Candida albicans
What is
Candida ?
Candida is a
natural part of our gut flora. It is a
yeast that is present in our intestinal
tract, skin, and genito-urinary tract. In
this form it is an important part of the
very fine balance of microorganisms that
exists for our health. However, Candida
can change into a pathogenic form (disease-causing),
and damage the gut lining. This can cause 'leaky gut
syndrome' which is an
important part of the aetiology of this
condition. Candida
can secrete a number of powerful toxins into
the surrounding tissues and ultimately the
bloodstream and it may be that many of the
symptoms associated with Candida
are due to the action of such toxins
rather than the yeast itself.
Who
gets Candida ?
There is little doubt that the single
most important cause of candidiasis is a
history of antibiotic use. In
addition to their desired effects, they also
kill off healthy bacteria in the gut, which
is vital for optimum health and
proper gut function. A reduction often leads to
the overgrowth and increased pathogenicity
of other microorganisms such as Candida
species, which are resistant to the effect
of antibiotics. Other contributory factors include the use of steroids,
including those used for arthritis and
asthma, and the use of the contraceptive
pill. In addition there are environmental
factors implicated such as low thyroid
function / adrenal
function, a diet high in refined sugars,
poor nutrition and surgery all influence gut
health. Those with a poor immune function associated
with long-term illness, such as chronic
fatigue syndrome and diabetes also have an increased
risk of candida.
Signs and symptoms associated with
candidiasis:
- Thrush,
white coating on tongue
- Diarrhoea/constipation
- Bloating/excess gas
- Rectal itching
- Recurrent cystitis
- Headaches
- Depression & mood swings
- Slow metabolism
- Menstrual cramps & irregularities
- Lethargy & 'foggy-headedness'
- Fatigue
- Acne
Please note the
list above only covers some of the more
common symptoms.
How to
treat Candida
If the test indicates a current
infection, in many cases it can be
successfully treated through the use of an
'anti-candida' diet. Information is included with a
positive result but for those requiring a
more in depth and personalised programme,
IWDL offer specific
nutritional counselling. Please see our nutritional
section.
Before embarking on any restrictive diet,
please seek professional advice.
How does the test works?
If Candida has become pathogenic,
it will elicit an immune response leading to the production of elevated
levels of specific antibodies to Candida. Using
a very sensitive technique levels antibodies to Candida are
measured. Such antibody levels can be
used to diagnose not only a recent or current Candida infection but also
previous infections.
Pricing
|
Description
|
|
(RRP)
Price |
| Candida
Albicans Saliva Test |
|
£70.00 |
| Comprehensive
Parasitology |
|
£140.00 |
| Metabolic Analysis
Profile - Organic Acids |
|
£240.00 |
To order test go to
Having
a Test
