des common pathogens like E.coli, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, as well as less well-known ones that can cause chronic gut issues.
3. Inflammation Markers: The GI Map measures specific markers of gut inflammation, such as calprotectin and secretory IgA. Elevated levels of these markers can indicate ongoing inflammation in the gut, which is associated with various digestive disorders and immune dysfunction.
4. Digestive Function: The test evaluates digestive function by assessing markers such as pancreatic elastase, which indicates pancreatic enzyme production, and beta-glucuronidase, which can provide insights into the metabolism of estrogen in the gut. These markers help identify potential issues related to digestion, absorption, and detoxification processes.
By analyzing these key aspects, the GI Map provides a comprehensive picture of gut health, allowing us to develop targeted treatment plans tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Benefits of the GI Map
Dr. Jorge has chosen to use the GI Map in our practice for many reasons:
1. The comprehensive analysis over other tests. Many standard tests only focus on identifying specific pathogens, yet the GI Map analyzes multiple factors to include the gut microbiome, inflammation markers and digestive function in addition to pathogens. This broader analysis gives a more complete picture of overall gut health.
2. Detection of hidden pathogens. The GI Map can detect bacteria, parasites and viruses that may be contributing to GI issues. It identifies both well-known as well as lesser-known ones that may go undetected in other tests. By identifying these pathogens, we can create strategies to eradicate them and improve gut health.
3. Identification of inflammation markers: In addition to the pathogens, the GI map measures specific markers of gut inflammation, to include calprotectin and secretory IgA. Elevated levels of these markers indicate ongoing inflammation in the gut which can be indicative of various digestive disorders.
4. Assessment of digestive function: The GI Map includes input on both elastase and beta-glucuronidase, both which provide insight into the efficiency of the digestive system and the ability to absorb nutrients properly.
5. Personalized insights and actionable results close out the benefits of the GI Map, and why we choose to use this test.
The GI Map offers a comprehensive, personalized and detailed assessment of gut health compared to traditional stool tests and gives us the ability to create a personalized plan for each individual.
Understanding the GI Map Report
The GI Map report provides very in-depth information that can be broken down by either Dr. Jorge or Anya Wallace, PA-C.
Anya has created a short video discussing what we look for in analyzing a GI Map at our office in Charlotte, NC.
What is the Process of Doing the GI Map?
If it is determined that a stool test can be useful for you, you will be provided with a kit and full instructions to take home. Following the instructions, you will collect a small stool sample at home. It’s important to ensure proper hygiene and follow any specific guidelines provided by your healthcare professional, such as avoiding certain medications or dietary restrictions prior to the test.
Once you have collected the sample, it is sealed in the provided container and sent to a designated laboratory. In the laboratory, advanced molecular techniques are employed to analyze the sample. The laboratory will generate a detailed report based on the analysis, which will be interpreted by us to provide valuable insights into your gut health status and guide appropriate treatment strategies.
The GI Map has been used with success with many of our clients. If you’d like to find out more about this test, or about becoming a member, please contact us.