Gut Health
Discover the Key to a Healthier You: Gut Health Testing
Your gut health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, affecting digestion, immunity, energy levels, and even mental health. If you’ve been experiencing bloating, fatigue, food sensitivities, or digestive discomfort, it might be time to take a closer look at your gut microbiome.
Why Gut Health Matters
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that help regulate digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. An imbalance in these bacteria can lead to a range of health issues, from inflammation to chronic conditions. Understanding your gut health is the first step toward improving your overall wellness.
How to Test Your Gut Health
There are several ways to assess your gut health, each offering valuable insights into your microbiome and digestive function:
Stool Testing- Complete Microbiome Mapping
The Complete Microbiome Mapping panel provides a detailed analysis of gut microbiota and GI health, detecting parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses while assessing key gastrointestinal markers. Using advanced PCR technology, it identifies microbial imbalances and gut dysfunction linked to various health conditions, including IBS, IBD, autoimmune, and metabolic disorders. The test evaluates gut barrier integrity, inflammation, digestion, and microbial metabolism through markers like zonulin, calprotectin, and short-chain fatty acids. Findings help guide targeted interventions such as probiotics, dietary changes, and antimicrobial therapies for improved gut and overall health.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Test
SIBO testing is used to diagnose an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can cause bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive symptoms. This is a breath test that measures the amount of hydrogen and methane in your breath. You drink a solution of fructose, and then breathe into a collection device at regular intervals (usually every 15-20 minutes for up to 3 hours). Bacteria in the small intestine ferment the sugar, producing hydrogen (H₂) or methane (CH₄) gas, which is measured in your breath.
You might need a SIBO test if you have:
- Chronic bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation
- IBS-like symptoms
- Unexplained nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamin B12)
- The inability to tolerate sweet or starchy foods, fibre, or friendly flora supplements
You can read more about SIBO testing here.
Intestinal Permeability Test
The intestinal permeability test, also known as the lactulose/mannitol test, assesses intestinal barrier integrity and malabsorption. Increased permeability, or "leaky gut," is linked to conditions like autism, autoimmune disorders, food sensitivities, and inflammatory bowel disease. The test measures the ratio of lactulose (a large sugar molecule that typically isn't absorbed) to mannitol (a small sugar molecule that is absorbed). A high ratio suggests a compromised intestinal barrier, while low mannitol levels may indicate malabsorption and intestinal villi atrophy. This test is useful for monitoring gut health in conditions such as IBS, Coeliac disease, and gut dysbiosis, as well as tracking the effectiveness of treatments like a gluten-free diet.
You can read more about the IP test here.
Improving your gut health starts with understanding what’s happening inside your body. With the right testing methods, you can make informed choices about your diet, lifestyle, and supplements to optimize digestion and overall wellness.
Ready to start your gut health journey? Explore our recommended gut health tests and take the first step toward feeling your best!