Candida Test UK
Most GPs and Doctors on the NHS do not test for yeast infections or Candida overgrowth. If you are looking for help we offer comprehensive tests all over the UK and Europe.
IBS Specialists as featured in the Guardian
Candida Tests in the UK: How can I test for Candida?
There are a number of tests that can be conducted to detect Candida and other species of yeast- these include blood, urine and stool and saliva tests.
Candida Stool Test
This is the test we use most frequently at our clinic.
The benefit of a stool test is that it is able to highlight the best anti-fungals (both pharmaceutical and natural) to eradicate your strain of yeast so that treatment can be very targeted.
Targeted anti-fungals may be identified on the stool test
This means that you will have a better chance of understanding what anti-fungals will eradicate your specific strain of yeast.
What does the Stool test Cover?
In addition to yeast the comprehensive stool test also covers 50 strains of parasites and 70 strains of bacteria and 70 strains of yeast (including Candida).
The comprehensive stool test measure all of the following markers:
Beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.
Dysbiotic bacteria such as Klesbiella and Citrobacter.
The presence of any Parasites, including Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium Blastocystis Hominis and D. Fragilis and Giardia
Yeast/fungal overgrowth, commonly referred to as Candida Albicans
The stool test is also able to highlight the best supplements to take to eradicate your specific strain of yeast or bacteria should you test positive for either.
In order to do the test you will need to produce two or three separate stool samples (on separate days).
Urine test for Candida-OAT test and MOAT Test
We often use a urine test for Candida. The benefit of this test is that it is highly sensitive, easy to perform. It will test for fungal overgrowth but will not tell you the specific anti-fungals to take.
It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria.
Urine tests for Candida overgrowth analyse the waste products produced by candida in your body. Candida produces certain waste products, such as D-arabinitol, that can be detected in your urine. High levels of the waste products provide evidence of candida overgrowth.
This test is used when stool samples are unable to be collected.
Saliva Test for Candida
Saliva Tests measure the levels of candida antibodies in your saliva, similar to blood tests. This test can be particularly useful for diagnosing oral candida overgrowth or candidiasis, also known as oral thrush.
Candida Blood Test
Candida Blood tests measure the levels of antibodies in your blood that are specific to candida. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to candida overgrowth. Elevated levels of these antibodies may indicate a candida overgrowth. The antibody test will measure IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies to candida in your blood.
Candida antibody tests are often used in combination with other diagnostic methods, such as stool tests or clinical evaluation. They can provide supplemental information but are not typically used as the sole means of diagnosis.
Vaginal Swabs
Vaginal Swabs measure candida and other fungal species. This test can be particularly useful for diagnosing vaginal thrush and vaginal candidiasis. The main symptoms of Vaginal Candida include:
- Itching in the vagina and vulva
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal Discharge due to Candida
- Swelling of the Vulva
If you wish to undergo laboratory candida testing, please contact our clinic as we are able to provide all of these tests.
Do Doctors Test for Candida?
Most GPs and Doctors on the NHS do not test for yeast infections or Candida overgrowth.
Consequently, numerous patients are either denied testing, misdiagnosed with ‘IBS’, a diagnosis by exclusion, or do not receive the necessary guidance they require.
However the good news, is that it is possible to test for species of yeast privately by means of stool tests, candida blood tests, saliva tests and urine tests.
If you are looking for help we can post comprehensive tests all over the UK and Europe.
What is Candida?
Candida is a type of yeast that naturally exists in our bodies and is a part of the intestinal microbiota. It is harmless and even beneficial in small amounts, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.
However if this type of yeast overgrows can cause a variety of health issues, ranging from digestive issues such as IBS, fungal infections, bloating, to fatigue and brain fog.
What are the causes of Candida Overgrowth?
Several factors can contribute to Candida overgrowth. These include:
- Weakened immune system: Chronic illnesses, stress, and poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making it easier for Candida to proliferate.
- Antibiotic use: Antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria but also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the body, allowing Candida to thrive.
