Microbiome and Digestive Health Analysis (stool testing)

 

Throughout my training, I have learnt that many or most chronic health problems stem from imbalanced gut bacteria, otherwise known as dysbiosis. Digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, burping, nausea, bloating, reflux, and IBS are all associated with dysbiosis of the microbiota. And it’s not only digestive symptoms that might arise due to this imbalance of gut flora. Research shows that intestinal permeability (or “leaky gut”) can be implicated in systemic symptoms such as fatigue, mood imbalances, skin problems, aching joints, Candida albicans overgrowth, Coeliac disease, food intolerances, headaches, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, thyroid disorders, and other hormone imbalances. Having healthy gut flora is central to having overall good health, and therefore it is usually the first place we look to restore good health. 

 

A good stool test tells us how well the gut is functioning, therefore it looks at your digestive capacity (how well are you absorbing your nutrients); is there inflammation present; indications of intestinal permeability; infection; immune function; with a microbiome assessment that looks for balance and abundance of microbes and yeast, parasites; and Helicobacter pylori. 

 

Functional stool testing is an effective way to assess potential causes of long term chronic health issues, which are so prevalent in our community today. It also looks at the healthy gut flora to ensure that as many species as possible are present, and assesses the presence of less healthy bacteria. 

 

We use functional microbiome stool testing, which looks at the health of the microbiome using DNA technology to analyse the bacterial, fungal and viral communities of the gastrointestinal tract. This information allows us to get the results we are looking for quicker and more efficiently. 

 

While there is no one test for IBS, a functional microbiome stool test is a great starting point. 

 

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SIBO breath test

 

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a commonly occurring gastrointestinal condition presenting very similar symptoms to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). SIBO is a condition where there is an accumulation of bacteria in the small intestine. This overgrowth of bacteria (which should normally reside in the large intestine), has made its' way into the small intestine via an often faulty ileocecal valve, and/or an inefficient Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) in the small intestine. The MMC is responsible for moving the bacteria out of the small intestine and into the large intestine, and it should also prevent a back flow from the large intestine. 

This can interfere with our normal digestion and the absorption of our food and nutrients. These bacteria consume our food and then produce gas within our small intestine. This gas can cause abdominal bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea, belching and/or flatulence. 

 

Those affected often describe a flat belly in the morning, and then feeling 6 months pregnant by the end of the day. 

 

The main symptoms of SIBO are the same as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and it is thought that SIBO is an underlying cause of IBS, as SIBO exists in up to 84% of IBS patients. It is also associated with many other diseases including Diabetes, Celiac disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease. Read more here.

 

The detection of hydrogen and methane in the breath after ingesting a substrate (lactulose, glucose and/or fructose) can help to determine if SIBO is the cause of your gastrointestinal symptoms. Risk factors for SIBO include low stomach acid, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pancreatitis, diabetic neuropathy, migrating motor complex (MMC) impairment, gastroenteritis, motility disorders, Crohn's Disease, IBS and Coeliac Disease. This simple breath test is non-invasive, performed at home and requires a 1 to 2 day preparatory diet and a 12-hours fasting period.

 

 

Adrenal Stress Test

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The Adrenal Stress test is a simple saliva test to help detect any imbalances or dysfunction of the adrenal glands. Imbalances typically manifest as alterations or less output during the diurnal pattern of adrenal secretions. The test measures cortisol and DHEA. Symptoms that would indicate ordering this profile include fatigue, nervousness, weakness, sugar cravings, insomnia, dizzy spells, headaches, decreased stamina, irritability, fibromyalgia, chronic inflammation, hormones imbalances, infections, sleep disruptions, anxiety and depression. 

 

 

Thyroid Hormone Testing

 

Thyroid function testing should include serum levels of TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (including thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies). These antibodies give us an indication of autoimmunity, which occurs when your thyroid is under attack from your immune system, in conditions such as Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease. This blood test gives an in-depth picture of your thyroid health. 

 

 

Food intolerances (Cyrex)

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Cyrex testing offers various highly sensitive and consistent arrays that cover food immune reactivity testing. 

See www.cyrexlabs.com/CyrexTestsArrays for more information: 

 

Array 2: Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen
Array 3: Wheat/Gluten Reactivity and Autoimmunity
Array 4: Gluten Associated Cross-Reactive Foods and Sensitivity 

Array 5: Multiple Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
Array 6: Diabetes Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
Array 7: Neurological Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
Array 7x: Neurological Autoimmune Reactivity Screen Expanded 

Array 8: Joint Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
Array 10: Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen
Array 10-90 Food Immune Reactivity Screen
Array 11: Chemical Immune Reactivity Screen
Array 12: Pathogen Immune Associated Reactivity Screen
Array 20: Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Screen 

 

 

ONE test (Optimal Nutritional Evaluation)

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The ONE test is a personalised functional nutrition assessment covering amino acids, organic acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, digestive support, vitamins and minerals, and markers of oxidative stress.

Nutritional deficiencies can be a factor of many complex chronic conditions, and ONE FMV™ utilizes an easy first-morning urine collection (called a first morning void) to provide nutritional recommendations based on a patient’s individual nutritional test results. This type of nutritional testing helps to determine the nutritional deficiencies that are at the root of many chronic conditions.

It may recommended if you experience mood disorders such as depression or anxiety, or insomnia, fibromyalgia, fatigue, and for optimising health and sporting fitness. 

 

 

Ultimate Performance Blood test

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The Ultimate Performance Blood test for men and women gives you a comprehensive health check, including advanced profiles for your hormone health, thyroid function, and sports nutrition.

This test is like a comprehensive health MOT and is recommended for optimising your long-term health. 

 

The ultimate blood test is for people who want to be on top of their game - whether you're an athlete, bio-hacker, or looking for the ultimate blood test for your health.

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Female Hormones test (DUTCH)

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The DUTCH complete hormones test offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites (which is a measurement of hormone production and hormone breakdown). Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included along with melatonin. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method. Patients collect just four or five dried urine samples over a 24-hour period. Dried specimen shipments are convenient worldwide. Dried samples are stable for several weeks. 

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Vitamin D

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This is a simple at-home finger-prick blood test for vitamin D which is vitally necessary for healthy bones, healthy immune function, and a balanced mood. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include low energy, muscle aches and pains, or a low mood. Here in the northern hemisphere, we can be very prone to vitamin D deficiency. Especially if you spend little time in the sun, or if you are dark-skinned, then you are more at risk, and should get your levels checked. 

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* This list is not exhaustive. It is just a selection of functional tests that may be recommended.