If you’ve taken the ImuPro Complete IgG test, you might have seen that it tests for IgG antibodies against Candida albicans, along with 269 different foods. But why is this? Is there a link between Candida and food intolerance?
How Candida Affects Food Intolerance
Candida albicans can damage the gut lining, leading to increased gut permeability, which is a major cause of food intolerance. To manage food intolerance, it’s crucial to address this underlying issue. Testing for IgG antibodies against Candida albicans can help identify if Candida is a contributing factor.
What is Candida Albicans?
Candida albicans is a common fungus that normally lives in small amounts on our skin and mucous membranes. It can exist in different forms, from single yeast cells to more complex structures, which can make it invasive and pathogenic under certain conditions.
Candida and the Immune Response (IgG)
In healthy individuals, Candida albicans is usually kept in check by a balanced gut flora and a strong gut lining. However, if this balance is disrupted, Candida can proliferate and transform into more aggressive forms. This often happens due to:
- sIgA Deficiency: sIgA is a key component of the immune defense in the gut. If it’s deficient, Candida can colonize uncontrollably.
- Gut Flora Imbalance: Beneficial bacteria in the gut, like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, help control Candida. Factors like antibiotic use, poor diet, and toxins can disrupt this balance, allowing Candida to thrive.
- High Carbohydrate Intake: Candida feeds on carbohydrates. A diet high in carbs can promote Candida overgrowth.
What to Do If You Test Positive for Candida IgG
If your test shows IgG antibodies to Candida albicans, here are the steps to take:
- Check for External Infections: Make sure there’s no Candida infection in areas like the mouth, skin, or genital areas. Recurrent vaginal yeast infections, for example, can indicate an imbalance in gut flora and Candida overgrowth.
- Stool Test: If external infections are ruled out, get a comprehensive stool test to check for Candida in the gut.
- Interpret Results:
- If no Candida is found in the stool, the IgG antibodies might be from a past, resolved infection, and no further action is needed.
- If Candida is present, it’s likely contributing to increased gut permeability and food intolerance. In this case, it’s important to treat the Candida infection to restore gut health and reduce food intolerance symptoms.
By understanding the link between Candida and food intolerance, you can take the right steps to improve your health and well-being.