- High sugar and refined carbohydrate intake: Candida feeds on sugar, so consuming excessive amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates can contribute to its overgrowth.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can create an environment favourable for Candida overgrowth.
- Weakened gut barrier: An unhealthy gut lining can allow Candida to penetrate the bloodstream and cause systemic candidiasis.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of Candida overgrowth is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment options.
Medication
If you have taken repeated courses of antibiotics, as a child, teenager or adult you are more likely to develop an overgrowth of candida. Many patients report having had repeated courses of antibiotics for tonsillitis and acne. The contraceptive pill (2) and steroids may also be a risk factor.
Drugs such as broad spectrum antibiotics alter our gut flora thereby creating a perfect environment for candida to proliferate.
Diet
You may have also consumed the typical western diet- a high sugar or high yeast diet including foods such as bread, stock cubes, soya sauce balsamic vinegar or alcohol. All of these factors may contribute to Candida growing and lead to overgrowth and, possibly, infection. The medical profession does not routinely test for Candida. This is because there is not enough of evidence-based research, however candida is certainly a problem with women who experience thrush and in men jock itch.
What are the symptoms of Candida in the Gut?
There are a number of symptoms that may be associated with Candida – these include:
Abdominal bloating
Constipation or Diarrhoea
Depression
Environmental sensitivities
Fatigue
Ringing in the ears
Sugar cravings or cravings for bread or marmite or balsamic vinegar
Brain fog/difficulty concentrating/fuzzy thinking
Food intolerances/ food sensitivities
Feeling worse on damp or muggy days
Mood Swings
Difficulty concentrating
Bladder infections/urinary tract infections
In Women, Thrush and Vaginal infections
In Women, PMS
In Men, Jock itch
Fungal toe-nails
Athletes foot
Sensitivities to perfumes
Psoriasis- Patients using medication for psoriasis may be at an increased risk of developing Candida infections (4)
Chronic sinusitis (5)
Interpreting Candida Overgrowth Test Results
If you receive a positive result, one of our Nutritional Therapist who can help you with your candida overgrowth.
They can develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may involve dietary changes, antifungal medications, probiotics, and supplements to strengthen your immune system.
The Yeast connection
Dr. Orian Truss and Dr. William Crook were the first Doctors to in the USA to increase public awareness of candida albicans yeast infections.
Unfortunately in the UK, Candida is not routinely tested for on the NHS.
Dr. Crook’s wrote a bestselling book called “The Yeast Connection” this book explains the true extent of candida infections in the population.
Candida Quiz
Many patients with a diagnosis of IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome may actually have an underlying yeast or fungal infection know as Candida Albicans.
Take this CANDIDA QUIZ – then contact us for more assistance if you think this affects you.
- Have you taken tetracyclines or other antibiotics for acne for one month or more?
- Have you at any time taken antibiotics for respiratory, urinary or other infections for two months or more, or in shorter courses, three or more times in a one year period?
- Are you on HRT?
- Have you, at any time, been bothered by persistent thrush and prostatitis, vaginitis or other problems with reproductive organs?
- Have you taken birth control pills?
- Have you taken Prednisone or other cortisone type drugs?
- Does exposure to perfumes, insecticides, fabric shop odours and other chemicals provoke symptoms?
- Are symptoms worse on damp, muggy days?
- Have you had athlete’s foot, ringworm or other chronic fungal infections of the skin or nails?
- Do you crave sugar, bread or alcohol?
- Does tobacco smoke really bother you?
- Have you had chemotherapy?
How can Candida be treated?
The key in treating Candida is to combine dietary approaches with anti-fungals. Taking anti-fungals without changing your diet will not be effective.
Patients will need to cut out sugar, cakes biscuits, honey, maple syrup from their diet as well as alcohol and all foods that contain yeast- bread and pizza and beer lager and wine.
I am not a fan of using extremely restrictive dies which remove all carbohydrates including rice, potatoes. First and foremost there is limited research in this area and I have not seen any benefit of being overly restrictive . This can lead to fatigue and insomnia. Instead I focus on removing obvious offenders including alcohol and sugar and processed foods.
