Candida

Well I am feeling great these days. The only thing tired or sore is my body and thats from trying to get back in shape after all this.

I wanted to pass along my thoughts on everyone that has MS and those that don't getting tested for Candida. It may sound all to familiar to some of us but it may have a link/tie in with people that have MS. If you have time read the book "Healing MS" by Ann Boroch and pay attention to chapter 2.

Some major contributing factors are use of antibiotics, steroids (cortisone, prednisone), birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, poor diet, chemotherapy, radiation, heavy metals, alcohol overuse, drugs, and stress.

"Immune weakness is probably the most obvious reason for the development of candidiasis. When the immune system is compromised the body is vulnerable to attack from a wide variety of pathogens – not just candida. Interestingly, candida can often start to flourish when a person uses antibiotics as antibiotics kill off the good bacteria that are instrumental in keeping candida production in check. When good bacteria is depleted the environment for candida to thrive is created."

Some of the most frequent Candida symptoms are:
abdominal gas, headaches, migraines, excessive fatigue, cravings for alcohol, anxiety, vaginitis, rectal itching, cravings for sweets, inability to think clearly or concentrate, hyperactivity, mood swings, diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity, itching, acne, eczema, depression, sinus inflammation, pre-menstrual syndrome, dizziness, poor memory, persistent cough, earaches, low sex drive, muscle weakness, irritability, learning difficulties, sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals, cognitive impairment, thrush, athletes foot, sore throat, indigestion, acid reflux, chronic pain

"Most people are unaware that it even exists, because most main stream doctors are uneducated about its impact on our health. People suffering from this condition often go from doctor to doctor for years and are usually told they are a hypochondriac or that it is stress or a psychiatric problem, before ever discovering the real culprit."

There are several options for testing if you ask your neuro or GP.

Stool Tests
Stool tests can be very valuable for detecting bacterial and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract. They are not however reliable for detecting Candida. See the bottom of the page for Candida tests.

Hormone Panel
Multiple labs offer this.

Blood test:
Candida albicans Assay for Candida albicans and the Immuno 1 BloodprintTM for Delayed Food Allergies.

Two saliva self test at home.(additional link http://www.candida-albicans-cure.com/candida-test.html)

1.
A Simple Test You Can Do at Home
First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass and fill with water. Work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water after a moment or within 2-3 minutes, then within every 15 minutes.

If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings, like cloudy legs, traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings, the water is as clear as it was before you spit in the glass and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free. The more strings and cloudiness there is and the faster it develops, the greater the overgrowth.

2.
First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass and fill with water. Work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water after a moment or within 2-3 minutes, then within every 15 minutes.

If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings, like cloudy legs, traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings, the water is as clear as it was before you spit in the glass and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free. The more strings and cloudiness there is and the faster it develops, the greater the overgrowth.