The Gut Microbiome

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Gastrointestinal testing is more important than you may realize. Because a healthy, fully functioning gastrointestinal system is the foundation of your health and wellness.

Scientific literature has associated gut microbiome or gut flora with many diseases and conditions, including:

• Celiac and Other Malabsorption Disorders
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD
• Acid Reflux and Heartburn 
• Blood Sugar Issues and Diabetes
• Excessive Weight Gain and Obesity
• Cardiovascular Disease 
• Depression and Mood Disorders

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The Gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their gene, residing primarily in the colon. Each person's microbiome is unique, just like a fingerprint.

How does the Gut Microbiome impact your Health & Wellness?

A healthy Microbiol balance positively influences heart health, skin conditions, weight management, and even longevity. 

Your microbiome can also affect your metabolic rate. Metabolism is a biochemical process that governs how quickly you can turn calories into energy. Many things can affect your metabolic rate including:

• What you eat and drink 
• Accumulation of toxins in your body 
• An under-active thyroid 
• Adrenal fatigue 
• Stress 
• Not sleep enough 

All of these can affect your overall gut health. The microbiome's role in our body's operation is so important that it acts as an organ. It impacts mood, cognitive function, aging, digestion, and our immune system. 

Gastrointestinal Testing with the GI MAP Test

The GI Microbial Assay Plus Stool Profile is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H.pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. 

It helps measure:

• Digestive system performance 
• Inflammation 
• General Gut Microbiome function 
• Specific pathogens that may be causing illness

When should you consider the GI-MAP Comprehensive stool profile?

GI MAP assesses three critical areas of gut health: digestive function, gut inflammation, and the gut microbiome. These areas affect not only GI health but overall health as well.

For patients with symptoms that may have gastrointestinal dysfunction as their root cause, comprehensive stool diagnostics provide an effective tool for gaining clinical insight into the next steps. 

When a patient is experiencing digestive issues abnormalities or other autoimmune conditions, GI MAPS testing may help to open the door to recovery.