Diagnostic criteria for chronic candida research

An unambiguous definition

Before any study of chronic candida (aka Candida-Related complex, CRC) can be done, an unambiguous definition¹ is required. Some books about this phenomenon list so many symptoms as diagnostic of the disorder that the end up with an overly broad definition of what defines the disorder. Restrictive, limited diagnostic criteria are necessary for research purposes. There must be a gold standard that definitively distinguished chronic candida from other, similar conditions.

I have been using the criteria below. They are based on my contact with other patients, and accounts written by practitioners. I don't believe they encompasses all cases of chronic candida. However, most advocates for the existence of the condition would agree that a patient meeting these criteria definitely has the disorder.

1. Presence of two or more gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms of sufficient severity to cause a change in diet or take medication, lasting more that two months and not responding completely to appropriate treatment.
   • Constipation, diarrhea, or obstipation
   • Bloating
   • Indigestion/sour stomach
   • Food sensitivities
   • Regurgitation
   • Heartburn/esophagitis
2. Presence of fatigue and difficulty concentrating("brain fog"), severe enough to substantially reduce or impair normal functioning.
3. Use of antibiotics for a cumulative total of greater than two months of daily use, with some use falling immediately prior to the development of symptoms.
4. Absence of any known general medical disorder that would sufficiently account for these symptoms, such as:
   • CFIDS
   • Crohn's disease
   • Celiac sprue
   • Giardia
   • Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
   • Hypothyroidism
   • Hypoadrenalism(Addison's disease)
5. A significant, lasting positive response to both of the following treatments.
   • One or more prescription antifungal (i.e. nystatin, diflucan, lamisil, sporanox).
   • The dietary elimination of sugar(candy, cake, ice cream) and highly refined carbohydrates(potato chips and other high-calorie snack foods with hydrogenated fat).

References

1. Bennet JE MD "Searching for the yeast connection" New England Journal of Medicine 323(25):1766-7, Dec. 20 1990

• criteria, moses lake -- 2007-10-20

  I have posted my e-book for free. I suffered for 20 years and God has given wisdom.
  You can view at www.curecandidanaturally.com Let me know how it helps you. Scott

• criteria, Portugal -- 2007-10-13

  Dear Sir:
  I just read the boock of Mr.Trodou and am on searching of candida cleansing.
  i left all the sugar food high-calories,snack foods,but I still with 103kg.
  I daily use antibiotics because a protese I have in my nee.
  Lattely I had fatigue and difficulty to concentrating witch reduce my normal functining

• criteria, brasil -- 2007-10-09

  Tenho enorme desejo de estudar medicina natural.Estou tendo este tipo de informação sobre cândida e estou maravilhada,atualmente tenho me interessado muito mais sobre assuntos naturais,maneiras de tratar causas e não consequências.
  È maravilhoso saber que existem pessoas que se empenham em estudar saúde e não doenças...
  abraços
  Elis durte

• criteria, P.O. Box 1312 Fairburn, GA. 30213 -- 2007-10-08

  I am amazed over how the medical professional and I mean mainly the conventional medicine profession refuses to acknowledge this condition as a REAL PROBLEM for their patients.( It has to have an organic basis)
  I have been a victim of the overuse of antibiotics and Ibuprofen for the treatment of sinusitis and fibroids prescribed BY THE MEDICAL PROFESSION which in turn caused me to develop this condition of Candidasis Albican in my gastrointestinal system. I have been via an Endoscopy and other traditional tests and they did not detect this disorder but when I had other extensive tests done via an Alternative Dr., it was clear that it was in fact Candidasis. It has been a very frustrating and frightening experience to suffer from something that a regular Dr. or specialist can't detect( no organic indication). I need a Medical Dr. in Atlanta, GA. that thinks outside the box with this issue and will treat me effectively. Anyone who knows a Dr. (Board certified)who is well versed on this issue and is willing to treat me, please let me know. Thanking you in advance, V. Stirling

• criteria, owifpaerwa@hotmail.com -- 2007-09-11

  mysiteup.my2gig.com

• criteria, Westminster, CO -- 2007-09-01

  I have a rash on one arm that is so darn itchy, and as I scratch it bleeds and the bumbs look to be infected. Does this sound like yeast? My doctor thought it was eczema and put me on an antiobiotic cream and clobetasol. It still isn't gone. HELP!

