Preventing Misdiagnosis Of Candida With Stool Testing

by Eric Bakker N.D.

I have seen many patients with symptoms involving systems that present to my clinic convinced they have a Candida problem. They could be concerned about digestive symptoms, skin problems, immune dysfunction, or a combination of those issues. The client will come to my office already following a Candida Crusher diet and taking CanXida supplements. When we do the comprehensive stool test, we discover that Candida is entirely absent. Candida was not cultured from the stool, and no dead yeast were seen on microscopy. Incredibly, this scenario unfolds in about 50% of the people I see who are completely convinced that Candida is causing their symptoms.

Sometimes, although there is no Candida found on a stool test, other yeasts are detected. For example, sometimes the stool tests positive for Trichosporon or Geotrichum. Other times, the problem is not yeast related but has to do with bacteria such as Citrobacter freundii or Pseudomonas. The bacterial problem could be SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), large intestine bacterial overgrowth, or a combination. Other possibilities are a bacteria infection limited to the ileocecal valve, the valve connecting the small and large intestines. For some people, the problem is a bacterial infection around the appendix.

There are many “hot spots” in the gastrointestinal tract that can harbor infectious biofilms or colonization by harmful microorganisms.

For some people who test Candida negative, their main problem is a complete lack of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria.

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Given that there are so many possible explanations for symptoms that may or may not be related to Candida, I always recommend comprehensive stool testing. We have ordered thousands of stool tests through our clinic.

Fortunately, whether you have Candida, bacterial, or parasite problems, the treatment is very similar. The CanXida line or products can be effective no matter what microorganisms are causing your gut problems. The diet I recommend for CanXida is also helpful if you’re suffering from bacterial imbalances

or parasite infections. The healthy lifestyle needed to address Candida infections also helps treat other types of intestinal dysbiosis.

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About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.