By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

The Biamonte Method of testing for Candida uses first morning urine only. The urine is tested within the first hour of voiding for accuracy. After the hour has passed chemical reactions will occur that will lower the accuracy.

The Candida test measures chemical waste products from harmful bacteria and parasites, waste products that are produced as a by-product of Candida’s own metabolisms and free radical reactions that occur from the alcohol by products of Candida. Bacteria, yeasts and parasites produce “organic acids” unique to themselves. This can be thought of as chemicals that are produced by the organisms that are not produced by our own bodies. These chemicals serve as footprints of these organisms.

We measure these wastes in the urine to determine if they are in a range we consider to be consistent with Candida overgrowth. Although, those who have a poor immune system, can experience “Candida symptoms” at low levels.

When we kill these organisms the organic acids or waste products will increase. This is because the organism is dying, decomposing and releasing these chemicals. The first Candida test that we do serves as a baseline.

The very first urine test we suggest to a new client is performed as a “Challenge” or “Provocation” test. This is typically done when testing for toxic chemicals or toxic metals levels in the body.

We have the client do a baseline test and they then enter our Phase 0 program for 3-4 weeks. Phase 0 is intended to mechanically remove and dislodge Candida, Bacteria and parasites from the intestinal lining. The client then repeats the urine test to ascertain changes that occur between the first test and the second as a result of the loosening and scrubbing action of Phase 0.

The second urine test will often reveal organisms that may have been brought out of hiding by Phase 0. Sometimes levels increase on the second test indicating that Candida was hiding in the intestines and not reacting with the persons immune response.

In other cases they may drop but the parasite levels may rise indicating that Candida is not the primary infection but that parasites are. Sometimes the Candida levels remain high and on the 1st and 2nd test unaffected by the Phase 0. This indicates that there are colonies of Candida that have moved out side of the intestinal tract and have invaded other parts of the body. These colonies were not affected by the Intestinal Cleansing of Phase 0 so the levels remain unchanged.

When the client begins the Candida program we expect the organic acid levels to go higher as a result of the program killing the organisms. At some point they will start to drop.

This signals that the phase we are on is reaching its end and that the current regimen has reached and killed all the Candida it is able to. This is a signal that the next phase should begin. After starting the next phase the new substances begin to attack the Candida in a new area or location of the body. This causes the Candida organic acids to rise again. At some point they will drop, again signaling the end of that phase.

When we have used the final group of substances that are used to destroy the Candida in the intestinal membrane and we have achieved a drop in the organic acid level, we can assume the overgrowth of Candida is eliminated and it is now time to concentrate on building up the levels of friendly bacteria to take its place.

The Biamonte method of testing represents the first test for Candida that is designed to complement a Candida elimination program. The method reports the level of die-off the program is producing.

Unlike or methods, if the client feels worse on the program as a result of the dead Candida the test will reflect that so we can understand whether or not the “feeling worse” is as a result of the program killing the Candida or the person feeling bad for some other reason! This is a time when consultation with the regular medical doctor treating the client may be consulted for his opinion regarding the reason.

In the past, our Candida testing also employed an advanced stool culture called the Chromagar. The Chromagar test identifies the species of Candida in the body of the client. This was used because I have found that certain substances or herbs will work better on certain types or strains of Candida.

Bacteria and parasites also surround Candida in all cases. We have found that these organisms must be eliminated at the same time with the Candida. If they are not they will continue to kill off the friendly bacteria that prevents the growth of Candida. This causes the Candida to quickly grow back as if the person took a course of antibiotics. Therefore the substances or herbs that we recommend to the client must be able to kill all the organisms identified on the stool culture.

However after years and years of refining our protocols, we no longer need the stool test information. At this time the substances that we use in our protocol are able to destroy all organisms. We may add the stool test in some cases, but it is generally not needed any longer.

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.