Candida, yeast infection is called Candidiasis and it can occur in many areas of the body. Most  easily detected areas are the mouth and vagina for women, but Candida is most likely in the intestinal tract as well if it presents as a visible yeast infection. Candida infection can cause many different symptoms.

Most common symptoms of Candida – Yeast Infection

Abdominal gas                             Headaches

Constipation                               Migraines

Diarrhea                                      Inability to think clearly Rectal itching                              Excessive fatigue

Vaginitis                                      Anxiety

Thrush                                         Hyperactivity Jock itch                                     Dizziness

Acid reflux                                   Poor memory

Indigestion                                  Cognitive impairment

Cravings for sweets                     Learning difficulties

Cravings for alcohol                     Sensitivity to fragrances/chemicals

Acne                                            Chronic pain

Eczema                                        Persistent cough Sinus inflammation                      Sore throat

Post nasal drip                             Muscle weakness Chronic dental problems              Earaches

 

These symptoms are so various that it is often difficult to diagnose as Candida symptoms. Doctors are usually treating only the symptoms without realizing that the major contributing cause to these problems is Candidiasis. Most doctors don’t even recognize the condition, but natural health professionals have found successful treatments for candida. Treating the body holistically eases the various symptoms when Candida is healed.

General Causes for Candida Yeast Infection

• Poor Diet: processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar, sodas, foods that don’t have much nutritional value, too little fruit and vegetables. This makes digestive system over acidic which is an ideal environment for Candida to grow.
• Weak Immune System: caused by stress, lack of sleep, use of antibiotics, toxic build up from heavy metals – aluminium, mercury from amalgam fillings or fish, parasites, viruses, chemicals.
• Hormone Changes: birth conrol pills, pregnancy, PMS, menopause
• Genital Irritation: tight clothing, feminine hygiene products,  direct contact with infected area during sexual intercourse.
  Also diabetes is a cause for Candida because of possible hormonal fluctuations.

Testing for Candida Yeast Infection

There are a few things that you can do to determine if you have yeast over growth or not. A finger tip blood test – CanDia5 Rapid Candida Test can be taken by a Naturopath.

A Candida Saliva or Spit Test can be done at home and it is free. Though it is not 100% accurate. Click HERE to see details of how the free Saliva Test is done.

Then you can also do a self assessment by using the following questionnaire:

Candida Questionnaire

There are 3 parts in this questionnaire. Record the number on the right of the symptom that applies to you in this 1. part of the assessment:

1. Part

1. Have you taken a general or broad spectrum antibiotics for any infection for 2 months or longer, or 4 times in any 1 year period?    50

2. Have you taken a general antibiotic ever in your life?   6

3. Have you taken specific antibiotics for acne for 1 month or longer?       50

4. Have you had a ‘jock itch’, athlete’s foot, ring worm or any other chronic fungus infection of skin or nails? With moderate to severe symptoms?  20

5. As above with mild symptoms?  10

6. Have you been pregnant more than once?   5

7. Have you been pregnant once?   3

8. Have you had a recurring vaginal infection, prostatis or other reproductive organ problems?   25

9. Have you taken birth control pills for more than 2 years?   15

10. Have you taken birth control pills for over 6 months but less than 2 years?   8

11. Have you taken Prednisone or other cortisone -type drugs for more than 2 weeks?   15

12. As above for less than 2 weeks?    6

13. Do you have sugar cravings?  10

14. Do you crave alcoholic beverages?   10

15. Do you crave high carbohydrate foods like bread and buns?  10

16. Does tobacco smoke really bother you?  10

17. Does perfumes or chemicals or insecticides provoke your symptoms, moderately or severely?  20

18. As above but mildly?  10

19. Are your symptoms worse on damp days or in moldy places?  20

Count your total score for test 1.

2. Part

This part measures the severity of major symptoms. Score a symptom with 3 points if a symptom is occasional or mild, 6 if it is frequent or moderate and 9 if the symptoms are extremely severe or disabling.

1. Diarrhea                   3/6/9

2. Abdominal Pain

3. Constipation

4. Bloating, intestinal gas

5. Fatigue or lethargy

6. Feeling of being drained

7. Insomnia

8. Depression

9. Poor memory

10. Feeling unreal

11. Muscle aches

12. Muscle weakness or paralysis

13. Numbness, burning or tingling

14. Joint pain or swelling

15. Prostatitis

16. Impotence

17. Vaginal burning, itching or discharge

18. Cold hands or feet

19. Irritable or shaky when hungry

20. Cramps or menstrual irregularities

21. Premenstrual tension

22. Endometriosis or infertility

23. Attacks of crying or axiety

24. Loss of sexual desire

Now count the score for the 2. part of the questionnaire.

3. Part

Give symptoms in this part also points accordingly: 3 for mild or occasional symptoms, 6 for frequent or moderate symptoms and 9 for severe or persistent symptoms.

1. Burning when urinating                  3/6/9

2. Frequent, urgent urinating or incontinence

3. Nasal itching

4. Nasal congestion, discharge or post nasal drip

5. Sore or dry throat

6. Loss of voice

7. Recurrent infection or fluid in ears

8. Ear pain or deafness

9. Spots in front of eyes

10. Burning or tearing of eyes

11. Headache

12. Drowsiness

13. Irritability

14. Dizziness, loss of balance

15. Frequent mood swings

16. Inability to concentrate

17. Incoordination

18. Mucus in stools

19. Rectal itching or hemorrhoids

20. Bad breath

21. Psoriasis or recurrent hives

22. Pressure above ears

23. Bruising easily

24. Dry mouth or throat

25. Blisters in mouth

26. Chronic rashes

27. Food sensitivity or allergy

28. Heartburn or indigestion

29. Body or foot odor not relieved by bathing

30. Wheezing, shortness of breath

31. Cough, recurring bronchitis

32. Pain or tightness in chest

Count part 3 score total.

Now count all parts 1-3 together to get total score.

Results:
If your total score is over 180 for women and 140 for men, your health problems are most likely yeast-connected. Systematic Candidiasis is almost certainly present.

If the score is over 120 in women and over 90 in men, it is very likely that Candida is present.

When the score is over 60 for women and 40 for men, yeast infection is possibly contributing the health problems.

If the score is less than 60 for women and less than 40 for men, yeast is unlikely to be the cause of the health problems.

If your score is high enough to suspect Candida, it is recommended that you see a Naturopath or other natural health specialist. Candida yeast infection is a condition that needs to be taken seriously, if left untreated it may result in serious health complications.

To read more about the condition and how it can be holistically treated, have a look at “Yeast Infection No More” -book by Linda Allen, certified nutritionist.