🔬 Understanding the GI-MAP: A Comprehensive Stool Test
The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a cutting-edge stool test that provides valuable insights into gut health. Unlike traditional SIBO breath tests, which focus solely on gas production, the GI-MAP offers a more comprehensive assessment of the gastrointestinal ecosystem. Here’s what you need to know:
🌿What Is the GI-MAP?
The GI-MAP uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to analyze a patient’s stool sample. By targeting specific DNA sequences, it identifies a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses.
This test goes beyond SIBO detection, providing a holistic view of gut health.
What Does the GI-MAP Test for? Bacteria: Detects both beneficial and harmful bacteria, allowing practitioners to assess dysbiosis.
➡️Parasites: Identifies parasitic infections that may contribute to digestive symptoms.
➡️Fungi: Helps uncover fungal overgrowth (e.g., Candida) in the gut.
➡️Viruses: Detects viral pathogens that impact gut health.
Intestinal Health Markers: Provides insights into overall gut function.
👉How Can the GI-MAP Help with SIBO?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when abnormal concentrations of bacteria or archaea grow in the small intestine.
While the classic definition of SIBO focuses on commensal organisms, the GI-MAP also identifies opportunistic and pathogenic organisms.
🌿By assessing the entire gut ecosystem, the GI-MAP helps practitioners design effective treatment protocols for SIBO cases.
Conditions the GI-MAP Can Assist With:
➡️SIBO: Beyond breath testing, the GI-MAP reveals deeper insights into gut ecology, microbiome status, and digestive health.
➡️Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Helps uncover underlying causes.
➡️Autoimmune Diseases: Provides information on gut dysbiosis.
Skin Conditions: Links between skin health and the gut are increasingly recognized.
➡️Chronic Symptoms: Persistent cases benefit from the GI-MAP’s thorough investigation.
I suffered from terrible gut issues until I saw what I saw on my results!
Don’t guess… test!
This is a client after we ran a GI-MAP and determined that she had SIBO along with several other substantial imbalances that were impacting her health and happiness ❤️