• criteria, OkmOcuKUNbZiAIYUv -- 2007-08-23

  5BnPRN Vangelis uses a technique of recording all tracks simultaneously on tape, using a device especially manufactured for him which he calls the "Direct box".
  "He explains his customary method of approach. As soon as the musical idea is there, as many keyboards as possible are connected to the control-desk, which in turn are directly connected to the applicable tracks of the multi-trackmachine.
  vangelis mp3

• ricardo , california -- 2007-04-16

  will this eliminate psoriasis????????????

• David N. Penton, Ph.D., 1711 Graveline RD Gautier MS 39553-7633 -- 2007-04-04

  Taking Fluoxetine 20,Amilor ide HCTZ 5-50 Toprol XL 100. Having weight gain, increased ADHD symtpoms + extreme leth argy, non motivation, anhedo nia. Lower outer left break never set at age 13+ 3 uncor rected lumbar discs. Please give Suggestions for RX chang es? Retired Clinical Psychol.

• Lynn -- 2007-03-27

  Systemic Candida overgrowth is a life-threatening condition because the normal yeast in the body has converted into a very dangerous mycelial fungal form. Candida just mutates around Nystatin, Diflucan etc. making it even more difficult to get under control and those drugs just do further damage to an already stressed liver. Antifungals also do not work because Candida overgrowth is the result of an impaired immune system. Improving the immune system is the only way to get Candida back under control, but therein lies the problem, because when you start killing off the deadly toxins that Candida produces, you are eliminating toxins faster than the major organs (liver, kidneys, spleen) can
  eliminate them (Herxheimer Reaction), so you must approach your Candida regimen with care and go slowly. If it was simple to control, no one would have it. It is useless to waste people's money doing tests to see if they have Candida, because everyone has it in small amounts in their bodies. It's when the immune system becomes weakened by the overprescribing of antibiotics, the pill, steroids, stress, bad diets, etc., and the intestinal flora(good bacteria)in our digestive tract is reduced that Candida is allowed to grow out of control in the body and become a very difficult health problem. It is truly a hidden health epidemic. From one who knows, believe me.

• susan McPhedran -- 2007-02-21

  I looked at your web site I am wanting to know if there is a blood test that ID's candida. If there is would you please email me and tell me what it is called so I can have one.
  Thanks

• Kim, Austin, TX -- 2007-02-04

  Is ThreeLac the best product to get ride of candidas yeast? if not can you recommend what i should do to get ride of mine?
  thanks so much,
  Kim

• Matthew Hogg, www.ei-resource.org -- 2006-11-06

  It's all very well saying we need an unambiguous definition
  of CRC for research purposes but...
  The fact is, CRC CAN cause any number of different symptoms in different people. This is common sense given that Candida causes illness in CRC mainly by production of toxins. The way the toxins interact with the patients body chemistry and genetic makeup detrmines which symptoms arise and which are predominant.
  Ruling out other medical conditions such as CFIDS, Celiac Disease, SBBO and low adrenal and thyroid function is also contentious since CRC is widely thought to, and in some cases has been proven to, cause or contribute to these conditions.
  By creating a strict definition of CRC and ruling out other diagnoses, the results of any research that came of it would be useless to the millions of people around the world suffering from CRC as a factor contributing to CFIDS, Celiac Disease etc.
  What is needed is not a Strict definition of CRC, but a PARADIGM SHIFT, away from strict labelling of "diseases" towards taking a view of health in which Candida and countless other intestinal micro-organisms play an important part in causing, and preventing/treating, a multitude of seemingly unrelated conditions.

• Sharon, Costa Rica -- 2006-11-04

  How about isolation of the organism? In science/medicine, to be identified as the cause of a disease or condition, the variable must be isolated and identified...among other criteria.

