Your gut is commonly known as your “second brain,” and this nickname has value. The health of your digestive system affects your body beyond your processing of food; it impacts your immune system, your mental health, your energy level, and much more. Still, many experience symptoms related to gut health without clear answers. The GI-MAP Test is helpful in this regard.
The GI-MAP Test utilizes advanced technology to provide a detailed picture of the bacteria, viruses, and other microbes found in your gut.
In this article, we will unpack what the GI-MAP Test is and how it works, while also describing why it can be a powerful tool to identify the root cause of your health issues.
What Is the GI-MAP Test?
The GI-MAP Test (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a stool analysis that goes beyond traditional gut tests. GI-MAP utilizes advanced DNA technology to measure many different microbes, unlike traditional GI tests and profilers that examine gut health using a limited number of organisms.
It can detect:
- Beneficial bacteria that keep your gut healthy
- Opportunistic bacteria that may not be a problem for you until they overgrow
- Pathogens and parasites that could be occluders to chronic symptoms
- Gut markers measure gut function, including digestion, inflammation, and immune function.
Because of these improvements, GI-MAP is one of the most comprehensive tools for evaluating gut health.
How the GI-MAP Test Works
Recent research has evaluated how well the GI-MAP stool test can detect bacterial and parasitic pathogens in stool samples. In this study, the GI-MAP showed ~80% sensitivity but had low specificity due to false positives when compared with another multiplex PCR panel.
The test is straightforward for patients, but it is robust in scope. Here is what is involved:
- Sample Collection – You collect a small stool sample at home using the supplied kit.
- Laboratory Analysis – The lab uses quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology, which allows the detection of microbial DNA with great sensitivity and accuracy.
- Detailed Results – The gi map test results show not just the presence of some bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, but also the amount, so practitioners can gauge the severity and potential impact.
Unlike traditional stool tests, which test for whether or not there may be pathogens, the GI-MAP Test transcriptionally quantifies the presence of the pathogens.
Who Should Consider the GI-MAP Test?
This test will be especially helpful for folks who:
- Have chronic digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
- Have food sensitivities or intolerances
- Have an autoimmune condition, which may have to do with gut imbalance
- Have skin issues, like acne, eczema or rosacea
- Experience chronic fatigue, mood disturbances, brain fog, or angel joy symptoms or any combination of these without a clear explanation
This is also useful for those who have taken multiple rounds of antibiotics, traveled internationally, and/or still have symptoms even after having other tests or treatments.
How Functional Medicine Uses GI-MAP Results
One of the biggest advantages of the GI-MAP Test is how it can be personalized to your care. In functional medicine, gi map test results are combined with your medical history, lifestyle factors, and symptoms to create a targeted plan.
Depending on the GI-MAP Test results that you shared with your practitioner, you may receive recommendations for:
- Making dietary modifications to support gut healing
- Using herbal or natural antimicrobials to deal with overgrowth
- Using supplements that support digestion, including probiotics, enzymes or prebiotics
- Implementing some lifestyle practices such as stress management and sleep hygiene.
However, the GI-MAP Test not only addresses the symptoms but also identifies the underlying cause and restores equilibrium.
Benefits of the GI-MAP Test
Most patients have a sense of relief once they have some clarity of their gut status. Some noticeable benefits include:
- Identifying any hidden infections that may have been present for years
- Creating a personalized treatment plan to address your personal microbiome
- Improving overall health by fixing digestion, immunity, and inflammation
- Finding effective treatments based on scientific testing vs trial and error.
The GI-MAP Test provides you with this treasure trove of gut health information and essentially starts the path for you towards healing and sustained wellness.
Empower Your Health With GI-MAP Insights
Your gut health is vital to your health and well-being; however, there are many conditions related to gut health that are missed or misdiagnosed. The GI-MAP Test provides a window into your microbiome that allows you and your practitioner to create a more complete picture of the underlying causes of your symptoms. It starts to identify imbalances and root causes that will empower you to make specific changes that support better digestion, improved immunity, and increased quality of life at the end of the day. If you have struggled with ongoing health issues, SouthPark Functional Medicine can help. Call us at 980-414-4600 or email reception@southparkfm.com to determine if the GI-MAP Test can help you finally understand and heal your gut.
