As Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut”. The gut microbiome has become one of the most discussed areas of health in recent years, and for good reason. It influences everything from digestion and immune function to mental health and hormone regulation.
One of the most effective ways to gain insight into the health of your microbiome is through stool testing. The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test from Diagnostic Solutions is one of the most comprehensive tools available for evaluating gut health. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the GI-MAP tests for, how it helps diagnose conditions like leaky gut, and what we can learn from the results.
What Is the GI-MAP Test?
The GI-MAP test is a highly detailed stool test that provides a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome. This lab-based test looks at your gut’s bacterial, viral, and parasitic profiles, as well as other markers of gut health. By evaluating your stool sample, the GI-MAP test gives a complete snapshot of what’s happening in your digestive system, offering insights into everything from infections to nutrient absorption and inflammation levels.
How does it work?
After your test has been ordered for you, it will ship to your home as a complete test kit with instructions. Yes, you do need to poop in a tray and collect a sample for a test tube. Don’t worry, it comes with everything you need and isn’t too gross, I promise! After you’ve collected your sample, simply return via the provided shipping envelope and wait for results. Turnaround time can take a couple of weeks.
Key Areas the GI-MAP Tests For:
- Infections and Pathogens The GI-MAP test can detect infections in the gastrointestinal tract, including harmful bacteria like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), parasites, and yeasts like Candida. These infections can lead to a range of digestive issues, including bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. By identifying these pathogens, the GI-MAP helps pinpoint the root cause of many gut-related symptoms.
- Gut Microbial Balance A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being, but many factors, including poor diet, stress, and antibiotic use, can disrupt this balance. The GI-MAP provides detailed information about the bacterial profile in your gut, including whether you have an overgrowth or imbalance of certain bacteria. For instance, it can show if you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Clostridia or Firmicutes, which could indicate a need for dietary adjustments or probiotics.
- Digestive Function The GI-MAP can also help assess how well your digestive system is functioning. It measures markers related to the digestion of fats, proteins, and other nutrients. For example, it can assess whether your pancreas is producing enough enzymes to break down these macronutrients. Proper digestion is key for nutrient absorption, and the test can highlight areas where your body might need support.
- Leaky Gut and Tight Junction Integrity Leaky gut is a term that refers to the disruption of the gut lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability. When the tight junctions between the cells of the intestinal lining are compromised, larger molecules and toxins can “leak” into the bloodstream. The GI-MAP tests for a protein called zonulin, which is elevated when the gut lining is damaged. Elevated zonulin levels are an indication of leaky gut, which is associated with conditions like chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and digestive issues.
- Beta-Glucuronidase Elevated levels of beta-glucuronidase in the gut can lead to the recycling of toxins and estrogens from the digestive tract back into the bloodstream. This process can negatively affect hormone balance, especially estrogen, and contribute to conditions like estrogen dominance and other hormone-related issues. The GI-MAP provides an objective measure of this marker to help assess your hormonal health.
- Inflammation Markers The GI-MAP includes important markers for inflammation in the gut, such as fecal secretory IgA (sIgA) and calprotectin. sIgA is an immune marker that indicates the level of mucosal immunity in the gut. Low levels of sIgA may suggest an impaired immune response, while high levels may indicate an overactive immune system. Calprotectin is a protein associated with inflammation and is elevated in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By measuring these markers, the GI-MAP helps identify underlying inflammation and immune dysfunction in the gut.
What Can We Learn from the GI-MAP Results?
- Gut Imbalances and Dysbiosis Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, can contribute to a variety of digestive and systemic health issues. The GI-MAP test gives you a clear picture of whether you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, an absence of beneficial bacteria, or other microbial imbalances. Correcting dysbiosis with targeted probiotics, dietary changes, and other therapies can help restore gut health.
- Digestive Efficiency If you’re experiencing symptoms like bloating, gas, or indigestion, the GI-MAP can help identify whether your body is struggling to digest certain foods or absorb nutrients properly. If your pancreas isn’t producing enough enzymes, or if there’s an imbalance in your digestive enzymes, the GI-MAP can highlight this, allowing you to take action with enzyme supplements or digestive aids.
- Leaky Gut Diagnosis If you’re dealing with symptoms of chronic inflammation, fatigue, or autoimmune conditions, the GI-MAP can provide insights into whether leaky gut is a contributing factor. By measuring zonulin levels, the test can confirm whether the integrity of your gut lining is compromised, and if so, allow you to address the root cause with diet, supplements, and gut-healing protocols.
- Hormonal Imbalance The GI-MAP’s measurement of beta-glucuronidase can reveal whether your gut is recycling excess estrogens or other hormones, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. If elevated, this can guide you toward steps to support detoxification pathways, reduce estrogen dominance, and restore hormonal balance.
- Inflammation and Immune Function If you have chronic digestive issues, autoimmune disease, or systemic inflammation, the GI-MAP’s markers for sIgA and calprotectin can help determine whether inflammation is present in the gut. Addressing this inflammation can be key to improving symptoms and supporting long-term health. There is a marker for gluten sensitivity (anti-gliadin antibody) as well.
Why Stool Testing is Important for Gut Health
Stool testing like the GI-MAP is a powerful tool for getting to the root of digestive issues. Unlike traditional diagnostic methods like colonoscopies or endoscopies, stool tests provide a non-invasive and comprehensive view of what’s happening in your gut. They give you specific markers related to your microbiome, digestive function, inflammation levels, and even hormonal balance, which can help identify underlying health issues that might otherwise go undetected.
Whether you’re dealing with symptoms of gut imbalance, hormonal imbalances, or chronic health issues, the GI-MAP test can provide valuable insights that help guide your treatment plan. It empowers you with data, allowing for targeted interventions that can improve gut health and overall well-being.
Imbalances can be treated with a variety of options such as:
- Herbal antimicrobials for overgrowths
- Adding targeted probiotics to your regime to increase “good” bacteria
- Adding digestive enzymes for improved digestion if indicated
- Learning that you need to avoid gluten
- Adding herbal remedies to heal the gut lining if indicated
If you are in California and would like to have a GI Map test done, click here to purchase my GI Map package which includes the test as well as a detailed results review and wellness plan.
Check out some of my related content:
Avoid these habits that can cause leaky gut
Root causes of constipation and how to fix it
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only, please consult with your medical provider before implementing anything new into your daily regimen.