• Roxanna, Atlanta, Ga -- 2006-08-28

  I have been suffering from Candida overgrowth since childhood (did not know it was candida until 10 years ago) I use a product called VSL#3 which is billion probiotics, has helped me tremendously, also did hypebaric oxygen treatments for 5 days consecutive one hour each day. Going this week to get blood tested again for candida was a +3 the last test before this oxygen and vsl#3. vsl#3 has a website go read it and contact me if you need more info. Hugs Roxi

• Scott, Moses Lake WA -- 2006-08-18

  I have discovered how to defeat candida naturally and easily, I suffered for over 20 years Now I am Free! Check it out at curecandidanaturally.com
  God bless
  Scott

• Chico, Kansas City Mo. -- 2006-08-09

  I have been suffering from anal itching shortness of breath and a host of other problems.Ive been to the Doctor and she cant seem to find out whats wrong with me.It seems like i gain weight fast.I Also get rashes and welts on my behind.Can somone help me please.

• judith, 67 myrtle street indian orchard mass -- 2006-07-26

  can i eat rye bread diet with acid reflux. e mail me please

• Jane -- 2006-07-12

  As I read through the messages I can truly relate. After many trips to the doctor, I decided to try a natural way of getting rid of my old friend Candidas. I heard about a program at www.lifeforceplan.com
  First I order the book to read and then I told myself what the heck.
  Four weeks into the program I have not had my weekly or sometimes daily sinus headache, a backache, bloating, acid reflux, a bladder infection, intestinal cramps, I can sleep at night and the rosecea on my face has greatly been reduced and I have lost 16 pounds and I eat a lot of the right food. I have 12 more weeks but I feel better than I have in years. Check the site out and if you decide to try it I hope it works for you as well as it has worked for me and I am not even finished with the program.

• swallow -- 2006-07-05

  I have been having depression on and off for years now.Im a 25 year old female and have taken long courses of antibiotics in my childhood.I suspected candida last year when my mental symptoms got a lot worse right after a short course of antibiotics.severe anxiety,sudden moodswings,intestinal cramps ,diarrhea,chilliness and acne.Can anybody tell me if they are candida related?
  ty

• Amber, oregon -- 2006-05-10

  I have suffered with an "unknown" illness for five years. I went from 110lbs to 159 in 5 years. i go to the doctors and they have tested me for chrohn's ibs and everything else. I have nothing and the doctor said you are fine. If i am fine why do i feel so horrible. I am resorting to self help and if anyone can help me please email me. i feel crazy cuz they cant find anything wrong but i hurt.

• Lynn -- 2006-04-26

  When you have a disorder that mimics 79 different diseases you DON'T have, it's very difficult to have a gold standard that defines it. As systemic Candida progresses to its fungal form it produces waste products known as mycotoxins, one in particular is acetaldehyde which is converted by the liver into alcohol, producing symptoms of drunkenness (can even show up on a breath test) hence the "brain fog" which in itself is very debilitating. If you crave sweets, feel sick all over, have taken many antibiotics, have seen many physicians and not found help, developed many food allergies, severe depression, then your problems are probably yeast related. I feel the key to overcoming this disorder is to boost your immune system in any way you can (exercise, digestive enzymes, probiotics, improve your diet). Do not take prescription drugs such as nystatin, etc., as the yeast just mutates and becomes more resistant.

• jeanie granade-farmer, 906 bay laurel circle warner robins, ga 31088 -- 2006-04-25

  been on nysatin 2 years.. have every symptom listed above...PLEASE help me...almost suicidal

• Marci Haber Georgia -- 2006-03-02

  HELP ME IF YOU CAN I have suffered with SERVERE Candida for 5 years now. I went from 138 lbs to 240 no matter what I do or what i eat i am so sick. My body hurts 24/7 and i want my life back. please pass this on to any one who may be able to help. I have tried Diaflucan for over 1 year I had been on nyastaten for over one year. Nothing has helped. I have food allergies such as Brewers Yeast Egg Mushrooms coconut almonds canola milk pepper and a few other foods I can not think of now. I have these horrific red bloated patches of fat on my body that hurt to even touch. I get out of the shower and the Candida stands out bright red all over. I also scratch my self wherever the Candida comes out after a meal. Either my arms neck back legs or face. I am looking for a Dr. who will remove the "fat Candida" through lipo and then treat the Candida. I know the only chance I have of ever getting better is to have the obvious areas surgically removed and then treat the remaking orally. My Candida count is over 270 and the normal levels of Candida in a person is 140 or below. Please pass this on to any one anywhere who may be able to help me.

