Why Test the Gut?
Research has indicated that gut health has a big impact on overall health. The gut houses 80% of our immune system and 95% of our serotonin is produced in the gut. It not only plays a role in our digestion and absorption of nutrients, but it also affects our sleep, skin, mental health, hormones, immune function, and overall WELLNESS. The gut microbiome consists of microbes that are both helpful and some that are harmful. When the bad microbes outweigh the good microbes, the gut ecosystem undergoes abnormal changes. These changes occur from use of antibiotics, illness, stress, aging, bad dietary habits, and lifestyle.
What is GI Mapping?
The GI Microbial Assay Plus (or GI-MAP™) test is a DNA-based stool test that provides a detailed analysis of your gut microbiome. Your microbiome is the population of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that reside in the gut; good and bad. 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. It allows us to look for markers of inflammation in your gut along with signs of leaky gut syndrome. The custom protocol we build for you aims to improve digestion, mood, immunity, and overall body function.