Functional Gut Health Testing
✨ Instead of just managing your symptoms, we use the GI-MAP™ test to find and address the root cause. ✨
The GI-MAP stool test is a specialized test that’s used to analyze your gut health. It provides valuable information about the microorganisms living in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s used:
- GI-MAP: This stands for “Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus.” It’s a high-tech way of looking at the microbes in your gut microbiome. These microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites (more on that below). Some are good for your health, while others can make you sick.
- Stool Test: To do the GI-MAP test, you provide a small sample of your stool, which is your poop. This sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
How the testing package works
GI-MAP testing is done right from the comfort of your home & is as easy as 1-2-3.
- Fill out the questionnaire
After purchasing the package, I’ll send you a questionnaire so I learn a little more about your health history, current lifestyle, and your wellness goals. - Complete & return the GI-MAP test kit
The test kit and instructions will be shipped directly to your home from Rupa Health. After you complete the test, you’ll also be able to schedule a pick-up for your specimen in the prepaid return box. (i.e. you never have to the leave the house!) - Schedule your consultation
After you return your test kit, I’ll reach out to schedule your 60-minute consultation appointment where we’ll go over your results and custom healing protocol in-depth & I’ll answer any questions you may have.
Who should get a GI-MAP?
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. Gut imbalances can show up in a variety of ways outside of just digestive symptoms.
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
What does the GI-MAP show?
Pathogenic bacteria & viruses
This marker identifies harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause infections and digestive problems. Finding these bacteria helps healthcare providers pinpoint the source of gut issues.
Beneficial microorganisms
The test also identifies the presence of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are important for a healthy gut. It can show if you may have low levels of “good bacteria” and may benefit from probiotics.
Fungi (Candida)
It detects fungal overgrowth, such as Candida species, which can lead to fungal infections in the gut.
Parasites
The GI-MAP test screens for various types of parasites, including protozoa and worms, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and discomfort.
H. pylori
This marker identifies Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterium that can lead to stomach ulcers, heartburn, and even stomach cancer. It is estimated that around 50% of people suffer from this incredibly treatable infection.
Inflammatory markers
The test measures levels of certain markers like calprotectin and lactoferrin, which can indicate inflammation in the gut. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Digestive enzymes
It assesses the activity of certain enzymes involved in digestion. Low enzyme activity can affect nutrient absorption. One important enzyme, Pancreatic Elastase-1 measures the function of the pancreas. Low levels might indicate pancreatic insufficiency.
Anti-gliadin IgA (gluten sensitivity)
Anti-gliadin IgA is an antibody that your immune system produces in response to gliadin, a protein found in gluten. Elevated levels of anti-gliadin IgA may indicate gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Beta-glucuronidase (estrogen detoxification)
Normally, beta-glucuronidase helps the body eliminate certain toxins (including estrogen) by breaking them down so they can be removed. However, if there’s too much beta-glucuronidase activity, it can be a problem. High levels of this enzyme can lead to the reabsorption of toxins and estrogen in the gut, which is not good for your health.
FAQs
Why would I get gut testing if I’m really just worried about my hormones?
Imagine your body is like a big puzzle with many pieces, and two of these pieces are your gut and your hormones.
Now, here’s the cool part: your gut and hormones are closely connected and talk to each other all the time. When your gut is happy and healthy, it helps your hormones work properly. But if your gut isn’t happy, it can have a big impact on your hormone balance. Many hormonal issues can actually be the result of gut imbalances!
Remember: hormonal imbalances are not a root cause- something is going on that is throwing your delicate hormone balance off. Our work together involves going deeper instead of just putting a band-aid over your symptoms.
What happens after I finish the protocol?
We recommend re-testing after the first 90-day phase to see how your test results have changed. (Remember: gut imbalances likely developed over an extended period of time and cannot always be fully corrected with one round of treatment.) Once we analyze the results of your second test, we can recommend a maintenance protocol. Many clients find it beneficial to complete annual or bi-annual GI mapping to stay on top of their gut health.
Does this package include ongoing support with you?
No- this package is not meant to replace 1:1 support and only includes a single 60-minute session. If specific questions or concerns arise during the protocol, you may reach out to me at jenna@herrootedwellness.com. Please note excessive correspondences may result in additional charges or a discussion on upgrading package options.
What if I realize I need more support once I start the protocol?
Reach out to me directly at jenna@herrootedwellness.com to discuss upgrade options & we can make something work! You can also view my other offerings here.
How can I be sure this is the right test for me?
That can be tough! Deciding which test is best for which symptoms definitely requires nuance & expertise, that’s why I always recommend scheduling a free 15-minute chat with me to discuss the testing options before placing your order.
What is your refund policy?
Once the test kit is completed and mailed back to the lab, I am not able to offer any refunds as I am unable to recoup the lab fees for testing. If you have ordered the lab kit but no longer wish to complete it and have not returned it to the lab, send an email with the test kit name to support@rupahealth.com asking for a cancellation. Upon receipt of the request, Rupa will check refund eligibility and follow-up with you.
What are the payment options/do you accept insurance?
You can pay for your order using all major credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA cards or a 3-month payment plan. At this time, Insurance reimbursement is not available for these tests. If you have any questions about completing your payment, you can reach the Rupa team at support@rupahealth.com.