Discovering your Gut Microbiome: Stool Testing to Optimize Health.
-I recently ran the GI-MAP on myself and made some startling discoveries which I will share soon. Stay tuned for a look under the hood of my own gut health…
Gut health is a crucial component of overall health, and the GI-MAP (Gut Microbiome Analytics and Mapping) stool test is a comprehensive diagnostic tool for understanding the microbiome in the gut. The GI-MAP test is a DNA-based test that analyzes the DNA of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites present in a stool sample.
Why is gut health important? The gut microbiome is a complex and diverse community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. They are a rich ecosystem intersecting with and reflecting the health of the human organism. It is estimated that there are over 100 trillion bacteria in the gut, about ten times more than human cells in the body and over 100 times more microbial DNA than total human DNA! A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune system function, nutrient synthesis and absorption, but also other intimate areas of our life that are less intuitive such as behavior, mental health, metabolism, and longevity.
Why is the GI-MAP stool test important? The GI-MAP test provides a detailed analysis of the gut microbiome, identifying both the presence and abundance of specific microorganisms. The test also identifies markers of gut inflammation, digestive function, gut-borne pathogens, and imbalances in the gut microbiome that can contribute to various health issues, such as:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Food sensitivities
Autoimmune diseases
Mental health issues
The GI-MAP test results can provide valuable information which allow us to tailor treatment plans specific to an individual’s unique gut microbiome and health expression. In other words: to focus treatment on the patient, not the disease.
How is the GI-MAP test performed? The GI-MAP test is a non-invasive test that requires a stool sample to be collected at home and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Once the results are received, we go over the results together and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses any imbalances or dysbiosis in the gut microbiome. Interventions typically include nutritional and dietary modification, lifestyle changes, herbal and nutraceutical supplements, and neuromodulatory interventions such as vagal nerve stimulation and photobiomodulation.
The GI-MAP stool test is a valuable tool for understanding the gut microbiome and promoting gut health. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome, identifying imbalances and pathogenic organisms, and helps us develop individualized treatment plans that match your specific health expression. If you are interested in learning more about this kind of testing, reach out and we can discuss if the GI-MAP maybe right for you.
