Question 1

What is Chronic or past Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic or past Candida infection occurs when the yeast Candida albicans overgrows in the body, causing persistent or recurrent symptoms. It is caused by Candida albicans, a naturally occurring yeast that becomes pathogenic when immune function is compromised or the normal bacterial flora is disrupted. The Candida albicans Ab (IgG, IgA, IgM) test is the most important test for diagnosing past or chronic Candida infections because it measures the immune system's antibody response to the yeast.

Question 2

What causes chronic or past Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic or past Candida infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that naturally lives in your mouth, gut, and skin. When your immune system is weakened, you take antibiotics that kill helpful bacteria, or your body's pH balance changes, Candida can multiply out of control. Other triggers include high sugar diets, diabetes, hormonal changes during pregnancy, prolonged stress, and conditions like HIV that compromise immunity.

Question 3

What is the best test for chronic or past Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

The Candida albicans Ab (IgG, IgA, IgM) test is the most important blood test for chronic or past Candida infection because it detects your immune system's antibody response to the yeast. This comprehensive panel measures IgG antibodies that indicate long-term or past infection, IgA antibodies that show mucosal involvement like in the gut or mouth, and IgM antibodies that suggest recent infection. Unlike direct culture methods that only detect active acute infections, antibody testing reveals whether your body has been fighting Candida over time, making it essential for diagnosing chronic cases that might not show up on swab tests.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chronic or past Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have persistent fatigue, recurrent yeast infections, chronic digestive issues like bloating and gas, brain fog, or skin problems that do not respond to treatment. Testing is especially important if you have recently taken multiple courses of antibiotics, have uncontrolled diabetes, experience unexplained joint pain, notice white coating on your tongue that keeps returning, or have a weakened immune system. Early detection helps prevent complications and guides appropriate treatment.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Candida infection causes persistent fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating that interfere with daily life. You might experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush with white patches in your mouth, digestive problems like bloating and constipation, skin rashes or fungal nail infections, and joint pain. Many people also report food sensitivities, sugar cravings, mood swings, and a weakened immune system with frequent infections. Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the body is affected and may come and go over months or years.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chronic Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

People taking long-term antibiotics or corticosteroids face higher risk because these medications disrupt the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body. Individuals with diabetes, HIV, or other conditions that weaken the immune system are particularly vulnerable. Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills have increased risk due to hormonal changes. Those eating high-sugar diets, experiencing chronic stress, undergoing chemotherapy, or wearing dentures also have greater susceptibility to developing chronic Candida overgrowth.

Question 7

What happens if chronic Candida infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic Candida infection can lead to systemic candidiasis, where the yeast spreads through the bloodstream to vital organs including the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys. This condition becomes life-threatening in people with compromised immune systems. Chronic overgrowth damages the intestinal lining, causing leaky gut syndrome that allows toxins and undigested food particles into the bloodstream, triggering widespread inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Long-term consequences include chronic fatigue syndrome, worsening allergies, nutritional deficiencies from poor absorption, and increased susceptibility to other infections.

Question 8

Can chronic or past Candida infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chronic or past Candida infection is best diagnosed with a blood antibody test that measures IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies against Candida albicans. Blood testing is superior to swab cultures for chronic infections because it detects your immune system's response rather than just looking for active yeast at one site. Elevated IgG levels indicate past exposure or ongoing chronic infection, IgA levels suggest involvement of mucosal surfaces like the gut, and IgM levels point to recent infection. This approach provides a comprehensive picture of your body's history with Candida that direct culture methods cannot capture.

Question 9

How is chronic Candida infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Candida infection is treated with antifungal medications like fluconazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole prescribed by your healthcare provider based on the severity and location of infection. Treatment also requires dietary changes, including eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates that feed yeast while increasing vegetables, lean proteins, and probiotic-rich foods. Your doctor may recommend probiotic supplements to restore healthy gut bacteria, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Treatment typically lasts several weeks to months, and addressing underlying causes like diabetes management or reducing unnecessary antibiotic use is essential for preventing recurrence.

Question 10

How can I prevent chronic Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent chronic Candida infection by maintaining a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates while eating plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. Take antibiotics only when medically necessary and always follow them with probiotic supplements to restore healthy bacteria. Keep your blood sugar controlled if you have diabetes, manage stress through exercise and adequate sleep, wear breathable cotton underwear, and avoid staying in wet swimsuits or workout clothes. Regular hygiene without excessive use of harsh soaps or douches helps maintain natural protective bacteria.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with chronic Candida infection?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that help manage chronic Candida infection include taking high-quality probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii to restore gut flora balance. Caprylic acid, found in coconut oil, has antifungal properties that inhibit yeast growth when taken as a supplement or added to your diet. Garlic contains allicin, a natural antifungal compound that you can consume raw or as aged garlic extract. Pau d'arco tea, oregano oil, and grapefruit seed extract also demonstrate antifungal activity. These natural approaches work best when combined with dietary changes and should complement, not replace, medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Chronic Candida Infection Blood Test

What is Chronic or past Candida infection?

What causes chronic or past Candida infection?

What is the best test for chronic or past Candida infection?

When should I get tested for chronic or past Candida infection?

References

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