional tests.
Dr Mitchell and Dr Dana Cohen talk through the microbiome’s role, stressing that “a diverse microbiome is what makes somebody have a healthy microbiome and a healthy immune system.” They explain how chronic antibiotics, acid blockers, steroids and birth control can thin out gut diversity, letting candida become “what’s left” and overgrow.
You’ll hear how they rely on detailed questionnaires and clinical history rather than a single lab test, and how diagnosis often becomes “by treatment” when people improve within a few weeks. The episode breaks candida into four symptom stages – gut issues, vaginitis and sinusitis, brain fog, and severe fatigue – tying these patterns to leaky gut and immune activation.
Dr Mitchell shares his protocol: a strict short‑term low‑glycaemic diet, careful use of antifungals like nystatin and fluconazole, vitamin therapy to reduce Herxheimer reactions, and sublingual immunotherapy drops aimed at boosting the body’s own defences. They also tackle controversial areas such as mast cell activation syndrome and long‑haul symptoms after infections, arguing that mass cells are “primary immune cells” that can be permanently “on high” when problems like toxic mould or candida are ignored.
Herbs and over‑the‑counter supplements come in for a reality check, with a clear warning about self‑treating for years without medical monitoring. If you or someone you care about has chronic itching, sinus problems, brain fog or fatigue that haven’t been explained yet, this focused, practical chat might help you decide whether candida is worth discussing with a trusted clinician. Could rethinking your gut and immune health be the missing piece in your recovery puzzle?
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