What is a G.I. Map Stool Test and How Can It Help?
The G.I. Map Test, otherwise known as the Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus or GI-MAP test, is one of the newest additions to the list of the most sought-after functional stool tests today. The main goal of this test is to use one stool sample when examining your microbiome.
The assessment mainly focuses on the specific microbes that tend to disturb the normal balance of your microbiome, triggering issues in your gastrointestinal flora and causing digestion problems as well as other chronic health conditions. Not all bacteria are bad, the G.I Map test will assess your levels of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. From Here Dr Hagmeyer can tailor support to your individual needs.
Who is the G.I Map Stool Test for?
- Constipation,
- Diarrhea,
- Bloating,
- Acid reflux,
- Pain in the stomach, and
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D, IBS-M, IBS-M))
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Chemical Sensitivity
- Food Sensitivity
- SIBO
It can be done at any age.
It is also a valuable test for those who are dealing with hormonal imbalances as the G.I. Map Stool Test works in measuring the amount of beta-glucuronidase in your body, which can affect the detoxification of estrogen. High levels of beta-glucuronidase will lead to your body reabsorbing the estrogen that has gone through phase one of liver detoxification, causing estrogen dominance.
The G.I Map test also aims to get an extensive collection of microbial targets and digestive and immune markers, making it a huge help for those who have or are suspecting that they have autoimmune disorders and chronic ailments.
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression this can be strongly influenced by your gut bacteria, there is more and more research coming out to confirm this, the gut has a strong influence on the brain.
I have also seen this many times when working with clients, by improving their digestion symptoms so many times I also see anxiety eliminated, depression improved and general brain fog disappear.
The Benefits of the G.I Map Test
What’s good about this stool test is that it works efficiently in screening the body for commensal and pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungi, opportunistic pathogens, and viruses – all of which have a negative impact on your body and overall health if imbalanced.
It is also beneficial in the sense that it provides functional and integrative medical professionals with a clearer view of what’s happening in your gastrointestinal microbiome with the help of an automated and multiplex DNA analysis.
With the aid of this test, your stool will be used in determining if there are certain pathogenic organisms within your body that might cause you to suffer from illnesses like autoimmune problems, arthritis, and most chronic conditions can be influenced by your gut bacteria.
With the high specificity and sensitivity, as well as the fast turnaround, of the test, it is no longer surprising why many functional medical practitioners, as well as other medical professionals, use it.
Other Intestinal Markers
Many people who have bacteria and parasite infections can often struggle to eliminate them from the body, this is because they usually immediately treat with antibiotics or natural anti-parasitic herbs, but because their gut’s immune system is badly compromised these treatments often fail.
Identifying markers such as Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA), Zonulin and Pancreatic enzyme levels reveals a lot about the health of the gut, and the best way to treat your digestion problem.
With low levels of SIgA and pancreatic enzymes, it is going to be more difficult to treat gut infections.
The initial focus needs to be to boost SIgA and digestive enzymes to make the elimination of pathogens like parasites and bacteria more successful.
What does the G.I Map Test assess?
Aside from testing for opportunistic organisms, GI pathogens, and normal flora, it also aims to examine all markers relevant to GI health, such as:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
- Fungi
- Parasites
- Pancreatic and immune function
- Occult blood
- Secretory IgA
- Anti-gliadin IgA
- Fat absorption
- B-glucuronidase
It should be noted that proper gastrointestinal (GI) function is crucial to attaining the best general health. You know that you have a good GI function if the beneficial microbial flora found in your gut has the right balance, thereby providing several health benefits. Excellent GI health also aids in the proper absorption and usage of nutrients, digestion, and the removal of pathogens and wastes within your body.
On the other hand, poor digestion and absorption can trigger a number of health conditions, like nutritional deficiencies and immune dysfunction. A poorly functioning gastrointestinal system can also trigger food allergies and other forms of toxicity.
Why the G.I Map Is One Of the Best Options For Functional Stool Testing
It is necessary to undergo specific tests designed to diagnose dysfunction in the G.I tract to identify the cause of your digestion problems and other chronic health conditions, and this will help determine the perfect solution for certain health issues,
This type of detailed testing is usually not done by the average doctor who sees you for a 10 minute appointment.
The G.I. Map Stool Test, which assesses for a wide variety of pathogens and other digestive health markers and is one of the go-to tests to identify what is happening with your digestion, this takes out the “guess work” when it comes to a treatment plan.
What Makes it Different from the Other Stool Tests Today?
What’s nice about the G.I. Map Stool Test is that it is something that you can do at home. Fortunately, it is easy to do this test since we can ship the G.I Map test to you, regardless of where you are in the world.
It is an exciting and new health test that can provide the best out of all the other stool examinations and tests combined.
The test does so with the help of a new process known as PCR. It works by closely examining the bacteria’s DNA, which is one of the reasons why it is quickly becoming the leading solution when it comes to testing for bacteria.
While other stool tests that are currently available also seem to be based on DNA, take note that some of them only use matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI/TOF) as a means of detecting stool microbes.
The G.I. Map Stool Test is more comprehensive as it really performs a deep scrutiny of the problem. It is different than other tests as it makes use of a multiplex and automated PCR analysis technique, which makes it possible to measure multiple viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria simultaneously with just one stool sample.
Another thing that makes it different is its ability to do the DNA sequencing process with expertise. The result is superior specificity and sensitivity when it comes to detecting up to fifteen of the most common triggers of chronic diseases and gastroenteritis.
In addition, the test makes use of intestinal health markers, making it possible for it to analyze your gut microbiome comprehensively. It also makes use of inflammation, digestion, and mucosal immune system markers to make it even more effective.