Do you have any Candida Specialists at your clinic and what type of treatment do they offer for Candida?
The treatment for Candida includes anti-fungal supplements as well as supplements to kill Biofilms where appropriate.
Natural anti-fungals are extremely potent and include Caprylic acid, Oregano, Graperfruit seed extract or Berberine.
Probiotics also are paramount- again we will recommend the appropriate strain based on your stool test results. The stool test has the uncanny ability to identify whether you are lacking important strains of healthy gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species for example.
This means we can be very targeted in our candida treatment.
Diet is also very important. There is no need to follow extreme diets- we recommend low sugar, low yeast diets, however we do not remove all carbohydrates.
Will I experience die-off?
There is a huge spectrum of reactions. Some patients temporarily feel worse when they begin treatment- headaches, brain fog, fatigue are very common. It is very important to be gentle and not bombard your body with too many anti-fungals or dietary changes all at once. Candida produces a toxin called acetaldehyde and this can make you feel nauseous. I will design a protocol for you that will minimize reactions.
How long does it take to get rid of Candida?
Typically most people feel better in 3-4 weeks. But you may feel worse before you feel better. This is due to the die-off reaction.
You will be amazed to see how your sugar cravings will vanish after the 1st week.
How many appointments will I need to get rid Candida?
We recommend two appointments. You will have all the tools that you need after your second appointment but we will also explore food intolerances with you as well as improve your immunity.
What are the diffent types of Yeast infections
Candida can be found all over your body. It is found in your ears, your eyes, your gastrointestinal tract, your mouth, your nose, sinuses, skin, stool and vagina. In fact it is part of your beneficial flora.
Skin infections
Yeast infections thrive in areas of the body where moisture is prevalent, especially on the skin and mucous membranes.
These are some of the common symptoms associated with yeast infections in various parts of the body.
In Skin folds, yeast infections can lead to conditions like athlete’s foot and diaper rash.
Typical symptoms in these cases include:
- A bright red rash.
- Itching and a burning sensation.
- The development of pimples in the affected area.
Candida in the mouth or oral cavity
If you have a white coated tongue you may be suffering from a condition know as oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Symptoms of oral thrush include:
- White patches on the throat, tongue, roof of the mouth, or inner cheeks.
- Mouth and throat soreness.
- Redness in these areas.
- Changes in the sense of taste or loss of taste.
- Discomfort when eating or swallowing.
- A feeling of cotton in the mouth.
- Redness and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
Yeast infection in Nails
Some patients also have yeast infections in their fingernails or toenails. The nails might be yellow, brown or white.
Other symptoms include:
- Cracks in the nail
- Pain and redness
- Very thick nail
- Discoloration
Yeast infections in the Vagina
These are very common symptoms in women;
- itching
- vaginal discharge
- redness and swelling of the vagina and labia.
Yeast infection of the penis
Symptoms inlude
- Rash
- Itching
Yeast infection at the corners of the mouth
Symptoms include:
- Redness and cracks at the corners of the mouth
References
1. US National Library of Medicine – Arun Singh, Renuka Verma,1 Aditi Murari,2 and Ashutosh Agrawal2: Oral candidiasis: An overview
2. US National Library of Medicine – Rezk M1, Sayyed T1, Masood A1, Dawood R: Risk of bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans infection among new users of combined hormonal contraception vs LNG-IUS.
3. US National Library of Medicine – Louise Basmaciyan,a,b Fabienne Bon,b Tracy Paradis,b Pierre Lapaquette,b and Frédéric Dallea,b: Candida Albicans Interactions With The Host: Crossing The Intestinal Epithelial Barrier
4. A Clinician’s Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Candidiasis in Patients with Psoriasis April W. Armstrong,corresponding author1 Michael Bukhalo,2 and Andrew Blauvelt3
5. Science Daily – Mayo Clinic Study Implicates Fungus As Cause Of Chronic Sinusitis
6. Yeast Infection – Candida’s True Medical Pioneers
7. Candidiasis: predisposing factors, prevention, diagnosis and alternative treatment. Martins N1, Ferreira IC, Barros L, Silva S, Henriques M.