Tinnitus & ringing in ears

Candida's Impact on Your Health
GetTested's Candida Test is designed for individuals who suspect they might be suffering from an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a common yeast. Candida overgrowth can trigger a variety of symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, gas, bloating, and digestive issues. Our simple at-home stool test provides a reliable analysis, helping you identify the root cause of your discomfort.
Understanding Candida in Your Body
Normally, Candida coexists harmlessly in our gut and on our skin. Yet, certain factors like diet, antibiotics, or weakened immunity can disrupt this balance. Consequently, Candida overgrowth may occur. Our test not only detects Candida albicans but also other yeast types like Candida species and Geotrichum candidum.
Candida Overgrowth: Causes and Symptoms
Candida overgrowth can arise from antibiotic use, dietary choices, stress, or immune system weaknesses. It produces toxins like ethanol and acetaldehyde, leading to diverse symptoms. Recognizing symptoms such as skin issues, digestive disturbances, and sugar cravings is vital.
Candida albicans: Common Yet Troublesome
Candida albicans, found naturally in small quantities, can cause infections under certain conditions like hormonal changes or weakened immunity. The most prevalent infection is vaginal candidiasis, affecting many women.
The Positive Side of Yeasts
Not all yeasts have negative impacts. Nutritional yeast, for example, is a beneficial source of vitamins, minerals, and complete proteins.
Geotrichum candidum: A Special Focus
Often found in dairy products and human skin, Geotrichum candidum can cause geotrichosis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms include a chronic cough and respiratory issues.
Identifying Candida Symptoms
Symptoms of Candida infection range from brain fog and skin problems to gastrointestinal discomfort and mood swings. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Is the Candida Test Right for You?
This test is ideal for those experiencing Candida-related symptoms or who have previously been treated for Candida overgrowth. It's also suitable for individuals considering the possibility of SIBO or other gut-related issues. Unsure about the test? Our customer support team is ready to assist you in choosing the right test for your health needs.

About Our Histamine Intolerance Test

Histamine intolerance can be elusive and difficult to pin down. Common symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and itching often resemble an allergic reaction, making it challenging to discern without specific testing. Our Histamine Intolerance Test, carried out in a UK-based ISO 13485 certified lab, provides answers by analysing your blood for DAO enzyme concentration. DAO, or Diamine oxidase, is vital for breaking down histamine in the body.

DAO and Histamine

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down excess histamine in the body. DAO deficiency, which can present when DAO enzyme activity is low, leads to alterations in histamine metabolism. [source] A deficiency in the DAO enzyme can lead to histamine intolerance.
 
Histamine plays a key role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function, but it is best known for triggering allergy symptoms. When the body encounters an allergen, it responds by trying to eliminate it. As histamines work to remove the allergen from the body or skin, symptoms like sneezing or itching may occur. While the body sends a surge of histamines to protect you, this overreaction is what leads to the uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

Understanding the Symptoms

Common symptoms include headache, migraine, dizziness, redness, itching, swelling, stomach and intestinal issues, cough, asthma, a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in blood pressure and palpitations. Symptoms can vary from mild, like a recurring headache, to more severe reactions.
The effects of histamine on the body depend on which histamine receptors it binds to. There are four types of histamine receptors:

H1 receptors are found throughout the body and are responsible for common allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing.
H2 receptors are mainly located in the stomach and trigger symptoms like increased stomach acid production and headaches. The excess stomach acid is produced to help combat the perceived threat in the body.
H3 receptors are located in the central nervous system, where they help regulate the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters.
H4 receptors are involved in blood cell formation and are found in bone marrow and immature blood cells (hematopoietic cells).

Histamine Intolerance Treatment

To get rid of the symptoms, you must clear histamine from your body. There are several ways you can treat the symptoms:
H1 Antihistamines: These antihistamines will block the H1 receptors responsible for allergic symptoms caused by a pollen allergy or pet allergy. This will reduce symptoms. You can purchase H1 antihistamines as tablets, liquids, creams, and eye drops.
H2 Antihistamines: These antihistamines block the H2 receptors and by doing so help treat several digestive issues. 
Low histamine diet: Avoiding histamine-rich foods and drinks can help reduce symptoms. High-histamine foods are typically aged foods. Alcohol is also particularly high in histamine. Among low-histamine foods, you can find many fruits such as apples, mangoes, peaches, and blueberries, as well as vegetables like onions, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Fresh meat and fish are also recommended, but note that spoiled fish can accumulate high levels of histamine, so ensure the fish has been stored at safe temperatures.
Supplements: DAO supplements can also be beneficial. Studies have shown that vitamin C and vitamin B6 may help lower histamine levels. Consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.

Other Tests That May Be of Interest

Allergy Test: Measures both foods, pollen and pet dander. Can give similar reaction as histamine intolerance.
Food Intolerance Test: Understand your body’s reaction to more than 240 different foods.
Stress Hormone Test: Measure your body’s response to stress.
Nutrient Test: Find out if you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Not Sure This Test is for You?

If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.

