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Gut Health Analysis

GI-MAP

The Diagnostic Solutions GI-MAP tests for amounts of good and bad bacteria, H. Pylori, Candida, and other parasites in a stool sample, and in addition, measures leakage due to Leaky Gut Syndrome. It is an improvement on previously standard techniques which relied on culturing a bacteria sample, as unlike a culture, GI-MAP is able to detect species of bacteria which cannot grow under normal conditions.

What is GI-MAP Testing and what can it do for me?

What is GI-MAP Testing and what can it do for me? 
What does a GI-MAP test show? Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP™) stool test by Diagnostic Solutions is a test to determine which microbes are present in a patient’s stool sample, and in what quantities. GI-MAP stool testing works by repeatedly copying any DNA in the sample and then analyzing what and how much DNA it finds. It is able to find germs in amounts as low as one cell per 10 grams. It is also very good at finding parasites, which is very important because it is estimated that up to one in four American adults live with a parasite such as H. Pylori. Many are unaware of it.

A medical practitioner can spot problems in a patient’s gut flora with this test. For example, certain organisms which are common in healthy individuals, such as Candida, can cause health problems if they are in excess. This is a condition known as dysbiosis. Candida in particular can cause many chronic issues, such as fatigue, lethargy, rashes, joint pains, constipation, and diarrhea, among others.

The GI-MAP also measures certain non-microbial factors. It measures levels of certain immune system function and digestive proteins which are considered to be especially good signs of digestive function and gastrointestinal health. Too much or too little of these proteins can be a sign of a range of gut issues, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD or IBS) or Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome is an especially important part of the test, as it is common but poorly understood by modern medicine. It is a problem with the lining of the intestines which lets germs and undigested food into the bloodstream and can cause bloating, gas, cramps, and food sensitivities.

You can easily take the GI-MAP test at home. A practitioner will order a GI-MAP test online, then you are mailed a kit with simple instructions by the lab. You then complete the test from the comfort of your own home. When done, you mail the completed test back to the lab with the included prepaid envelope. It’s quick, discreet, and simple.

Is GI-MAP testing worth it?
Yes! The GI-MAP is one of our favorite tests! The gut is the control center for the whole body and the GI-MAP is an extremely valuable tool in understanding your personal health needs. An impressive volume of scientific research shows that gut health is key in maintaining proper immune, hormonal, neurological, endocrine, and metabolic function. Analyzing your gut health is often essential to uncovering the root cause of chronic, frustrating symptoms, and the sensitivity and validity of GI-MAP results are unparalleled. This is why we believe this is the best GI-MAP test.

How much does a GI-MAP test cost?
While GI-MAP stool testing is not covered by insurance, the GI-MAP test price is affordable, and the results are consistently helpful in finding the root cause of symptoms and creating a customized holistic health plan. It is important that you partner with a holistic health professional who can help you accurately interpret and take action on your GI-MAP results. Contact a holistic health practitioner to discuss the GI-MAP cost and your options.

GI-MAP Benefits & Uses

What can the GI-MAP Test be used for?

A GI-MAP test provides practitioners and patients an overview of the entire gut biome. By itself, it only catalogs what living things are in a patient’s digestive tract. In turn, though, a knowledgeable healthcare provider can use that information to make a comprehensive wellness plan. The GI-MAP is valuable in diagnosing specific illnesses in certain cases, but its true value comes from what it can tell us about our overall health. The digestive system plays a very large role in overall well-being, one that medicine is only beginning to understand. The GI-MAP can tell a lot about gut health, and from gut health we can learn a lot about overall wellness.

Poor gut health can cause the common digestive problems you’d expect, like bloating, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea, but it can also cause systemic symptoms including headaches, joint pain, and fatigue. And if left unchecked for too long, it can lead to chronic nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalance, mood issues, and a dysfunctional immune system.

The GI-MAP Test is one of our most commonly ordered tests because it gives us so much great insight into what is actually going on inside of you.

leaky gut ann arbor holistic health

You may benefit from Gut Health Analysis if you’re experiencing any of the following:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Brain fog
  • Celiac Disease
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • IBS/IBD
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
  • Gastritis
  • Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
  • Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
  • Diabetes and weight loss issues

Contact Ann Arbor Holistic Health today to learn more about the GI-MAP stool test and whether it’s right for you.