Yeasts (like candida) and/or parasites could be giving you symptoms which make you feel even more bloated and uncomfortable around the middle of your body.

Yeasts and parasites in the digestive system also cause an immune response and inflammatory substances are released to deal with them. We know that fat around the middle of the body causes inflammation so it is important to know whether you have a yeast or parasite infection. These are easy to test for as a stool sample is collected at home and then sent back to the laboratory in the kit provided. The results tell you if you have a yeast, like candida or parasites, which ones they are and then what you need to do about them. The test also shows the levels of beneficial bacteria in your body (in other words, the probiotics, such as acidophilus).

Persistent vaginal thrush can be one of the symptoms of a yeast overgrowth, but other symptoms can include:

• food cravings, especially for sugar and bread
• fatigue
• a bloated stomach with excess flatulence
• a 'spaced out' feeling
• becoming tipsy on a very small amount of alcohol

Symptoms of a parasitic infection include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Loose stools
• Feeling full especially after eating
• Belching after meals
• Indigestion
• Wind (flatulence/gas)
• Food poisoning and your bowel have not been right since
• Abdominal cramps

As you can see some of the symptoms of yeast and parasites overlap and could be one or the other, that is why it is useful to do a test which combines them both. Of course, you should always see your doctor first if you are getting physical symptoms but if you have been given the all clear medically then it is worth looking for another cause.