If chronic gut symptoms have got you down, it might be time to consider some serious detective work. Enter the GI-MAP test, your trusty partner in uncovering the root causes of those nagging gut health issues. In this blog post, I’m going to break down the who, what, when, and why of the GI-MAP so can decide if it may be the right test for you on your gut healing journey.
What’s the GI-MAP, anyway?
The GI-MAP test, which stands for “Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus,” is like the James Bond of gut tests. It’s a super cool way to check out what’s happening in your gut and microbiome without any invasive procedures. In fact, the GI-MAP stool test can be completed right in the comfort of your home which is a huge plus for women who may be embarrassed to complete stool testing at their doctor’s office or lab.
How does it work, exactly?
Okay, here’s the scoop on how the GI-MAP works. It’s as simple as collecting a small sample of your number stool (yup, poop). No need to get squeamish; it’s not as bad as it sounds. You send it off to a lab (you can schedule a pick-up right from your home!), and they work their magic.
But here’s where it gets cool. The GI-MAP doesn’t just say, “Yep, you’ve got bacteria in there”; it goes MUCH deeper. The GI-MAP distinguishes between beneficial microorganisms, essential for gut equilibrium, and potentially harmful ones. It also assesses markers of gut inflammation, which can point to conditions like leaky gut.
Besides revealing the presence and amount of various microorganisms, including bacteria (including H. Pylori), viruses, fungi (like Candida), and parasites, the GI-MAP also gives us a ton of information into other important aspects of your gut health. Some of these markers include your pancreatic enzymes, how well you’re tolerating gluten, and even how well you’re able to detox estrogen and toxins via beta-glucuronidase (this is one reason it’s SO helpful when you’re dealing with hormone imbalances).
Why’s all this important? Well, once you know what’s up with your gut, we can make a game plan to get things back on track. It’s like finding the treasure map to better gut health.
Who should get a GI-MAP for their gut health?
So, you might be wondering, “Is this test for me?”. While there are very few tests that I think pretty much anyone could benefit from, the GI-MAP is definitely one of them. More than 2000 years ago, Hippocrates (the father of medicine) declared that ‘all disease begins in the gut’- and this still rings remarkably true today.
A GI-MAP can be incredibly helpful for someone looking to optimize health and prevent chronic disease as well as individuals that already suffer from chronic conditions or symptoms.
If you’re a woman dealing with chronic gut symptoms like bloating, weird bathroom habits, or just an all-around unhappy tummy, then yes, this test could be your new BFF. But gut imbalances can show up in a variety of ways outside of just digestive symptoms too.
Some especially helpful situations to use the GI-MAP include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Stubborn weight gain
- Acid Reflux/heartburn
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases
- Brain fog
- Crohn’s Disease
- Digestive complaints- diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, etc.
- Gastritis
- Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
- Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
- Diabetes/blood sugar imbalance
- IBS/IBD
- Ulcerative colitis
Interested in getting a GI-MAP ordered?
I’ve got your back- I’ve supported many women getting to the root cause of their chronic gut symptoms using the GI-MAP and would love to help you too! Click here to see the deets. Still not sure if this is the right test for you? Let’s chat first.
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