What is Candida?
Candida is a family of yeasts. There are different strains, and Candida albicans is the most common species that causes infections in humans. Candida can exist harmlessly in small amounts in the body but can cause infections when they grow out of balance. Think, yeast infections for example or toe fungus!
Factors such as a weakened immune system, poor diet, excessive use of antibiotics, high-stress levels, or hormonal imbalances can lead to an overgrowth of Candida.
What are the Symptoms associated with Candida?
When Candida grows out of balance, it can manifest through various symptoms, including:
Digestive issues: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and low energy levels
Recurring infections: Frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections
Oral thrush: White patches on the tongue or inside the mouth
Skin and nail fungal infections: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, or toenail fungus
Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or confusion
Cravings for sweets: Strong sugar cravings and difficulty controlling appetite
Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, or depression
A simple way to check for Candida is to do this simple test first thing in the morning! See video above for more information.
The Simple At-Home Saliva Test for Candida
This easy test can indicate Candida Overgrowth in your body. Here’s how to do it:
How to Perform the At-Home Saliva Test:
Materials Needed:
A clear glass or cup
Fresh, clean water
Steps:
Do the Test First Thing in the Morning: As soon as you wake up, before eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, or even talking, collect some saliva in your mouth.
Spit into a Glass of Water: Fill a clear glass with room-temperature water. Spit a small amount of saliva into the glass.
Observe the Saliva: Let the glass sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, observe the saliva in the water.
Look for the Following Signs:
Strings or “Legs” Descending from the Saliva: If you see thin, white strands or “legs” hanging down from the saliva, this may indicate the presence of Candida.
Cloudy Saliva that Sinks to the Bottom: If the saliva becomes cloudy and sinks to the bottom in a cloudy mass, it might suggest Candida overgrowth.
Floating Particles: Small white particles that float or remain suspended in the water could also indicate the presence of Candida.
Interpreting the Results:
If your saliva remains floating on top: This is considered normal, and it is less likely that you have Candida overgrowth.
If you see any of the signs mentioned above: It might suggest the presence of Candida. However, this test is not definitive. It is essential to follow up with a healthcare professional for more accurate diagnostic tests, such as a stool test, blood test, or a more comprehensive Candida profile.
Next Steps if You Suspect Candida Overgrowth
If your saliva test indicates a potential Candida overgrowth, or if you are experiencing symptoms associated with Candida, consider taking the following steps for about 30 days:
Dietary Changes: Reducing your intake of sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates can help starve the Candida yeast. Incorporating more whole foods, such as vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can support a balanced gut microbiome.
Probiotics Capsules: Probiotics can help restore healthy gut flora and inhibit the growth of Candida. If you're prone to yeast infections, then the following probiotic from Genuine Health for Women may be a good fit:
Anti-candida Supplements: There are many supplements with blends of anti-fungal and anti-microbial ingredients that can help to 'kill' off the yeast. Most of these supplements will include Caprylic acid, oregano oil, and garlic because they have natural antifungal properties. Some brands with popular results include Organika and New Roots with the right dosages of caprylic acid, garlic.
In the case of New Roots "Caprylic Acid Plus' it has a blend of Caprylic acid with garlic and cloves. The recommended dosage from the bottle is 3 capsules in the morning and 2 in the evening before meals. Check symptoms after 30 days (white tongue, digestion, etc) – to assess if a higher dose is required or if this is sufficient.
In the case of Organika "Candida Formula" it includes oregano, pau d'arco, grape seed extract as well as the garlic and caprylic acid blend, and a nice benefit of including some probiotics as well. Dosage is 1-3 capsules three times a day. This is a suitable blend to take after anti-biotics and to rebalance gut flora.
Most anti-candida supplements recommend taking in the morning and in the evening. for 15-30 days.
Avoid consuming products with yeast: Stay away from fermented food to avoid increasing yeast and avoid taking nutritional yeast until the candida is no longer a problem. This will depend on the severity of the candidiasis but in general holding off on the fermented foods (despite the good bacteria that it offers) and taking supplements instead can make the anti-candida supplements more effective.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and maintaining good hygiene practices can help support your immune system and prevent Candida overgrowth.
Conclusion
Candida overgrowth can be an underlying cause of many chronic health issues, but a simple at-home saliva test can offer a quick glimpse into whether Candida might be contributing to your symptoms. Remember, this test is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnostic testing. If you suspect Candida overgrowth, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to explore further testing and treatment options.
If you need more support with a customized 'Anti-Candida Diet' and protocol, feel free to book a consultation with us!
Learn more about setting the foundations for a healthy digestive system by checking out my E-Book Basics of Gut Health and get a FREE Bone Broth Recipe Book (vegan recipes included) to add more collagen and nutrients to nourish the gut lining!
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