The GI-MAP Stool Test

The GI-MAP Stool Test

The GI Map Stool Analysis is an incredibly helpful tool in investigating root causes. I run it on {most} all my clients when we work together and it has been a game changer! It provides a comprehensive evaluation of your digestive system, identifying potential imbalances, pathogens, and digestive markers that could be affecting your health.

What is the GI Map?

The GI Map (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) by Diagnostic Solutions Lab is a comprehensive stool analysis test that offers a detailed snapshot of your gut health. This test focuses on identifying and quantifying various components of the gut microbiome, including beneficial bacteria, pathogenic organisms, and markers of digestion, inflammation and immune health.

Key Features of the GI Map

  1. Microbial Diversity: The GI Map assesses the diversity and abundance of gut microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and parasites. A healthy gut microbiome is characterized by a diverse community of microorganisms that work together to support overall health. Imbalances can lead to various health issues.
  2. Pathogen Detection: The test screens for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause digestive disturbances and other health problems.
  3. Digestive Markers: The GI Map evaluates markers such as elastase, which indicates pancreatic function, and calprotectin, which can signal inflammation. These markers help assess how well your digestive system is functioning and whether there is inflammation or other issues.
  4. Inflammation and Immune Function: By measuring markers related to inflammation and immune response, the GI Map provides insights into how your gut health may be affecting your overall immune system.

Categories Included

  • Bacterial Pathogens
  • Parasitic Pathogens
  • Viral Pathogens
  • H. Pylori
  • Normal Bacterial Flora
  • Opportunistic Bacteria
  • Potential Autoimmune Triggers
  • Fungi/Yeast
  • Viruses
  • Parasites (broken down into protozoa and worms)
  • Intestinal Health (broken down into Digestion, GI Markers, Immune Response, and Inflammation)
  • Antibiotic Resistance Genes 

How Does the GI Map Work?

  1. Sample Collection: a test kit is shipped to you where you’ll collect a stool sample in the privacy of your home. While the process is definitely a humbling experience, it is straightforward and easy to complete.
  2. Analysis: The stool sample is then sent to the lab, where it undergoes analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect a variety of organisms including H. Pylori, bacteria, fungi and more.
  3. Results and Interpretation: Once the analysis is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report that outlines the findings. We will review it together in session.

The GI Map is a powerful tool for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of their digestive health. By providing specific insights into your unique gut microbiome, it helps create a targeted plan and uncover the “why” behind digestive symptoms like chronic constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, reflux and overall health. It also helps guide nutrition and lifestyle adjustments needed to support overall gut health.

Wondering if a GI Map is a good next step for you? Let’s chat. Book a NEW CLIENT INTEREST CALL where we will talk more about your health needs and see if a GI Map is a good fit for you. We include the GI Map Stool Test in our 1:1 services, The Testing Package and The Healing Journey.

Gut Friendly Summer Essentials

Summer is in full swing and it is HOT! Use the list below for gut friendly summer essentials including snacks, an amazing after sun spray and electrolyte options!

Snacks/Recipes

We all need snacks, whether we’re traveling, going to the beach, hiking, etc.. Below are some of my favorite grab & go snacks along with some real food snack ideas to pack in a cooler!

Personal Care
Electrolytes, Supplement Support

All About Protein

Protein is a macronutrient. What is a macronutrient? An essential nutrient required in large amounts that provide the body with sufficient energy to maintain body functions and sustain life. Most people are not getting enough in their daily diet. Your body does not store it, so that means you need to be eating it throughout the day in order for your body to utilize it.

all about protein

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You Can’t Supplement Your Way Out Of Poor Nutrition Habits

I’ve been in holistic health care for many years and I see a trend starting to happen that I want to address here. Many people shy away from conventional medicine and the band aid approach because they realize that it is not addressing the root cause, just to band aid their symptoms again using herbs instead of drugs. Same approach, different product. And yes, you may have less side effects from using herbs instead of pharmaceutical drugs,  but “you can’t supplement your way out of poor nutrition and lifestyle habits.” There is no quick fix approach. While supplements are amazing, they are not the “end all, be all”. You cannot rely on a supplement to “fix” your problems. You have to address the basics and put in the work, love.

organic produce

Supplement: something that completes or enhances something else when added to it

Our bodies are designed to utilize real whole foods. The commensal bacteria flora in our gut needs the variety of real foods to remain healthy and active. Bacterial flora is responsible for many things in our body (vitamin synthesis, immune support, etc) and it relies on real, whole food to feed it.

Sure, a great multivitamin helps fill in the nutrient gap that may be missing in our food, but it will never replace the power of actually nourishing our bodies with real food.

And what about the emotional/mental side of things? I’ve had clients nourishing their bodies and feeling amazing until they’ve encountered major stress in their lives and started feeling sick again while still eating all the healthy things. Stress and trauma affect the body. It depletes minerals. It causes your body to be in a state of fight or flight mode instead of safety. Guess what happens when your body doesn’t feel safe? It holds onto things it shouldn’t, energy that is supposed to go to certain parts of the body (like digestion) goes elsewhere, therefore making yoru digestive system weak.

True health is achieved when you are addressing ALL parts of your body. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.

You want a balanced healthy life? Put the work in all areas, not just food. When you do that, you are able to “eat whatever you want on a night out” and feel fine the next day because you were getting in that quality relationship time that your body was needing. It’s not just about the food, it’s about everything.

Learn to listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs. Over time, you will become confident and trust it.

You cannot supplement your way out of poor nutrition and lifestyle habits

Looking for guidance on your health journey? Check out my MAKING THE SWITCH program or book a consult with me to discuss your current health needs and see how I can support you.

Gut Health For The Holidays

The holiday season can be a stressful on our bodies so today we’re chatting all about gut health for the holidays. Reminder that this is a season! A few big holiday meals isn’t going to drastically alter your bodies immunity or make you pack on the pounds. It’s what you do on the daily, in between all the gatherings that will make all the difference!

gut health for the holidays

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Non Toxic Product Master Resource

“What do you use for xyz?” A question I get asked frequently and it’s a great question as many of us are on the quest for non-toxic products to add to our healthy lifestyle. There are MANY GREAT PRODUCTS available for us which is so nice. This non-toxic product master resource is long, with tons of options for your healthy home, cleaning supplies, personal care, beauty and MORE. Some of these I personally use, some are products that have good ingredients that I would recommend. This list is also not exclusive.

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