More than 60% of your immune system originates in your gut. The condition of your microbiome can affect your mental health, hormone levels, longevity, and the risk for developing autoimmune, heart, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. *

While science and medicine have come a long way in the last 2,400 years, emerging science has proven Hippocrates was right — “all disease begins in the gut.” This means our gut microbiome, including gut bacteria and the integrity of our gut lining, strongly affects our overall health.

When working correctly, our gut digests our food and absorbs nutrients so we can have energy and vitality. It eliminates toxins and fights pathogens. It’s also the home of trillions of microorganisms that aid in these processes and manage inflammation and produce neurotransmitters. 

Everyday pathogens, such as infectious bacteria, viruses and toxins can adversely impact your health. Your immune system has special cells that patrol constantly so they can detect those pathogens immediately.

When it’s working properly, your immune system responds to eradicate these things and keep your system in balance. However, your immune system can’t function properly or fully protect you without the support of good bacteria in your gut. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to throw your gut bacteria out of balance and sabotage your immune system and gut health.

LEAKY GUT

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that affects the integrity of the gut lining, which normally serves as the barrier of the intestines. Also called “intestinal permeability,” it occurs when the gut wall becomes damaged, allowing particles that normally shouldn’t be there to enter and become absorbed into the bloodstream. For example, partially digested proteins and fats may seep through the intestinal lining, making their way into the bloodstream, which causes an allergic response.

Some potential symptoms linked to leaky gut may include:

• Bloating and Food sensitivities
• Thyroid Conditions
• Fatigue and Joint Pain
• Headaches
• Skin issues, such as rosacea (which I have personally experienced) and acne
• Digestive problems and Weight gain

The Good News

Leaky gut and microbiome imbalances can be repaired, but how do you know which protocol is best for you? You can guess and follow a basic healing plan, or you can test using the GI-MAP results to reveal exactly what is going on in your microbiome.

The GI-MAP Test

The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test is a comprehensive stool test designed to assess the microbiome and detect gastrointestinal pathogens. This non-invasive test can be done in the comfort of your home.

The GI-MAP test analyzes over 40 different commensal and pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, along with markers of inflammation and digestive function. By identifying specific pathogens and imbalances in the gut microbiome, the GI-MAP offers valuable information to create personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual’s unique microbial profile. 

Who Can Benefit from a GI-MAP Comprehensive Stool Analysis Test?

The GI-MAP test, with its comprehensive analysis of gut health, is beneficial for a wide range of individuals from those looking to optimize their overall health to individuals who have been struggling with chronic illnesses with or without a clear diagnosis. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit from a GI-MAP test:

• Individuals Seeking to Optimize Health: even in the absence of symptoms, the GI-MAP can offer insights into the gut microbiome’s health, providing an opportunity for preventative measures against potential health issues and supporting the body’s natural processes.
• Patients with Chronic Digestive Dysfunction: for those who have suffered from chronic symptoms with or without a clear diagnosis, the GI-MAP can help identify underlying imbalances or infections in the gut that may be contributing to their health issues.
• Autoimmune Diseases: since gut health is closely linked to the immune system, identifying and addressing gut dysbiosis can provide additional treatment options and provide crucial support in managing autoimmune conditions.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: for patients struggling with Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the GI-MAP can identify specific pathogens, inflammatory markers, and digestive imbalances that may be contributing to symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Digestive Complaints: people experiencing unexplained digestive issues such as gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation can identify potential causes and receive targeted treatment recommendations.
• Neurological and Cognitive Issues: the vagus nerve is the primary nerve that innervates the digestive tract and is considered the “highway of the gut-brain axis.” Insights into the gut-brain axis through the GI-MAP may reveal how gut health impacts an individual’s cognitive function and affects memory, concentration, and brain fog.
• Skin Conditions: conditions like acne and psoriasis have been linked to gut health. Identifying and addressing gut dysbiosis can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan to improve and restore skin health.
• Mood Disorders: the gut-brain connection means that imbalances in gut microbiota can impact mood and emotional well-being, making the GI-MAP valuable for individuals with these conditions.
• Metabolic and Weight Issues: The GI-MAP can offer insights into the role of the gut microbiome in metabolism and weight regulation, providing avenues for intervention in diabetes management and weight loss.

My Story (Part of it, any way)

I personally have utilized the GI-MAP twice in my health journey. For years I suffered with random rosacea outbreaks, and various GI symptoms. Many trips to the dermatologist only resulted in treating the rash topically but not the root cause. After I began healing my gut, the rosacea subsided.

A few months ago, I began having severe digestive issues and submitted another GI-MAP test. I found that I had H-Pylori, ecoli and additional bacterial overgrowths. More than 50% of the population has H-Pylori and may have no symptoms at all. Left untreated, H-Pylori, which is very contagious, can cause ulcers and, in some cases, even lead to cancer. Because of the H-Pylori infection, the acid in my stomach was reduced, allowing the harmful bacteria to grow and causing uncomfortable symptoms. (Stomach acid is the gut’s first line of defense against bacteria and pathogens.)

I completed a detailed training on the GI-MAP test components and protocols and am happy to say that I am currently in the process of healing and rebalancing once again.

To find out how more about the GI-MAP test, go to: Health Coaching – Whole_Hearted Yoga (whole-heartedyoga.com)

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to treat or diagnose any illnesses or conditions. Always consult with your doctor before taking any new supplement or medication. Be sure to research any possible drug interactions and potential side effects.

*Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6854958/
Dr. Axe; Mark Hyman, MD; RupaHealth.com