You would never guess what your gut could reveal...
You've probably learned by now that your bowel movements can provide a wealth of information about your health. Perhaps after reading our last newsletter about what you poop is telling you, you thought to yourself, "OK, but how exactly do I have a nutritionist examine my poop?"
We're not bothered at all by what we see in the toilet, but there is a much easier and more discreet way to get a full read on your gut: a GI MAP Comprehensive Stool Test.
Who should get a GI-MAP Test?
The GI-MAP is one of the few comprehensive stool tests on the market, and it can shine a light on what’s going on with your gut flora (your microbiome), so your practitioner can help you identify how to fix any imbalances.
This comprehensive stool test uses something called PCR technology to test for a number of pathogens, including parasites, viruses, and common bacterial pathogens such as H. pylori, C. diff, Campylobacter, E. coli and more.
Although most people could benefit from seeing what’s going on with their gut flora, those with some of the following symptoms are especially good candidates for this test.
- Autoimmune diseases
- IBS/IBD
- Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog
- Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
- Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
- Diabetes and weight loss issues
A GI-MAP is a stool test, which means - yes, you have to mail in your stool! You will be provided with a stool collection kit and detailed instructions on the procedure.
Functional labs at Juno Wellness
At Juno Wellness, we offer a variety of functional lab tests that help you identify imbalances and treat underlying issues that cause you GI discomfort, weight loss problems, and so much more.
If you think that you could benefit from a GI MAP, please schedule an exploratory call with a Juno Wellness practitioner today to get the conversation started, and to learn more about the other various functional labs we offer.
Learn more about the GI MAP here at our blog.
What is reported on GI-MAP test results?
The Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) measures gastrointestinal microbiota DNA from a single stool sample with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology.
The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness, as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.
When you receive your test results, you'll receive a thorough multi-page summary of all the various pathogens, bacteria, microbes, fungi, yeast, and even potential parasites that are living in your gut! But don't worry: your Juno Wellness practitioner will help you decipher what all this means during an explanatory session.
Here's a gut health-boosting recipe to try!
Chicken yogurt salad wrap
Servings: 1
Cooking time: 5 min
Ingredients:
4 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (shredded)
1 stalk Celery (finely chopped)
1/4 cup Red Onion (finely chopped)
2 tbsps Parsley (finely chopped)
3 tbsps Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 Lemon (juiced, zested)
Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup Arugula
1 Brown Rice Tortilla
Directions:
In a medium-sized bowl, add the chicken, celery, onion, parsley, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate. Add the arugula and chicken salad mixture to the tortilla. Roll up the wrap tightly and enjoy!
