HOW THE GI-MAP TEST CAN HELP

GI-MAP Test Overview
The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test is a comprehensive stool analysis that provides a detailed evaluation of your gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health. Utilizing advanced quantitative PCR technology, the GI-MAP test identifies and quantifies a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as key markers of gastrointestinal health and inflammation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the GI-MAP test evaluates:
Pathogenic Bacteria
  • Enteric Pathogens:
    • Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica: Identifies common bacterial pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections and symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Opportunistic Bacteria
  1. Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria:
    • Clostridium difficile, Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp.: Evaluates the presence of bacteria that can become pathogenic under certain conditions, contributing to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
  2. Imbalanced Commensal Bacteria:
    • Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio: Assesses the balance of major bacterial phyla, providing insights into overall gut microbial health and potential dysbiosis.
Beneficial Bacteria
  • Commensal Bacteria:
    • Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp.: Measures levels of beneficial bacteria that play critical roles in maintaining gut health, aiding digestion, and supporting immune function.
Fungal/Yeast Overgrowth
  • Candida spp., Geotrichum spp.: Identifies yeast and fungal overgrowths that can contribute to symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and brain fog.
Parasitic Infections
  • Protozoa:
    • Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp.: Detects common protozoan parasites that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and infections.
  • Helminths:
    • Various species: Identifies worm infections that can lead to chronic gastrointestinal issues.
Viral Infections
  • Viruses:
    • Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Assesses viral presence that may affect gut health and overall immune function.
Intestinal Health Markers
  1. Inflammation Markers:
    • Calprotectin: A marker of inflammation in the intestines, elevated levels can indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other inflammatory conditions.
    • Lactoferrin: Another marker of intestinal inflammation, helpful in distinguishing between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  2. Digestive Function:
    • Pancreatic Elastase: Measures pancreatic enzyme production, indicating exocrine pancreatic function. Low levels can suggest pancreatic insufficiency.
    • Steatocrit: Assesses fat malabsorption by measuring the amount of fat in stool.
  3. Immune Function:
    • Secretory IgA (sIgA): An important marker for gut mucosal immunity. Low levels can indicate immune suppression, while high levels can suggest immune activation.
  4. Leaky Gut Markers:
    • Zonulin: Measures gut permeability, with elevated levels indicating increased intestinal permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut."
Clinical Insights
​The comprehensive data provided by the GI-MAP test offers valuable insights into:
  • Gut Microbiome Composition: Identifies imbalances in gut bacteria, yeast, and parasites, helping to understand the root causes of digestive symptoms and gut health issues.
  • Pathogen Detection: Detects the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause infections and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Inflammation and Immune Status: Evaluates markers of inflammation and immune function, providing insights into conditions like IBD, IBS, and other inflammatory gut disorders.
  • Digestive Efficiency: Assesses pancreatic function and fat absorption, offering clues to digestive efficiency and potential insufficiencies.
  • Gut Permeability: Measures markers of intestinal permeability, providing information about gut barrier function and potential leaky gut syndrome.
Personalized Wellness Plans
The detailed information from a GI-MAP test allows practitioners to:
  • Tailor Probiotic and Prebiotic Interventions: Based on identified imbalances, specific probiotic and prebiotic recommendations can be made to restore gut health.
  • Target Pathogenic Organisms: Develop targeted antimicrobial treatments to address identified pathogens, including bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses.
  • Support Digestive Function: Implement enzyme supplementation and dietary modifications to improve digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption.
  • Manage Inflammation: Utilize anti-inflammatory therapies and dietary strategies to reduce gut inflammation and support healing.
  • Enhance Immune Function: Address immune imbalances with targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions to bolster gut mucosal immunity.
  • Repair Gut Barrier: Implement strategies to restore gut integrity and reduce intestinal permeability, promoting overall gastrointestinal health.

The GI-MAP test is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides a comprehensive overview of your gut health, enabling highly personalized and effective wellness strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Your initial consultation is free. 
We’ll discuss your specific case and determine if our unique process is a good fit for you. Questions? No problem. Click the button below to schedule a free consultation and we’ll be happy to answer them when we connect. *Individual results may vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors. (full disclaimer)​
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"You have the choice to move towards health. The sooner you do, the sooner you will achieve it!" ~Ayesha Syed.
Board Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and the American Association of Natural Wellness Professionals.
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