Candida usually means Candida albicans, which is a type of yeast. It is a normal inhabitant of the human gut and is responsible for the breaking down of complex sugars. However, when it becomes the dominant organism in the gut, it can contribute to many problems. An overgrowth of Candida Albicans is also referred to as Candidiasis or Yeast overgrowth.

Factors which encourage Candida Albicans overgrowth include: antibiotics, oral contraceptives, steroid drugs, more than one pregnancy, smoking and excessive sugar consumption.

What are the symptoms of Candida Albicans

Candida overgrowth can cause a variety of symptoms including:

Excess flatulence
Headaches
Joint swelling
Fatigue or low energy
Abdominal pain or bloating
White coating on tongue
Bladder infections
Muscle aches
Fungal infections especially skin irritation.
Mood swings
Increased allergies
Depression

Candida is not the only condition to cause these symptoms but if you suffer from a number of the above then Candida may be the reason, or part of the reason you are suffering.

Can I be tested for Candida Albicans overgrowth?

Yes. We can arrange for a Candida Albicans test for you. Choose from a kit to use at home, or come in to the Inverness CCT or Black Isle Practice and we will prepare a sample to send to the lab.

Why test for Candida?

Because there are such a wide range of symptoms associated with Candida overgrowth it isn’t always obvious that Candida is causing the problem. The only way to know is to take a test so you can ensure the symptoms are correctly treated.

Essential Reading for Candida Albicans



Candida is now recognised as the cause of some troublesome modern health problems, such as IBS, chronic fatigue, depression and nausea. Many people believe that food intolerance is the cause, and have found that they can make an enormous difference to their symptoms by using the candida diet as part of their treatment. This book explains why the diet works, and how you can identify the foods you need to help you fight back. There are recipes here, and guidance to help you make lasting changes to your life. ISBN: 0-85969-761-4 Price: £6.99	Candida used to be thought of simply as the cause of thrush. But now doctors recognise that yeast infections are responsible for many of the other health problems of modern living - chronic fatigue, IBS and other digestive problems, depression, skin problems and lowered resistance to infection. Shirley Trickett explains how Candida really works, how it leads to other problems and, most importantly, how to get it out of your life. ISBN: 0-85969-688-X Price: £6.99	Thrush is one of the commonest health problems, affecting many women at some point in their lives. Thrush can make your life a misery, so if you suffer you need to know how to cope - to deal with an attack and to make changes to your life-style to reduce the risks in future. Caroline Clayton gives clear, readable information about thrush, why you get it and how to prevent it. She gives practical advice about remedies, diet, self-help approaches and coping with thrush when you're pregnant. ISBN: 0-85969-697-9 Price: £6.99