The GI-MAP (my fave gut-health test!)
What is the GI-MAP?
The GI-MAP test is one of my favorite home-tests to order for my clients. It’s the most sensitive stool test available on the market. This advanced stool test uses qPCR lab testing for identifying bacteria, yeast and parasites. It also measures important gut-health markers like inflammation status, gut immune status, and enzyme production status.
It measures:
Reactivity to gluten (anti-gliadin antibodies)
Pancreatic enzyme levels
Quantity of of yeast, parasites, or inflammatory microbes
Leaky gut markers
h. Pylori and virulence factors
Detoxification pathway markers
Gut inflammation level (calprotectin)
Low or high levels of beneficial bacteria
The reason I prefer to use this test is because it’s relatively easy to do at home and very non-invasive. It’s also the most accurate way to go for gut-testing, as it actually quantifies the levels of bacteria it measures. Previous tests only report on whether the bacteria are present, but not if the bacteria are at unhealthy low or high levels.
“The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is unique in the field of comprehensive stool testing. It relies exclusively on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested.” -Diagnostic Solutions website
Here’s a page from one of my first GI-MAPs that I ran on myself.
Who this test is for?
Anyone who wants to understand their current gut-health status, including those with:
Digestive issues like bloating or reflux
Diarrhea or constipation
Brain fog
Food sensitivities
IBS
Mood imbalances
Depression and anxiety
SIBO
Acne or skin issues
Autoimmune
Why I order this test for my clients
With all the helpful info from the GI-MAP test, we can make a highly informed decision on a gut-healing protocol. I really like this test for representing which microbes are an issue for my clients.
For example, h. Pylori is a common gut bacteria that lives in the stomach lining and can create reflux, heartburn and bloating (it can even be responsible for mood imbalances by disrupting absorption of amino acids and B vitamins! ). It can easily be detected by the GI-MAP. If detected in above normal amounts, we would gently help the body in clearing the h. Pylori with herbs and support digestion. This helps the entire rest of the GI tract to heal, and can improve mood and digestive absorption!
The GI-MAP stool test helps me get very detailed info on my clients gut health, and really helps validate those people experiencing bloating, fatigue or brain-fog. Their microbiome balance just needs to be supported! I usually re-test this stool test 4 months later to make sure the gut issues have resolved. I include this test in the Vitality Reset Package!
Interested in working together to resolve your own digestive or anxiety symptoms? Book your Initial Consultation to get started!
In Health + Wholeness,
Annika