I’ve recently been tested and found to have antibodies to candida (yeast). What does that mean? H. T.

Dear H. T.: Virtually everyone has candidal antibodies. That is because yeast is all around us and we are exposed to it constantly. Having candidal antibodies does not mean that you have a problem with yeast, but high levels can provide supporting evidence if other findings suggest that you do have an overgrowth of yeast in your body. In my opinion a candidal antibody titer should not be used as a screening test to identify yeast challenges nor should it be used as the sole criteria for a diagnosis of candidiasis (a yeast infection). The test is best used to monitor the effectiveness of the regimen you are using to bring the yeast under control once it has been established that a yeast overgrowth is present. Comparison of pre-intervention candidal antibody levels to those found in subsequent tests can either confirm or bring into question the effectiveness of the recommended protocol. -Dr. Peterson