Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Yeast Problems & Symptoms
Yeast problems and symptoms are a common complaint for women who have recurrent vaginal yeast infections. It is also a common complaint from parents who see persistent diaper rash turn into a red and blotchy irritation around their infant’s genital area. However, yeast problems and symptoms extend far beyond the ordinary vaginal infection and fungal skin infections. Millions of people suffer from a myriad of yeast problems and symptoms significantly affect their quality of life. Many of these yeast problems and symptoms cause persistent digestive problems, chronic headaches and body aches, fatigue, and poor mental performance. Before we can describe the myriad of yeast problems and symptoms let’s first describe what yeast really is and many of the symptoms it presents with.
Yeast Problems and Symptoms – A Common Form of Yeast
Yeast within the human body can take on many forms, but the most well-known is called candida, or more specifically Candida albicans. There are many different types of candida, but the albicans variety is most common. This particular yeast can be found on the skin, in the vagina, the mouth, and throughout the entire digestive tract. When our immune system is functioning properly this yeast is kept under control. However, when our body becomes stressed from a poor diet, excess sugar, chronic illness, and overuse of antibiotics candida can proliferate leading to a host of symptoms. Listed below are some of the more common issues experienced by people with yeast problems and symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Bad Breath
- Bladder Infections
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Dry skin and itching
- Fatigue
- Food sensitivities
- Gas and bloating
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Low libido
- Mental fog
- Memory problems
- Muscle aches
- Sugar cravings
These yeast problems and symptoms are not well recognized by traditional medicine. Most traditional medicine doctors only think of yeast problems and symptoms when the more obvious issues occur such as oral thrush (candida in mouth), and the before mentioned skin and vaginal infections. However, the yeast problems and symptoms listed above are commonly found in people dealing with chronic candida, and often resolve when they are placed on anti-yeast medication.
Yeast Problems and Symptoms – Getting the Appropriate Tests Done
Obtaining proper diagnostic testing is important for anyone suffering with yeast problems and symptoms. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Great Plains Laboratory is specific for detecting candida toxins and other metabolic imbalances. Also, the Comprehensive Food IgG Sensitivity (Food IgG) test from Great Plains Laboratory, and the Gastrointestinal Pathogen Screen (#401-H) from BioHealth Laboratory are both helpful too to analyze for food sensitivities, parasitic and bacterial infections, all of which make yeast problems and symptoms worse.
Recommended: Yeast Infections
Digestive System Problems
Digestive health problems are a common issue for millions of people in the United States and around the world. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t experienced some type of digestive system problem at some point in their life whether it be indigestion from a food reaction or diarrhea from acute viral gastroenteritis. There are a multitude of digestive system problems that people commonly complain of, here is a short list:
• Acid Reflux – also known as heartburn
• Indigestion – can manifest as stomach discomfort and nausea
• Cramping – discomfort throughout the entire digestive system
• Constipation – a common occurrence for children and adults which leads to significant
discomfort.
• Diarrhea – usually associated with an infection or inflammatory bowel problems
• Gas/Bloating – this causes discomfort in the digestive system and is commonly associated
with adverse food reactions and/or bacterial or yeast overgrowth.
Rectal pain – this can be associated with constipation, negative food reactions, intestinal infections such as Helicobacter pylori, hemorrhoids, or inflammation.
Digestive System Problems – What Makes Up the Digestive System
The digestive system is a long tube that runs through our body and is directly involved in food stuff assimilation (food digestion), nutrient absorption, and toxin elimination. The digestive system is also a major player in the immune system as well. The digestive system actually begins in the mouth through the process of chewing and saliva production of enzymes. It then extends downwards through the esophagus (tube between mouth and stomach) into the stomach. The stomach is the main area for acid production and via the churning of food stuff significantly begins the process of food breakdown. From there food stuff enters the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum and is acted upon by pancreas enzymes, and bile acids from the liver. Therefore, the liver and pancreas are considered part of the digestive system as well.
In the small intestine more food digestion takes place along with nutrient absorption into the blood stream. The major parts of the digestive immune system are also found in the small intestine primarily in the jejunum and ileum. After passing through the small intestine waste material bound to bile passes into the large intestine. The large intestine is also called the colon. The colon is the last part of the intestinal tract and makes up the ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid colon (the small region between the descending colon and rectum), and rectum.
Digestive Health Problems – Common Diagnostic Testing
There are standard recommendations put forth from preventative medicine agencies for assessment of digestive health, primarily colon health, via colonoscopy and rectal blood assessment starting at age 50. These screening assessments are primarily for colon cancer prevention and detection. However, there are other integrative medicine tests that can be performed to assess the overall health of the digestive system, and not just the colon.
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is an excellent way of assessing digestive health through digestion and inflammation markers, blood, and bacteria, yeast and parasite detection. Doing this test along with an Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides great insight into yeast and bacterial toxins and other biochemical markers which can compromise health. Food sensitivities can lead to a lot of digestive system problems and the Comprehensive Food IgG Test helps to identify various food sensitivities.
Finally, assessing for Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes stomach and duodenal ulcers), along with in-depth parasite detection can be done via the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis from Doctor’s Data or the OAT, and Comprehensive Food IgG from Great Plains Laboratory, and all of these together are a comprehensive way of assessing for digestive system problems.
Recommended: Gastrointestinal Health