"Testing is needed for Candida infections because it is often overlooked in patients with complex medical problems." - Keith Sehnert, M.D. Co-author of Beyond Antibiotics

"By treating the Candida, my energy level has greatly increased as well as my motivation and enthusiasm. There has been a 180 degree turn ... I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted. And, oh yes! I have lost weight without concentrating on losing weight." - Mary Liskey, Pennsylvania

"I have lost weight and feel like a new person. I have obtained a feeling of joy and peace, two things I never thought I would obtain from this program!" - Ann Calamos, North Carolina

Is Candida the hidden link between what you eat and how you feel?
Common foods such as bread, cheese, alcohol and sugar can cause a host of physical, mental and emotional problems if you suffer from Candidiasis.

Even when you are healthy, bacteria and yeasts, including Candida albicans, are present on your skin and in your mouth, nose and digestive tract. Normally, these micro-organisms exist on and in you without causing any harm. In fact, the micro-organisms present in the lower digestive tract are highly beneficial in assisting in the digestion of food and in synthesizing vitamins which are essential to your good health.

Under certain conditions, Candida albicans can increase and upset the balance of your bacteria. This usually results in an infection known as Polysystemic Chronic Candidiasis (PCC) and can occur in men, women and children.

What are the symptoms?
PCC can manifest as multiple symptoms affecting different parts of the body.

Physical symptoms can include:
· Digestive: cravings for sugar or breads, chronic bloating, cramps.
· Emotional: depression, irritability, inability to concentrate, frequent mood swings.
· Muscles/Joints: aching joints and muscles, feeling weak or tired.
· Weight: binge eating, excessive weight gain, water retention.
· Urogenital: frequent infections, itching, discharge.
· Other: premenstrual syndrome, headaches, rashes, delayed food allergies.

What causes Candida?
There are several factors which can allow Candida albicans to overgrow in the lower intestinal tract. Frequent courses of steroidal drugs and antibiotics can depress the intestinal bacterial population which permits the overgrowth of yeast. The hormonal changes which occur when oral contraceptives are used or which can accompany pregnancies, have been implicated in increasing susceptibility to PCC in women.

Diets high in nutrients on which yeast thrive (i.e. sugars and other refined simple carbohydrates) encourage yeast overgrowth. Factors which depress immune function allow the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans to grow and multiply, causing PCC.

ELISA Microtiter plate, a unique test for the early detection of Candidiasis.

What is the solution?
The Candida albicans Assay from Immuno Laboratories detects Candida albicans and assists in diagnosing PCC. Two blood tests are performed on each specimen submitted for Candida albicans testing.

The Immunodiffusion test is an FDA approved procedure that will confirm late stage Candidiasis with significantly high antibody levels.

The Candida albicans Assay, has the advantage of detecting intermediate levels of Candida. The high sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test, which detects the earlier stages of Candidiasis, will allow your physician to initiate therapy much sooner in the disease cycle.

Many people who have PCC also experience food allergies. To achieve the most complete recovery, it is recommended that you have your delayed food allergies identified. This can be done with the Immuno 1 Bloodprint^TM, IgG ELISA Delayed Food Allergy Assay.

A diet, which eliminates IgG reactive foods, is free from yeast and sugars and is limited in carbohydrate content has proven effective for many patients in controlling PCC. Many people start to experience relief from their symptoms within two weeks of initiating their dietary modifications.

What is the next step?
If you believe you may have PCC and/or food allergies, speak with your physician and discuss the need for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and to arrange confirmatory blood testing such as the Candida albicans Assay for Candida albicans and the Immuno 1 Bloodprint^TM for Delayed Food Allergies.

Immuno Laboratories
Formed in 1978, Immuno Laboratories, Inc., has grown to be one of the most highly recognized, specialty testing laboratories in the world. Immuno offers the most current comprehensive and effective diagnostic programs in the fields of allergy, immunology and nutrition. A state and federally licensed clinical laboratory, Immuno Laboratories adheres to state and CLIA Standards for Quality and Proficiency Testing. Immuno Laboratories has helped hundreds of thousands of people overcome their Candida related symptoms. Ask your Doctor if your symptoms might be due to Candidiasis. Your Doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a Candida test today.

Publish date: 03/26/03