• NEVILLE WHITE SPAIN -- 2006-02-20

  I have candida and have done lots of reasearch on the subject. i had all the usual digestive problems and the white tongue. I tried all the normal things like diet and anti fungals. They didnt make much difference. I bought a product called Threelac. It is a coated probiotic and within 2 days my digstive system was like normal and i have already noticed so many of the other symptoms dissapearing.Headaches eczema. NOTE I AM NOT AN AGENT AND DO NOT SELL THIS PRODUCT.It is quite amazing

• Nandita -- 2005-12-26

  My baby son (4 months) is having candida on his toungue. Our doctor prescribed a cream and told that it would take a couple of months to recover. Is there any thing more - that we can do?

• Melanie Brantford, Ontario, Canada -- 2005-11-12

  I have suffered with IBS for three years. My symptoms included severe gas, constant diarrhea, weight loss and weight gain. I believed that it was all due to food allergies, including wheat products and milk products. My food allergy tests came back negative and the doctors have just diagnosed me with IBS, which is of no help. I found a product Bio-K Plus and in is fantastic. It tastes like a yougart and it comes in dairy or dairy free bottles. I take one bottle daily 3.5oz right after breakfast and I have noticed a big difference in my symptoms. I feel better, gas and diarrhea has decreases substancially and I feel much better. This has helped for my candida-it really works within days. I'ts worth giving it a try

• Tara Flynn Joplin, MO. -- 2005-11-05

  Im 22 years old, i've had yeast infections since i was 7. They dont itch so i dont even know i have one, until the doctor tells me so. I have acne on just my face, never on my body. i have struggled with acne since i was about seventeen, it does run in my family though. My acne is not like anyone else i know. Its very painful and makes big holes. I have takin antibiotics many many times in my life. I never have energy not like i think a 22 year should. I just fill crappy all the time. Not sick but not good. About 3 months ago i had a miscarage, a lady that owns a herb shop told me the candidas could have caused it. She was sure this was my problem. She did this weird thing with my arm, and this is how she know this. I thought allright weird but ok. I asked her what she thought i should do. Well, I did this treatment called Aqua Chi. Do you know about this? and I bought an herb Pau D' Arco, which she told me to take 8 a day. Do you know about this? I don't want a medicine to cure this i would rather do it with a natural remedy. Any suggestions? Could you email me anything you know about all this. Mabye just make some since of it.
  thank you
  Tara

• Tara Flynn Joplin, MO. -- 2005-11-05

  Im 22 years old, i've had yeast infections since i was 7. They dont itch so i dont even know i have one, until the doctor tells me so. I have acne on just my face, never on my body. i have struggled with acne since i was about seventeen, it does run in my family though. My acne is not like anyone else i know. Its very painful and makes big holes. I have takin antibiotics many many times in my life. I never have energy not like i think a 22 year should. I just fill crappy all the time. Not sick but not good. About 3 months ago i had a miscarage, a lady that owns a herb shop told me the candidas could have caused it. She was sure this was my problem. She did this weird thing with my arm, and this is how she know this. I thought allright weird but ok. I asked her what she thought i should do. Well, I did this treatment called Aqua Chi. Do you know about this? and I bought an herb Pau D' Arco, which she told me to take 8 a day. Do you know about this? I don't want a medicine to cure this i would rather do it with a natural remedy. Any suggestions? Could you email me anything you know about all this. Mabye just make some since of it.
  thank you
  Tara

• Lynda Waldrop 277 Kaigler Rd., Swansea, S. C. 29160 -- 2005-07-21

  I have been battling IBS for years and it has gotten more serious this past year. The problem interfers with my job and home life. Other problems that I have been diagnosed with are Fibromyalgia, psoriasis, osteoporosis, Keratoconus and TMJ. Could this be the culprit?

