Do You Have Candida?
Candida is a common yeast infection found in the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina. If the immune system is functioning properly, this type of infection is not serious. However, if the immune system is not functioning well, the infection can migrate to other parts of the body. When your body is not at its optimal pH, candida can cause a systemic issue. Take this quiz to find out if you have a candida infection.
Part A: Health History
1. Have you taken tetracycline (Sumycin®, Panmycin®, Vibramycin®,Minocin®, etc.) or other antibiotics for acne for 1 month (or longer)?
Point score-50
2. Have you, at any time in your life, taken other "broad spectrum" antibiotics for respiratory, urinary or other infections for 2 months or longer, or for shorter periods 4 or more times in a 1-year span?
Point score-50
3. Have you taken a broad spectrum antibiotic drug – even for one period?
Point score-6
4. Have you, at any time in your life, been bothered by persistent prostatitis, vaginitis, or other problems affecting your reproductive organs?
Point score-25
5. Have you been pregnant 2 or more times?
Point score-5
Pregnant 1 time? Point score-3
6. Have you taken birth control pills for more than 2 years?
Point score-15
Taken birth control pills 6 months to 2 years?
Point score-8
7. Have you taken prednisone, Decadron®, or other cortisone-type drugs by mouth or inhalation* for more than 2 weeks?
Point score-15
Taken these drugs 2 weeks or less?
Point score-6
8. Does exposure to perfumes, insecticides, fabric shop odors, or other chemicals provoke moderate to severe symptoms?
Point score-20
Does exposure produce mild symptoms?
Point score-5
9. Are your symptoms worse on damp, muggy days or in moldy places? Point score-20
10.Have you had athlete’s foot, ringworm, "jock itch" or other chronic fungus infections of the skin or nails that have been severe or persistent?
Point score-20
If mild or moderate? Point score-10
11. Do you crave sugar?
Point score-10
12. Do you crave breads?
Point score-10
13. Do you crave alcoholic beverages?
Point score-10
14. Does tobacco smoke really bother you?
Point score-10
Total Score, Part A _______
*The use of nasal or bronchial sprays containing cortisone and/or other steroids promotes overgrowth in the respiratory tract.
Part B: Major Symptoms- for each symptom that is present, enter the appropriate number in the Point Score column:
If a symptom is occasional or mild, score 3 points.
If a symptom is frequent and/or moderately severe, score 6 points.
If a symptom is severe and/or disabling, score 9 points.
Total the score for this section, and record it at the end of this section.
1. Fatigue or lethargy _______
2. Feeling of being "drained" _______
3. Poor memory _______
4. Feeling "spacey" or "unreal" _______
5. Inability to make decisions _______
6. Numbness, burning or tingling _______
7. Insomnia _______
8. Muscle aches _______
9. Muscle weakness or paralysis _______
10. Pain and/or swelling in joints _______
11.Abdominal pain _______
12. Constipation _______
13. Diarrhea _______
14. Bloating, belching or intestinal gas _______
15.Troublesome vaginal burning, itching or discharge _______
16. Prostatitis _______
17. Impotence _______
18. Loss of sexual desire or feeling _______
19. Endometriosis or infertility _______
20. Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities _______
21. Premenstrual tension _______
22. Attacks of anxiety or crying _______
23. Cold hands or feet and/or chilliness _______
24.Shaking or irritable when hungry _______
Total Score, Part B _______
Part C: Other Symptoms*
For each symptom that is present, enter the appropriate number in the Point Score column:
If a symptom is occasional or mild, score 3 points.
If a symptom is frequent and/or moderately severe, score 6 points.
If a symptom is severe and/or persistent, score 9 points.
Total the score for this section and record it in the box at the end of this section.
1. Drowsiness _______
2. Irritability or jitteryness _______
3. Lack of coordination _______
4. Inability to concentrate _______
5. Frequent mood swings _______
6. Headaches _______
7. Dizziness/loss of balance _______
8.Pressure above ears, feeling of head swelling _______
9. Tendency to bruise easily _______
10. Chronic rashes or itching _______
11. Psoriasis or recurrent hives _______
12. Indigestion or heartburn _______
13. Food sensitivity or
intolerance _______
14. Mucus in stools _______
15. Rectal itching _______
16. Dry mouth or throat _______
17. Rash or blisters in mouth _______
18. Bad breath _______
19. Foot, hair or body odor not relieved by washing _______
20. Nasal congestion or post-nasal drip _______
21. Nasal itching _______
22. Sore throat _______
23. Laryngitis, loss of voice _______
24. Cough or recurrent bronchitis _______
25. Pain or tightness in chest _______
26. Wheezing or shortness of breath _______
27. Urinary frequency, urgency or incontinence _______
28. Burning on urination _______
29. Spots in front of eyes or erratic vision _______
30. Burning or tearing of eyes _______
31. Recurrent infections or fluid in ears _______
32.Ear pain or deafness _______
*While the symptoms in this section occur commonly in patients with yeast-connected illness, they also occur commonly in patients who do not have candida.
Total Scores: Part A _______ Part B _______ Part C _______
Grand Total Score: (add totals from Part A, B and C) _______
Yeast-connected health problems are almost certainly present in women with scores over 180, and in men with scores over 140.
Yeast-connected health problems are probably present in women with scores over 120, and in men with scores over 90.
Yeast-connected health problems are possibly present in women with scores over 60, and in men with scores over 40.
With scores less than 60 for women and 40 for men, yeast are less apt to cause health problems.
Reversing candida is difficult to do, and requires a commitment and steady approach- which a Nutrolution RD can help you with. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare. Call or contact us below to verify your nutrition benefits and get started on medical nutrition therapy today!
(Eras, et. al 1992).
(Vincent, et.al 2014).
(Odds, 1988).
For more information, check out our research and references page here.