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.

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First, we’ll begin with the definition of microbiome.

A microbiome is the community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that exist in a particular environment. The body has multiple microbiomes, including gut, oral, urogenital and skin.

The connection between the oral microbiome and the gut is huge. Certain bacteria can live in the mouth and transfer down on through the digestive tract quite easily. In fact, when I run the GI Map (a comprehensive stool analysis) in my practice, I oftentimes see certain elevated strains of bacteria contributing to gut symptoms and it’s coming from the mouth!

Bacteria like staphylococcus spp., streptococcus spp., prevotella spp. and h. pylori love to reside in the oral cavity. When it’s allowed to “take up shop”, it will travel on down the GI tract causing symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, halitosis (bad breath), headaches and more!

Below is a snippet of a GI Map from a client who was experiencing daily headaches, constipation, low energy and indigestion. Not only did they have H. pylori present, the “oral” bacteria were also quite elevated telling me we needed to investigate what was happening in the mouth as well.

It is quite easy to overlook certain oral health practices and this client had done just. It’s another great example of “root cause healing”. Where we look at the body as a whole, not just address the symptoms.

So now you might be asking…what do I do to make sure my oral health is on point??

Questions to first ask…

1. Are you brushing and flossing regularly?
2. Do you have any cavities, root canals, etc. that need addressed?
3. Do you wear a retainer?
4. Are you eating a whole foods diet with minimal processed foods, sugar, soft drinks and alcohol?
5. Are you chewing your food well?

Tips to up your oral hygiene game…

• change your toothbrush or toothbrush head regularly. Bacteria can hang out there so change it often.
• oil pull. Oil pulling with coconut oil may be beneficial in getting rid of oral microbes.
• get regular dentist cleanings. Skip the fluoride and bonus if you can find a holistic dentist trained to look at the mouth/body as a whole.
• clean your retainer. Soak/scrub in a vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution.
• tongue scrap. Clean that excess bacteria off the tongue first thing in the morning and/or right before bed.
• use an anti-microbial toothpaste 1-2x a week.
• use an oral probiotic. Certain strains like L. paracasei are clinically studies to promote a health oral microbiome.

Additional tools and resources:

• tongue scraping tool> click here
• oil pulling> in the morning, before eating or drinking, swish 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 5-10 minutes. Spit the oil out in the trash (not the sink, it will clog!). Coconut oil naturally contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
• anti-microbial toothpaste and mouthwash> purchase on my online supplement dispensary. There are multiple options listed under the ORAL HEALTH category inside the dispensary.
• oral probiotic> found in the supplement dispensary as well

What can you do to promote your oral health today?

Need additional support with your oral and gut health? Book a new client interest call HERE to learn more!

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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!

• CHOMPS meat sticks: save 15% with code CARRIESINK15
• Kize Concepts Bars: save 15% with code CARRIESINK15
• Homemade Trail Mix
• Veggies/Dip
• Fresh fruit: melon, grapes, pineapple
• Fresh Garden Salsa
• Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Muffins
• Summer Kale Salad
• Peanut Butter Bites
• Homemade Popsicles
• Tropical Delight “Ice Cream”
• Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
• Frozen Grapes
• Crunchy Dill Chicken Salad
• Turkey Roll-Ups
• DIY Infused Water
• Spindrift Sparking Water- Made with real fruit!

Personal Care

• Solar Recover After Sun Spray: this stuff WORKS!!
• Peppermint Oil: headache relief, make a cooling spritzer spray. Here’s where I source my DIY supplies + peppermint oil.
• Badger Face Sunscreen
• Alba Mineral Sunscreen

Electrolytes, Supplement Support

• Re-lyte
• LMNT 
• Adrenal/Pickleball Mineral Powder
• Digestive Enzymes
• Magnesium Glycinate

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What We Make Out of Protein:

• antibodies
• all enzymes
• thyroid hormones, FSH, insulin
• hemoglobin
• cellular energy

Benefits of Protein:

• helps prevent that “hangry” feeling
• builds muscle growth & strength
• curbs food cravings
• fuels your cells
• helps build and repair tissue
• helps produce enzymes that break down food
• cell regeneration
• helps maintain a healthy weight
• supports hormone balance
• keeps you full

Symptoms of Inadequate Protein Intake or Absorption:

• weakness
• that “hangry” feeling
• anemia
• spacey & jittery
• fatigue
• depression
• anxiety
• sugar cravings
• weak immune system
• headaches
• hormone imbalances
• bloating

How Much Protein Should You Eat?

