What is a GI-MAP Test and How Can it Help Improve Your Gut Health?
The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus), by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, is a comprehensive stool test used to assess the condition of your gastrointestinal tract by distinguishing between the balance of harmful, and beneficial bacteria while identifying infections, pathogens, parasites, active viruses, and other elements. This is achieved by directly measuring the DNA of the microbes present in your GI tract.
Why is the GI-MAP So Important For Gut Health?
More recently than ever, "gut health" is a topic widely discussed by functional practitioners, Instagram influencers, and health coaches. However, it's not merely a matter of incorporating a daily probiotic, greens powder, or anti-bloating pill. Every one of us, including our gut microbiome, is incredibly unique, akin to a fingerprint—individualized and distinct for each person.
Although there are commonalities, the precise makeup and range of microbes differ greatly from one person to another. This variance highlights the need for a personalized test that matches our unique traits, paired with a skilled practitioner capable of analyzing results and creating a tailored plan for each individual. Additionally, the gastrointestinal system isn't just about our digestion; it influences immune function, and mental health, and even influences the body's inflammatory responses.
What does the GI MAP Test For?
Intestinal Health Markers
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The GI Map also examines indicators crucial for your gut's well-being, encompassing digestion, immune response, inflammation, and overall GI markers. Our aim is to ensure that all your levels are optimal!
Normal Bacterial Flora
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The GI Map not only identifies harmful bacteria, but also assesses the presence of beneficial microbes, like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Understanding the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is crucial for overall gut health.
Beneficial bacteria serve various essential roles in the gastrointestinal system:
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Nutrient Absorption: They aid in breaking down and absorbing nutrients from food, supporting overall digestive function.
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Gut Barrier Integrity: Beneficial bacteria contribute to maintaining the gut barrier, which prevents the entry of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
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Vitamin Synthesis: Certain beneficial bacteria produce vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin K, which are essential for various bodily functions.
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Immune System Support: They help regulate and support the immune system, playing a role in defending against harmful pathogens and regulating inflammation.
Pathogens:
The test can pinpoint specific pathogens, including:
Bacterial Pathogens:
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Escherichia coli (E. coli): Certain strains can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
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Salmonella: Known for causing salmonellosis, which leads to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
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Clostridium difficile (C. diff): Infections with C. diff often result in colitis and severe diarrhea, especially following antibiotic use.
Parasitic Pathogens: Giardia lamblia: Responsible for giardiasis, leading to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
Viral Pathogens: Adenovirus and Norovirus: These viruses commonly cause viral gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
These pathogens can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and vomiting, often indicative of gastroenteritis.
Fungi/Yeast: Just as with bacteria, fungi and yeast typically exist in the gut microbiome in small quantities. Yet, an excess of these can pose issues. The GI Map identifies different types of fungi, including Candida species, linked to overgrowth or gut infections caused by fungi.
Viruses
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The GI Map can identify latent or dormant opportunistic viruses, amongst them is the Epstein Barr virus. This virus has the potential to cause various illnesses. For example, Epstein Barr is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as "mono."
Parasites
The GI Map test is designed to detect various parasitic organisms that could potentially be present in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the parasites that the GI Map test can identify include:
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Giardia lamblia: A common parasitic organism that can cause giardiasis, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and weight loss.
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Cryptosporidium: Another parasite that can cause gastrointestinal issues, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
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Entamoeba histolytica: This parasite can lead to amoebic dysentery, causing symptoms like severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, it can lead to liver abscesses.
Opportunistic/Overgrowth Bacteria (SIBO)
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Opportunistic bacteria are microorganisms that typically exist harmlessly in or on the human body. For instance, some opportunistic bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These bacteria are commonly found on the skin, in the gut, or in the environment and generally do not cause harm under normal circumstances.
However, given the right conditions, they can lead to infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
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Overgrowth of bacteria refers to an excessive increase in the population of certain bacteria in a specific area of the body, such as the gut or the skin. This overgrowth can disrupt the balance of the body's natural flora and potentially lead to infections or health issues. In the gut, for example, an overgrowth of certain bacteria can cause conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), leading to digestive problems.
H. pylori
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. It's incredibly common, with estimates suggesting that over half the world's population might be affected.
H. pylori infections are usually acquired in childhood and can persist for many years if not treated. These bacteria can cause various digestive issues, including gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and peptic ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum). In some cases, it may contribute to more severe conditions like stomach cancer or MALT lymphoma.
Antibiotic-Resistant Genes
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Antibiotic-resistant genes are specific genetic elements that can be naturally occurring or acquired by bacteria, enabling them to withstand the effects of antibiotics. Commonly prescribed antibiotics such as Amoxicillen, Clarithromycin, Fluroquinolines, and Tetracycline.
What makes the GI-MAP Unique?
qPCR offers a much more accurate way to detect and quantify clinically relevant organisms than standard PCR, culture, microscopy, or DNA sequencing-based methods.
Accurately assessing how much of an organism's DNA is present in a patient's stool sample, rather than mere positive or negative indications.
This distinction is essential for helping practitioners to determine the clinical significance of pathogenic organisms and dysbiosis patterns. These detailed levels guide the selection of appropriate treatments, which might involve herbal remedies, vitamins, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
Who should get a GI-MAP Test?
While a GI-MAP gut health assessment can be beneficial for most individuals, I typically suggest the test for those facing challenges with any of the following conditions:
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Gastrointestinal distress
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IBS/IBD
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Bloating or gas
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Diarrhea and/or constipation
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Skin problems such as acne, rashes, eczema, and psoriasis
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Autoimmune disease
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Fatigue
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Brain fog
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ADHD or ADD
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Nausea
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Weight issues
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Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
What should I do with this information?
So you get tested— now what?
It’s one thing to get your test results… it’s another thing to know what to do with them.
When it concerns your health, it is always prudent to collaborate with a credentialed practitioner who can grasp the broader scope—particularly with functional testing. You want to work with a trusted professional who can help you interpret the results of your test and create a custom protocol for you.
If you are interested, please set up a FREE GI-MAP Discovery Call with me so I can assess if you qualify and give you a quote!