• Rachel RI -- 2005-07-18

  I am only 18 years old. I was recently put on an antibiotic and I am also on birthcontrol for problems that I already had with my period. I was only on the antibiotic for two weeks but since then my life has changed drastically. I have severe bloating all the time. It gets much worse after i eat. I am embaressed to go out because of the way I look. I feel miserable. I am constipated, depressed,have severe moodswings, and even being on birthcontrol I get my period for two weeks straight. I have been to so many doctors, and all my tests come out negative. I am so young I am hoping that someone can diagnose me. I do not want to live the rest of my life in pain, discomfort, and shame. Does it sound to anyone that I could maybe have Candida?

• Lisa Canada -- 2004-04-08

  Candida is such a battle. Non sufferers have no idea what we go through each day. One has to watch what they eat, wear certain clothes when going out for dinner because you just know you are going to blow up like a balloon, not to mention aching joints and shortness of breath followed by an asthma attack, oh an then there is the whole intercourse issue. I've been a Diflucan user for years, works great for a week then bam! Back again! My daughter turned me onto Grapefruit Seed Extract which has helped immensely with the whole digestion problem. I'm no longer a gas bag, a my demeanor and fogginess is much improved. Hope this helps others. It's not the total answer, but I feel better than I've felt in a long time!

• Mari Orange California -- 2004-03-01

  I have tinnitus and also found out my candida was a 2.o4 on blood test... positive all the way... and I believe that it gets in the ears(yeast) possibly causing tinnitus for sure ear problems..What is your take?

• KARYN LANGFORD SYDNEY AUSTRALIA -- 2004-01-26

  I HAVE HAD CHRONIC ORAL THRUSH FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS,IBS FOR 10 YEARS, DEPRESSION,SEVERE ACNE AT THE AGE OF 34 AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF IT.

• Carl Larson Exeter ,MO . 65647 -- 2003-10-20

  My Doc ,label'ed me as IBS,another with Gerd, Heart Failure,Est;Est;!! Walk ten feet and i'm short of breath. Feet and legs numb, pain in gut under center rib cage.Gas,bloating,constipation,the list go's on!Just had a colon test!I complained of bloaked colon,had to use laxatives everyday. Doc said tests are normal ,Hmm?? I believe our Doctors are slowly killing us! On my own,I started a total body cleaning program, bug killer for the gut system first.It took a week for things to (rot) or brake loose,my colon isnt blocked anymore!In the USA ,we die from diseses.Nobody dies from parasites,(bullcrap)!*Only in Mexico,and all the other countrys do they have bugs.The poison from (critters,there waste) i believe is what causing my legs,feet numb.After my colon got unblocked ,my legs and feet,slowly are returning to normal!This was my last resort,die, or do a fall cleaning,from inside out! I have ,leaky gut, also ,another indication of someone drilling holes in my gut! Candida ,YES i passed my home spit test, there alive and well! I Stop'd all yeast bread ,sugar ,pop,beer,wine whisky,fresh veggys from Mexico,(dont drink the water) but its ok to wash veggys in pee water!I Just drank another cup of fennel seed ,clove, tea,*anyway even my family thinks i'm goofy.Nobody gets flukes,tapworms Est' in the USA.Even your doctor will think your NUTs,stool tests will come back normal.Try your own home cleaning,do it slow,real slow.And have plenty of laxative on had,and some antibiotic's,only when needed!What can it hurt,if your shy dont tell anyone! later,

• Wilma Houston 379 Leisure Drive Brookville Ohio 45309 -- 2003-09-16

  I have had periodic yeast infections for several years since taking steroids for 6 years for asthma. I now seem to jhave a chronic infection in the vaginal area which has lasted 5 months and drives me crazy. any suggestions?