This answer varies. The RDA recommends .36g per pound of body weight. If you are pregnant or breastfeed, you want to aim for 100 grams. Dealing with any type of hormonal imbalance, blood sugar imbalances, weight issues? Aiming to get 25-35 grams a meal can really be a positive game changer. If you’re not sure how much you’re getting in, take a day or two and track for awareness

Protein Sources

I recommend consuming high quality animal sources as they are considered a “complete” protein. That means it contains all 9 essential amino acids. If you are a vegetarian, there are other options, but won’t be complete. Animal protein is also more bioavailable to your body.

Animal Sources:

• chicken
• turkey
• duck
• lamb
• fish
• eggs
• beef
• wild game
• whey protein

Vegetarian Sources:

• grains (quinoa is a good option)
• beans/legumes
• pea protein
• seeds
• nuts
• leafy greens

What About Protein Powders?

Protein powders can be a great way to get in additional protein. The problem? They are highly processed and most contain lots of added ingredients (gums, fillers, artificial ingredients) that can contribute to inflammation, gut disturbances and more! Depending on the source of protein used, they can also be difficult to digest. Listed below are supplement recommendation. Collagen can also be a great source, although it only contains 8 out of the 9 amino acids to make it a complete protein. You can find all these on my online supplement dispensary unless marked with an *. If you aren’t set up on my online dispensary, click here to create an account. (It’s free, you receive 15% off and products ship right to your door.)

• Bone Broth Protein
• Chocolate Protein 
• Vanilla Protein
• *Plant Based Protein Powder
• *Further Foods Collagen Powder (code CARRIESINK will save you 15% at checkout)

Protein & Gut Health

Do you have trouble digesting protein? Does it cause bloating or a “full or heavy” feeling? To break down and properly absorb protein, your body needs sufficient stomach acid and enzymes. If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms when eating protein or any symptoms listed above, it’s time to dig a little deeper into your gut health and figure out why. Book a 20 minute new client interest call with me and let’s give your gut some lovin’!

Looking for a healthy recipe that includes protein? You may like this Summer Berry Salad, this Roasted Buttered Salmon or Shrimp Scampi with Noodles.

The post All About Protein appeared first on Carrie Sink, CHHC.

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.

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Healthy Snacks/Beverages

Superfood Matcha Powder (code CARRIESINK saves you 15%)

Superfood Turmeric Powder (code CARRIESINK saves you 15%)

Chomps Meat Sticks (code CARRIE15 saves you 15%)

Mayorga Organic Coffee

GoMacro Bars

Kize Concepts Bar (code CARRIESINK saves you 15%)

Numi Organic Tea Gift Set

Alter Eco Salted Caramel Truffles

Organic Dark Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot Chocolate Mix (sweetened with monk fruit)

Bulk Spices and Herbs

Kitchen Tools/Utensils

Garlic Press

Vitamix

NutriBullet

Nut Milk Bags

Stainless Straws

Popsicle Molds

Instant Pot

Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags

Pyrex Storage Containers

Tea Infuser Mesh Strainer (for loose leaf tea)

Handheld Frother

Tea Organizer

Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap

Popcorn Popper

Personal Care Products

Chapstick

Deodorant(code CARRIESINK saves you 10%)

Body Spa Kit (code CARRIESINK saves you 10%)

Castile Soap

Shea Butter

Jade Roller

Epsom Salts

Magnesium Lotion

Jojoba Oil

Coconut & Hibiscus Dead Sea Salt Muscle Relief Mineral Soak

Bamboo Toothbrush with Travel Case & Charcoal Dental Floss

Gua Sha Stone

Healthy Home/Healthy Lifestyle

Yeti Water Bottle

Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential Oils

DIY Hand Soap Dispensers

DIY Amber Spray Bottles

Nellie’s Laundry Soap

Hot Water Bottle for Pain Relief

Squatty Potty

Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp

Yoga Mat

Yoga Pants with Pockets

Gift Card for Health Coaching Services

Snake Plant

Books

Against All Grain Cookbooks

The Health Habit

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy

90 Day Food + Fitness Journal

Food Journal/Daily Gratitude/Meal Plan

Taking Charge Of Your Fertility

Eat Dirt

Some of these links may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same, but Carrie Sink, CHHC will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us spread our message!

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Tips For A Healthy Holiday Season

