Unfortunately, there aren't any reliable tests for an overgrowth of candida, as it is a normal resident in every human being and candida tends to migrate, so chances of getting an accurate sampling is difficult, if not impossible, and highly inaccurate at best.
William Crook, M.D. realized that most patients could only be diagnosed by observing their symptoms along with a questionnaire of their medical history. The most common symptoms and Dr. Crook's questionnaire are below.
Candida Overgrowth symptoms are so numerous and seemingly unrelated that they can be confusing to both doctor and patient. The majority of people who have Candida do not realize they have it until they become seriously ill. Why? Because candida yeast not only steals nutrients from the food that you eat, it then poisons the tissues with waste material containing over 75 known toxins. Candida albicans is linked, directly or indirectly, to the following list of conditions and symptoms. A "symptom" is an outward sign that points to a deeper problem.
Review the 80 likely symptoms listed below to see if any apply to you. Give yourself ONE POINT for each of those which you have had persistently (for a month or longer, either currently or at anytime in the past).
Digestive Troubles
- Chronic Bad Breath
- White coated tongue
- Gas/Bloating after eating
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Intestinal Pain
- Blood Sugar Fluctuations
- Food / sugar cravings
- Mouth or stomach ulcers
- Allergies (Air or Food)
- Food Sensitivities
- Chronic Heartburn
- Dry Mouth
- Receding Gums
- Rectal itching
- Irritable bowel
Behavioral
- Anti-social Behavior
- Suicidal Tendencies
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety, high strung
- Irritability
- Extreme fatigue ("laziness")
- Hyperactivity
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Lack of Impulse Control
Skin & Joint Problems
- Thrush, Diaper Rash
- Acne, Skin Rash or Hives
- Dry Skin & Itching
- Finger, toe or foot Fungus
- Athletes Foot
- Liver Spots
- Water Retention
- Joint Pain
- Muscle Aches
- Numbness
Female Problems
- Infertility
- Vaginal Yeast Infection
- Menstrual Problems
- PMS Symptoms
- Bladder Infections
- Endometriosis
- No Sex Drive
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Iron Deficiency
Mental & Emotional
- Dizziness
- Mental Fogginess (Confused, spaced-out, blank stares, feeling lost in a fog)
- Inability to Concentrate (Having to re-read the same thing over and over)
- Poor short term memory (i.e., whose phone number did I just dial and why?)
- Mood Swings, Irritability
- Uncommon Headaches
- Lethargic
Immune Problems
- Asthma, Hay Fever
- Colds & Flu
- Puffy Eyes
- Respiratory Problems
- Chemical Sensitivity (cleansers, household products)
- Epstein Barr Virus
- Adrenal/Thyroid Failure
- Cold/Shaky
- Ear Infections
- sore throat
- Post nasal drip
- Hair Loss
- Sinusitis
- Weight gain (no change in diet)
- Weight loss (no change in diet)
- Diabetes
- Burning Eyes
- Premature Aging
YOUR ADDED SCORE IS _____ (one point per symptom)
0-4 points - Indicates variations of normal living (unless persistent and severe).
5-9 Points - Indicates a Clear Pattern shows likely development of Candida dysbiosis.
10 or more - Indicates Strong Pattern and almost certain Candida dysbiosis.
(1),(2),(3),(4). FOOTNOTE REFERENCES: (1) Yeast Connection, William Crook, MD;
(2) Medical Literature (Nsouli11994); (3) Ibid, (Crook 1999); (4) Ibid. (Shaw 1996).