Candida overgrowth is a common yet often overlooked health concern that can wreak havoc on well-being. In this blog post, we explore the tools to assess candida overgrowth in the body. To access the Candida Overgrowth protocol, go to Candida Overgrowth Protocol: Root Causes & Supplements

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Identifying Candida overgrowth based solely on symptoms can be challenging, as these symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. However, when these symptoms are considered alongside appropriate testing, the process of identification becomes more precise. Common indicators include:

• Overgrowth in the GI: oral thrush, frequent sinus infections, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and general feeling of lethargy
• Overgrowth in the Genitourinary tract: frequent yeast infections, urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis (IC), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), and prostatitis
• Overgrowth in the Skin (could be due to overgrowth in the GI): eczema, psoriasis, persistent rashes, and dandruff
• Other common symptoms:
  • Sugar cravings 
  • Poor memory
  • Inability to make decisions
  • Low libido
  • PMS
  • Depression, anxiety

Assessment Tools:

The following are the most current assessment tools for candida overgrowth. To find out which tests and biomarkers I rely on (as the most reliable) check out: Candida Overgrowth Protocol: Root Causes & Supplements

• Symptoms and Exposure to Root Causes: By assessing your symptoms and exposure to potential root causes, you can gauge the likelihood of Candida overgrowth and identify where the overgrowth is happening in the body.
• Intestinal yeast colonization: Fecal samples, such as with the GI Map & Comprehensive Stool Analysis, duodenal samples, and rectal swabs
• Organic Acids Test (OAT): OAT examines metabolites in urine to assess Candida-related markers, offering a comprehensive view of fungal overgrowth. These markers would be elevated:
  • 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic
  • 3-Oxoglutaric
  • Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic
  • Furan carbonyl glycine
  • Tartaric
  • Carboxycitric
  • Arabinose
  • D-Arabinitol
  • Tricarballylic
  • Citramalic
• Mycotoxin Profile (Mold Test): The mycotoxin profile proves highly advantageous in addressing Candida overgrowth. Often, elevated fungal markers in the OAT test coincide with heightened mycotoxin levels. Mold toxicity can cause & drive candida overgrowth, hence it should be addressed early on. 
• Blood Tests (typically done for invasive candidiasis): Candida antibody blood test
• Skin samples: your doctor may gently scrape off a sample of skin for testing

Important Things To Note:

Candida itself is not the primary issue. It naturally exists in everyone's body; however, not everyone contends with an overgrowth of Candida. When faced with Candida overgrowth, it's crucial to delve into the underlying causes specific to each individual. Mere reliance on antifungal treatments without addressing these root causes does not contribute to restoring a healthy balance of fungi in the body. To effectively manage Candida overgrowth, a personalized approach targeting the individual's unique contributing factors is essential.