• Water, water, water. Hydration will keep your body energized, your digestive system moving and toxins flushed out.
  • Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces.
  • Drink an extra glass of water for every glass of alcohol you consume. If you are consuming more than one glass of alcohol, be sure to drink water in between.
  • Add lemon to your water. This will help boost immunity and help your body detox. I love to start my day with warm lemon water.
  • Herbal teas count towards your water intake.
• Focus on real foods. Whole foods are full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that keep your body healthy. Adding these into your diet during this busy season will give your body support and help relieve the stress of the season.
  • Aim to get vegetables in at every meal. Eat a variety: raw, steamed, sautéed, roasted, etc. If you find your digestive system needing support, eat more cooked veggies. These are easier to digest.
  • Limit sugar. More than likely you will get plenty of sugar at your holiday parties and gatherings. Choosing to limit it between gatherings will be less taxing on your body.
• Take time to rest. Late nights, stressful family situations, travel germs, struggling to fit in your normal wellness routines, increased exposure to holiday food can all be hard on your body. Prioritizing rest, even if for a short time will be helpful.
  • 10 minutes of deep breathing.
  • Box breathing, 4-4-4
  • Take 5 outside
  • Set boundaries around bedtime
• Consider supplements. Supplements can fill in the gaps for nutrients, immunity, digestive support and more. Check out my Healthy Holiday Immune Protocol in my supplement shop here.
  • Digestive enzymes (taken with meals)
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Probiotic
  • Superfoods green powder
  • Multivitamin
  • Zinc
  • NAC

Tips For The Big Days

For the days where you do have parties and gatherings going on, implement these tips to give your body extra support.

• Eat a balanced snack (protein, healthy fat, complex carb) before the big meals
• Take a digestive enzyme
• Chew your food well
• Skip the foods you don’t enjoy
• Go for a walk after your meal
• Sip on herbal tea to support digestion (peppermint, ginger, I love happy tummy tea from Mountain Rose Herbs, etc)
• Be present and ENJOY the moments

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How do they work?

Warmed castor oil packs can be used in a variety of places on the body for healing. My favorite is over the liver, but you can also place them on breast cysts, your stomach and even your thyroid. Caster oil has a drawing power. The warm packs help stimulate the lymphatic and  circulatory systems.

A little side note…the lymph system is responsible for collecting and cleaning up toxins, infections, heavy metals, dead cells and more. When your lymph is congested, this paves the path for disease and inflammation.

Materials needed

• castor oil (always make sure it is hexane free. You can purchase it off my supplement dispensary here or Amazon)
• heating pad or hot water bottle
• old cotton towel or piece of flannel x 2
• glass jar with lid (for storing afterwards)

Directions

1. Cut fabric to desired size (ex: liver, thyroid, abdomen) and place in container.
2. Pour a generous amount of castor oil over fabric. You want the fabric to be thoroughly soaked.
3. Lay a towel under you. Castor oil can stain so remove any clothing, etc.
4. Place saturated castor oil fabric over desired location.
5. Place an old towel over that fabric.
6. Add heating pad and relax for 45-60 minutes.
7. When finished, wipe off any excess oil, place castor oil fabric in jar, add fresh oil to it to keep it moist. You can use the same fabric for 3 months.

Notes

• Do not use on abdomen during pregnancy or menstruation.
• You can buy pre-made castor oil packs, like this one.
• Use this time to relax, sip on some tea, read a book, do a crossword, catch up on your favorite show, etc

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If I’ve got a discount code for you, it will be listed next to the product.  There are also a several different companies listed here that may have multiple categories of products (ex: home, beauty). Some of my favorite or frequently companies/brands are listed at the bottom of the list. Happy Shopping!

*If there is something you would like me to add to this non toxic product master resource, comment below and I will look into it.

*Use EWG website to look up ingredients/products for safety rating.

Home/Cleaning

• Laundry
  • Nellie’s Laundry Soap
  • Branch Basics
  • Molly’s Suds
  • Wool Dryer Balls
• Cleaning
  • Branch Basics
  • Thieves Concentrate Cleaner (will need a Young Living distributor for this one.)
  • Good ole fashioned vinegar. Pair with baking soda and essential oil
• Home Supplies 
  • DIY Foaming Hand Soap
  • Room Spray

Beauty

• 100% Pure Makeup
  • mascara
  • eye shadow
  • blush
  • lipstick
  • beauty brush
• Face Oil

Personal Care

• Primally Pure
  • deodorant
  • body oil
  • body butter
  • bath soaks
  • dry shampoo
  • lip balm
• Alaffia body wash
• Alaffia lotion
• Sunscreen
  • Badger 
  • Alba botanica
• Avalon Organics Shampoo + Conditioner
• Dr Bronners lip balm
• Silver Mouthwash

Favorite Companies

• Simply Earth (essential oils, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• Mountain Rose Herbs   (teas, spices, DIY ingredients, beeswax candles, herbal tinctures and MORE)
• Primally Pure (deodorant, room spray, body butter, body oil, lip balm)
• Branch Basics (save $10 off purchase)
• 100% Pure

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Why you want to avoid regular hand soap

• full of chemicals, artificial fragrances and more!
• ingredients can mess with gut microbiome in a negative way
• studies show artificial fragrances are known endocrine disruptors

Items you’ll need to make your foaming hand soap

• foaming hand soap dispenser
• Dr Bronners castile soap (lavender, peppermint, citrus, almond or unscented is nice)
• essential oil
• jojoba or Vitamin E oil

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