Truth about the Candida Spit Test
There are several misconceptions about candiadiasis and the candida spit test is just one of this. Many websites promote the self- assessment test to help you diagnose whether you have the infection or not. Based on the belief, there are simple ways to determine whether the vaginal itching that you feel is due to the fungus, Candida albicans. But before you make a self-diagnosis, here are the facts that you must know about the infection and the test as well.
How does the candida spit test works?
The test asks you to spit on a glass of water and wait for one hour to observe the patterns of your saliva in the water. For uninfected people, the water remains clear while for those suffering from the infection, one will observe “leg” like structures dripping down with cloudy particles. The principle of the test is based on the thickness of the mucus found in your saliva. According to the proponents of the spit test, the saliva becomes more cloudy during the peak of candida infection.
What are the arguments about it?
According to the challengers of the candida spit test, the method is only popularized by some companies who want to promote their herbal supplements. The test gives a positive result to almost all women and even the uninfected females. It is also non-specific which gives a positive result even in other conditions like allergies, dehydration, diet rich in carbohydrate and spices and the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Even the dead cells around your mouth lead to the formation of strings in the glass of water.
Why is it considered unreliable?
The candida spit test is unrealible because candida is normally present in the body. They are normal inhabitants and they only cause disease if there is an overgrowth in their population. So, even when you have normal organisms, you might misinterpret it as having the pathologic candida infection.
Are there other available tests for diagnosis?
Candida albicans is best diagnosed by your health care provider. There are diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the organism. But aside from the laboratory procedures, the symptoms alone are sufficient to confirm your suspicions. Candida infection comes with a cottage cheese like secretion, vaginal itching, odorless discharge, burning sensation and pain during intercourse. By seeing any of these symptoms, you can already suspect Candidiasis and seek medical help at once.
What should you do when you have a positive candida result?
You should never panic if you have a confirmed candiasis. The infection is not a life threatening problem. Usually, it will only lead to discomforts. If your doctor makes the diagnosis, he can prescribe anti-fungal medications. It is important to finish the whole course of treatment if you want to fully recover from the problem.
What are the preventive measures?
You can forget about the candida spit test as long as you know how to prevent the problem. Because the candida overgrowth occurs when there is excess glucose, you need to reduce your sugar intake. It is also important to wear cotton underwear to allow your genitals to breathe.
Whether or not the candida spit test is true, you need to protect yourself against the infection.
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