You’ve have likely heard how important digestive health is for overall health. It affects our immune systems, energy, mental health, nutrient levels and ability to detoxify. When “treating the gut” diagnostic tools are very important to help determine the underlying cause of symptoms. Patients may experience symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea and pain for a variety of reasons.
One diagnostic tool naturopaths can use to identify potential causes is the GI MAP stool test. This test uses PCR testing to detect the DNA of bacteria, yeast and parasites in the stool. It also detects how much of an organism is present.
The test identifies strains of beneficial bacteria, and harmful bacteria, including h. pylori. Some of these harmful bacteria have even been identified in research as autoimmune triggers. One example is klebseilla pneumoniae, which has been shown to be a trigger for rheumatic diseases. The GI MAP test also measures the presence of viral stool infections, parasites and yeast.
Additional markers on the GI MAP stool test assess digestive function. These markers measure inflammation, digestion capability, pancreatic function, and zonulin- the marker for leaky gut.
The GI map test can be beneficial for many conditions including:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Allergies
- Autoimmune disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Chron’s/Ulcerative colitis
- Autism
- ADHD
- Depression and anxiety
Diagnostic tools such as GI MAP are one part of a naturopathic approach to optimizing digestive health. If you are interested in learning if this testing it right for you, and what other options are available to support your gut health, contact us to discuss this further with one of our naturopathic doctors.
