Most people with IBS are frustrated with a lack of information on why they have symptoms and what to do to fix them. The joke is that IBS is a “B.S.” diagnosis. It describes a collection of symptoms but not why someone has them. In my practice, I utilize comprehensive stool testing to identify the root causes of IBS and help clients resolve IBS for good.

Beyond IBS, research overwhelmingly supports that the gut impacts our overall health. The gut hosts many organisms called the microbiome. The gut microbiome can play a huge role in digestive health, immune function, metabolic function, skin, brain function, and neuroendocrine health.

The Problem with Current IBS Treatment

By the time most gut health clients come to me they’ve already tried:

• Restrictive diets, like FODMAP
• Seeing a GI doctor
• Having a colonoscopy or endoscopy with no major findings
• Probiotics
• Fiber powders, like Metamucil
• Miralax and other OTCs for constipation
• Pepto, Imodium, Tums, etc
• Unhelpful stool and blood testing

Yet they are STILL struggling with IBS symptoms!

Conventional IBS treatment does NOT find or address the root cause of each person’s IBS.

—> How can we heal someone’s gut when we don’t know what’s causing the problems?

Common symptoms like bloating and constipation/diarrhea could have multiple root causes. Probiotics and fiber may be the perfect solution for some people, but the wrong treatment for others.

We need a better protocol for helping IBS patients…

Comprehensive Stool Testing: A Functional Solution for IBS

A comprehensive stool test, like the GI MAP by Diagnostic Solutions, is a test that detects parasites, beneficial bacteria, H. pylori, yeast, immune system markers, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested.

Conversely, a stool test with a conventional doctor may test for 1-3 organisms, like Giardia and c. diff. (Both are included in the comprehensive stool test along with the other hundreds of markers)

Why is this test important, and what are the benefits?

• Easy, at-home collection
• Raw lab data to be interpreted by the practitioner
• Shows the root causes of IBS
• Can make an individualized protocol based on results
• Helps to fix the root causes
• More information on your gut microbiome

Stool test add-ons for additional information:

Do the regular GI-MAP or add any of these add-ons if you need more specified results!

• Fecal Gluten Peptide
  • Tests hidden gluten exposures to ensure that someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease is not ingesting gluten.
• StoolOMX
  • Tests bile acid and short-chain fatty acid levels to give insight into conditions such as IBS/IBD and bile acid diarrhea.
• Zonulin
  • Tests intestinal permeability through the levels of Zonulin in the gut. Disruption of the gut barrier may lead to inflammation.

What Sets This Test Apart From Others?

Other stool testing direct-to-consumer laboratories, such as Viome, Everlywell, and Tiny Health, give AI-generated results without the lab values. Recommendations are based on AI-formulas, not a practitioner who knows your body. A skilled practitioner using the raw data from a GI-MAP can make a customized protocol individualized to your unique needs.

Who should take one?

If you’re frustrated with the lack of information about your chronic gut symptoms and have experienced any of these conditions, you may want to test:

• Autoimmune diseases
• IBS/IBD
• Digestive complaints, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, GERD/acid reflux
• Brain fog
• Skin problems (acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc)
• Mood disorders (depression or/and anxiety)
• Diabetes and weight loss difficulties
• Chronic vitamin deficiencies
• Concerned for food sensitivities

Ready for a New Gut Approach?:

The GI-MAP stool test can be a good option to gain insight into your own gut microbiome! This test will allow your practitioner to give you personalized protocols to target the organisms that could be giving you any of the symptoms above!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement regimen.