How Do You Test for Candida Overgrowth?

Can you test for candida? And if so, what is the best way to test for candida overgrowth in your body?

Yes, you can test for candida. In fact, there are a few options when it comes to finding out if you have candida overgrowth in your body.

Frequently, I hear patients have been doing what’s called a split test where they spit into a glass with water and see whether the saliva rises to indicate candida.

I believe we have a much better way of checking for candida – more scientifically that we do in the practice.

The Best Test for Candida Overgrowth

How Dr. Mitchell Diagnoses Candida

Typically what we do at Mitchell Medical Group in NYC is a candida skin test. We use a tiny little needle to introduce the candida under the skin – similar to an allergy test. Then we wait approximately 10 minutes to read the reaction.

After we have introduced the candida and tricofiden under the skin we wait 10 minutes to see if there is a reaction. If in 10 minutes there is a reaction of 7-9 millimeters, which we measure, that indicates candida overgrowth. Now, everyone has candida in their body but if you have too much and it is imbalanced you will get this immediate reaction.

What Does the Candida Test Look Like?

A person who is really in excellent balance in that 10 minute period will have no reaction. The other kind of person that will not have any type of reaction is a patient with immune deficiency.

What Happens at 48 Hours – 2 Days Later?

A patient with a candida overgrowth will still have that positive reaction. A patient with normal candida balance in their system will have a positive reaction meaning their body has this delayed immune reaction which is normal. This is what’s scary. A patient with an immune deficiency will not have the immediate reaction nor will they have the reaction 48 hours later. This is what I used to see when I worked in the hospital with AIDS patients. Their immune system was so destroyed and their T-cells were not working so they had no reactivity.

This is the spectrum that we use to interpret along with a very good, thorough history if a patient has candida or yeast overgrowth.

Why Test for Candida Overgrowth?

While Candida is a natural-occurring fungus or form of yeast in the body, when it becomes out of balance with the body it can wreak havoc on your health. It is important to test for candida overgrowth, especially if you are having health issues, to determine if candida is the cause of your health problems. Testing also enables your practitioner to devise the best treatment plan. It is important though to find a doctor who specializes in candida as many practitioners are not able to accurately diagnose candida overgrowth.

What is Affected by Candida Overgrowth?

There are over 20 species of Candida that can cause infections. The most common is Candida albicans. Candida albicans are found in the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina.

There are many factors that contribute to candida overgrowth such as:

• a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars or carbohydrates
• excessive alcohol consumption
• prescription hormones such as oral contraceptives
• use of antibiotics
• high-stress lifestyle

If the candida in your body becomes out of balance it can affect your body and health in many ways such as:

• causing skin conditions such as eczema, hives, rashes, athlete’s foot, psoriasis
• vaginal infections
• urinary tract infections
• rectal or vaginal itching
• fatigue
• nutrient deficiencies
• fibromyalgia
• leaky gut syndrome
• digestive issues such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea
• brain fog
• irritability, mood swings or depression
• higher levels of inflammation in the body

If you are experiencing any of the health issues above and your doctor can’t identify what is the root cause of your issue it is likely you could have candida overgrowth.

While there are many tests you can use to identify if you have candida overgrowth we recommend the skin test as it is more scientifically proven and reliable when it comes to identifying if you have candida and is completed by a trained professional like Dr. Dean Mitchell. Additionally, when you get a candida test at a doctor’s office who specializes in candida they are accompanied by a thorough medical and lifestyle history which can also help the doctor not only identify if you have candida overgrowth but also pinpoint the cause of the growth to create a treatment plan that prevents it from occurring again for the same reason.

Want to Know If You Have Candida?

Give us a call at 212-397-0157 to schedule your candida test with Dr. Mitchell at our Manhattan or Long Island office.

Related Articles

• What is Candida Brain Fog and How is it Treated?
• The Best Probiotic for Your Candida
• Candida Diet – fewer Restrictions, More Options

– Dr. Dean Mitchell M.D.
Mitchell Medical Group in NYC and Long Island

About the Author – Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D.

Dr. Dean Mitchell M.D. is a Board-Certified Allergist Allergist and Immunologist based out of NYC. He graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine and completed training at the Robert Cooke Allergy Institute in New York City. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the author of Allergy and Asthma Solution: The Ultimate Program for Reversing Your Symptoms One Drop at a Time. Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D. has also been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Fitness Magazine, Dr. Oz and News NY 1. Dr. Mitchell also hosts the podcast The Smartest Doctor in the Room – a combination of a lively, personal and in-depth interview with top healthcare specialists.