• Carolyn Gaylord #106-40 Mohawk Rd. E. Hamilton, ON L9A 2G7 -- 2003-08-31

  I get a sore throat and burning tongue after eating carbohydrates-bread (anything wheat), oats, rye, spelt, I've tried them all. I can eat millet and brown rice without any problem, but not rice cakes or rice crackers.
  THis started about 5 years ago, and was told it was Candida. I've been doing Candida diet, caprylic acid or Oil of Oregano and lots of Probiotics of diffent kinds.
  My throat still gets sore when I have a slice of bread or other carb.
  I'd like to know what this is and if it is still Candida how to get rid of it for good.
  Normally I eat vegetables, salads and chicken & fish. No sugar, fruits, or starches.

• Jodi Tollefson Minnesota -- 2003-08-19

  I have had severe fibromyalgia for 7 years. I have a white coated tongue and exfoliative cheilitis which is swollen severly dry lips, I have plantars warts on my toes(virus) plantars fasciitis (heel pain) severe muscle pain, joint pain, chronic depression and axiety, shakiness, memory problems, allergies etc I have been to naturopaths that tell me I have leaky gut syndrome and want to put me on a very strict diet including no wheat or dairy this has been really too hard for me please let me know if
  my problems could be yeast related and what I can do to help them thank you

• K Carroll 1057 Rainbow Cir Pittsgrove NJ -- 2003-08-19

  For the last several years I have been dealing with fatigue,brain fog, muscular pain stiffness, tinnitus and ear fullness, hives and exercise intolerance. I was on heavy dosages of steroids and methotreate drugs for my hearing loss 5 years ago. Four months ago we traveled to Europe. Two months later I have been dealing with severe burning sensations in my back and neck which traveled to my arms and legs. I have had MRI and EMG's with no results. I now have diaherrhea and tongue burning-sensations and sore throat. Could this be Candida-Related Complex??

• Kris Slifko 9528 Fran-Lin Parkway -- 2003-08-08

  PLEase send me any info. on this that you can. I had no idea things like this existed, until I spoke to a friend in CA that has this, and we have compared symptoms. Thank you!

• EVE WILLIAMSPORT, MD -- 2003-07-28

  I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO, I HAVE SUFFERED FROM SEVER GAS AND CONSTIPATION FOR MOST OF THAT TIME ALSO, BUT LATELY IT HAS GOTTEN ALOT WORSE. ALOT OF TIMES AFTER I EAT, EVEN IF JUST A SMALL AMOUNT I FEEL REALLY FULL, BUT AROUND MY UPPER RIB AREA. ( VERY STRANGE). I GET GAS, BLOATING AND ABDOMINAL PAIN, AFTER EATING ALMOST ANYTHING. I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANYTHING FOR THIS BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYONE SUGGEST TO ME THAT I HAVE IBS. I HAD A BARRIUM ENEMA DONE ABOUT 6-7 YEARS AGO, BUT NOTHING SHOWED UP. I DONT KNOW IF SOMEONE CAN SUGGEST SOMETHIND TO HELP WITH THE GAS AND THE PAIN.

• T.W. Seelye 5510 Pembroke Road, Bethesda, Md. 20817 -- 2003-02-09

  I have developed constipation for the first time in my 80 years as well as stomach bloating. Also, already thin, I have lost an excessive amount of weight.Is it possible that I have candida? And how does one test for this disease? Many thanks for your response.

• Robin Morring Niag. Falls N.y. -- 2003-01-02

  I am at the begining stages of dealing with what I believe to be a major yeast problem.I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,but I believe yeast to be the cause of many of the symptoms, blamed on Fibromyalgia.I am having a difficult time trying to get my doctor to send me for the necessary tests to prove or disprove the presence of yeast overgrowth.I am hoping that finally finding the true culprit of my many symptoms,severe IBS,pitting edema,recurrent yeast infections,coated tongue,brain fog,fatigue,muscle and joint pain,numb tingly hands,shaking,just to name a few.I had almost given up on ever feeling better.But now ,I feel hopeful that this overgrowth of yeast and all it's symptoms can be beat!!
  R.Morring

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