The Organic Acids Test from GetTested is a detailed assessment measuring 21 different markers of the body’s metabolic processes. This test is ideal for uncovering the root causes of chronic illnesses and is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing fatigue, burnout, or low energy. It is an easy to use test and therefore also suitable for children.

Who Should Take the Heavy Metals Test?
Heavy metals can be hidden culprits behind various imbalances and diseases. Since they accumulate in tissues and organs, causing diverse symptoms, it can be challenging to link these issues to a toxic load in the body. For instance, symptoms or diseases where a heavy metal test may be relevant include hormonal imbalances (ranging from thyroid issues to PMS and mood swings), autism, skin problems, Alzheimer’s/dementia, Parkinson's, autoimmune diseases, and liver and kidney problems.
Furthermore, about Heavy Metals, metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and aluminum generate numerous free radicals in our bodies. Many researchers believe these radicals are the root cause of several chronic diseases.
What Are Heavy Metals?
Essentially, heavy metals are unchelated, ionically charged metals. Examples include arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, aluminum, mercury, and iron. Electromagnetically active, these metals can accumulate in the body, creating significant amounts of free radicals. Primarily, they come from environmental pollutants that humans ingest or inhale, contaminating our soils and watercourses. In the body, heavy metals can disrupt the brain, kidneys, and immune system, leading to a variety of severe symptoms. However, these symptoms can range widely, from fertility issues to eczema, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and restlessness.
How Do Heavy Metals Damage Our Bodies?
Significantly, heavy metals are among the most severe health threats today. Toxic to our bodies, they mainly originate from environmental pollutants. For example, cars and industries release lead into the air, which we subsequently inhale. Our food, waterways, and soils often contain substantial amounts of lead. Moreover, pesticides, cigarette smoke, and pencils are other common sources of lead exposure. Predominantly, we find mercury in amalgam fillings, fish, and cosmetics, while aluminum is present in products like deodorants, stomach acid medicines, and aluminum pots.
When heavy metals accumulate in our bodies, they target the brain, kidneys, and immune system. Subsequently, they create vast amounts of free radicals that disrupt and damage various functions. Free radicals are unstable atoms that trigger chain reactions, potentially causing cell damage, DNA changes, and diseases like cancer. Not only do these radicals accelerate aging, but they also contribute to chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies, MS, Parkinson's, rheumatism, arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Particularly, mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that poses a significant challenge, as the body struggles to produce antitoxins against it. Consequently, this leads to disrupted energy production within nerve cells, ultimately poisoning and killing them.
What Can Be Done to Avoid Heavy Metals?
To minimize heavy metal exposure, it's crucial to surround yourself in a clean environment and reduce contact with these elements. Natural products like chlorella, spirulina, seaweed, garlic, fiber products, and intestinal cleansing programs can assist the body in eliminating heavy metals. Additional recommendations include removing amalgam fillings, replacing aluminum cookware with stainless steel, using natural deodorants and cosmetics without aluminum, and avoiding aluminum-containing gastric acid-reducing preparations.
How to Take the Heavy Metals Test
Conveniently, the test is a urine test that you can easily conduct at home. After collecting the sample, simply send it to our lab for analysis. Rest assured, you will receive your test results digitally.

How the Test Works
GetTested’s home-based blood test offers a convenient way to monitor vital vitamins. A simple finger prick is all it takes to collect a blood sample, which should be done on an empty stomach in the morning. The sample is then sent for lab analysis, with results delivered digitally. The test price includes shipping to the lab.
Key Vitamins Analyzed

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): This vitamin is crucial for converting food into energy. It supports healthy skin, hair, eyes, liver function, and the nervous system. Moreover, Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in forming red blood cells and synthesizing DNA.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, is vital for growth and red blood cell formation. It becomes especially important during pregnancy for cell division.
Vitamin D: More than just a vitamin, Vitamin D acts as a steroid hormone, essential for bones, teeth, and immune health. Your skin synthesizes it from sun exposure, affecting how your body absorbs phosphorus and calcium.
Vitamin E: As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E safeguards cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, it aids in immune function and blood clot prevention.
Coenzyme Q10 (Q10): Q10, crucial for cellular energy metabolism, decreases with age. Testing for Q10 is especially important for individuals over 50 to promote healthy aging.

Importance of Analysis

Vitamin B12 & Folate: These two work together to maintain healthy nerve cells and blood cell production. Insufficient levels can cause fatigue and neurological issues. They also regulate homocysteine levels, impacting cardiovascular health.
Vitamin D: Essential during the less sunny months, Vitamin D testing ensures you maintain adequate levels for bone and immune health.
Vitamin E: Analyzing Vitamin E levels is crucial for understanding your body's ability to fight oxidative stress and maintain immune health.
Coenzyme Q10 (Q10): Testing for Q10 becomes increasingly important as you age, ensuring your cells metabolize energy effectively.

Who Should Take This Test?
This test is ideal for those on restricted diets, the elderly, individuals with certain medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption, and anyone experiencing symptoms of vitamin deficiencies. It is also valuable for proactive health enthusiasts looking to optimize their vitamin intake and overall well-being.