candida problems

Candida Symptoms in the gut

Candida Symptoms

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Candida (particularly Candida albicans) is a common yeast organism that resides in the digestive system, and when found in abundant amounts can give rise to a number of candida symptoms. When it is kept in low levels candida is generally not a problem. Unfortunately, candida can be opportunistic and become problematic by flourishing within its colonies and invading the mucosal lining of the digestive system. There are many different types of candida, but most have the ability to become invasive when the opportunity arises. For many people the presence of candida is not recognized as anything serious. They have enough healthy bacteria (natural flora) in the digestive system that keeps the candida in check. However, for others the existence of candida and the toxins it produces creates a myriad of symptoms that is quite bothersome. Listed below are some of the more common issues experienced by people with candida symptoms.

Candida Symptoms – Common Issues Recognized By Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine recognizes certain problems that can come about from candida infections. These candida symptoms are usually obvious and easily recognized by most medical professionals. An oral overgrowth of candida called ‘Thrush’ often occurs in infants and young child who still have developing immune systems. There can be a whitish coating and cottage cheese like material in the mouth if the candida overgrowth is severe enough. Often children will complain of mouth discomfort or avoid food because of the irritation from the candida.

Another outward manifestation of candida is skin infections that appear red and blotchy. These usually occur around the groin or rectum and can be a manifestation of an overgrowth of candida. Most skin infections of candida can be treated successfully with topical antifungal medications.

Vaginal yeast infections are another problem associated with candida and the candida symptoms of these infections causes irritation, swelling, and pain around the vaginal area. Vaginal yeast infections affect millions of women every year and often link back to an imbalance of the natural flora in the vagina. Certain medications can be taken to help with vagina yeast infections.

Candida Symptoms – Common Issues Recognized By Many Integrative Medicine Practitioners

Candida symptoms can present with a wide range of “other” issues than just ‘thrush’, skin and vaginal infections. In fact, the list of complaints attributed to candida is extensive. Listed below is a short list of suspected “other” candida symptoms recognized by many integrative medicine practitioners:

• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Bad Breath
• Bladder Infections
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Dry Skin & Itching
• Food Sensitivities
• Gas/Bloating
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Infertility
• Joint Pain
• Low Blood Sugar
• Menstrual Problems
• Mental Fogginess
• Muscle Aches
• PMS Symptoms
• Poor memory
• Sugar cravings
• Water Retention

If you suffer from more than a few of these issues it is likely candida could be a problem. Even though not all of these are uniquely specific to candida (meaning there can be other causes too), the list above is often found highly represented in individuals with chronic candida problems.

Testing To Identify Certain Candida Symptoms and Problems

One of the best tests to perform to analyze for candida toxins and other metabolic disturbances is Great Plains Laboratory’s Organic Acids Test (OAT). Other tests to consider are the Comprehensive Food IgG Sensitivity (Food IgG) test from Great Plains Laboratory.

 

Recommended: Candida Causes

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Organic Acid Test Video – OAT Test

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Urine Organic Acid Test

10 Reasons Every Individual Should Do a Urine Organic Acid Test From Great Plains Laboratory

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for various fungal toxins, including specific markers for candida. Many people rely on stool testing for candida diagnosis and miss the presence of candida toxins through the Organic Acid Test. Candida can create problems with brain function including goofiness, giddiness, and inappropriate laughter, as well as sensory problems and self-stimulatory behavior.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for two specific toxins related to clostridia bacteria – HPHPA and 4-cresol. Both of these toxins can inhibit a dopamine converting enzyme leading to excess dopamine and toxic reactions in the brain and nervous system. Behavior problems such as moodiness, irritability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, sleep problems and more is associated with clostridia bacteria overgrowth.

The information from the Organic Acid Test helps to prioritize treatment intervention instead of just assuming everything is a candida problem. Treating for candida when clostridia bacteria are present can lead to problems, i.e. worsening behavior.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for high oxalates (oxalic acid). Oxalates are compounds found in many foods, and can be worsened from candida overgrowth. High oxalates are associated with pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. They can also trap heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and arsenic) in the body, and lead to mineral imbalances as well. Behavior and self-injurious tendencies have been associated with high oxalates.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for mitochondrial imbalances. The mitochondria are the energy factories of our cells. Often they are stressed because of toxins from yeast, bacteria, metals, and even oxalates. Mitochondrial dysfunction is seen in autism and can be a contributing factor to poor attention and cognitive skills, as well as poor physical growth and development.

The Organic Acid Tests evaluates for imbalances in Dopamine (HVA) and Norepinephrine (VMA). The balance between these two important brain chemicals is critical for attention, focusing, mood, calmness and other functions of the nervous system. Attention deficit problems are commonly associated with norepinephrine imbalances.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for imbalances in serotonin (an important brain chemical for mood, fine and gross motor skills, and calmness), as well additional markers that can indicate toxic stress in the brain and nervous system such as Quinolinic Acid. High Quinolinic Acid is suggestive of toxic stress in the brain and is important to evaluate before implementing certain supplements particularly L-Tryptophan which is commonly used to help with sleep.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for two specific chemicals related to folate metabolism. Folate is part of the methylation cycle that supports the inner workings of the cells related to DNA function.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for various nutritional markers such as vitamin B6, B5, vitamin C, CoQ10, as well as N-Acetyl-Cysteine which is necessary for the production of glutathione.

The Organic Acid Test evaluates for glutathione production problems. Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in our cells and is often deficient in autism. The Organic Acid Test evaluates for cellular markers related to this important antioxidant.

Overall, the Organic Acid Test from Great Plains Laboratory is critically important for overall health assessment and is considered a cornerstone diagnostic assessment for optimal health achievement.