Who Should Take the GI-MAP Functional Stool Test?

The GI-MAP is our top-recommended functional stool test, offering deep insights into your gut health. If you’re curious about what a stool test can reveal, this post is for you. We’ll cover who should consider the GI-MAP and what it can reveal about your health.

Who Should Take the GI-MAP Test?

This test is particularly beneficial for four key groups:

1. Individuals Who Don’t Have Regular Type 4 Poops

Your stool is a vital indicator of gut health. You should aim for at least two bowel movements a day, with stools resembling a smooth, snake-like shape (Type 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart). If your stool is too hard, soft, sticky, or contains mucus or blood, the GI-MAP can help uncover why. If these issues persist or cause pain, consult a GI specialist and consider this test to better understand your gut health.

2. Those with Autoimmune Conditions

Gut health is a critical factor in managing autoimmune diseases. Regular testing, at least once a year, can reveal microbial imbalances that may trigger or worsen immune responses. A “clean” microbiome—balanced with beneficial bacteria and free from harmful microbes—is essential for managing autoimmunity. The GI-MAP identifies infections and microbial imbalances that could aggravate your condition, allowing for targeted treatment and retesting if needed.

3. People Experiencing Systemic Inflammation

Unexplained inflammation in the brain or body often starts in the gut. Food sensitivities and microbial imbalances can trigger immune responses, leading to inflammation. The GI-MAP identifies gut imbalances, including dysbiosis (overgrowth of harmful microbes like bacteria, yeast, or parasites), which can cause conditions like LPS endotoxemia—when bacterial toxins leak from the gut into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation. Even if you have no digestive symptoms, testing your gut can help if you experience:

• Brain fog, anxiety, or cognitive decline
• Cardiovascular issues like high cholesterol
• Joint pain, arthritis, or muscle discomfort
• Skin issues like acne or eczema
• Allergies, swelling, or histamine reactions

4. Those Struggling with Weight Loss or Hormone Imbalances

Your gut plays a significant role in metabolism and hormone regulation. Beneficial gut bacteria support weight loss and healthy metabolism, while imbalances can lead to weight loss resistance. Similarly, gut health affects hormone metabolism, especially estrogen. If you’re dealing with painful periods, PMS, or hormonal imbalances, the GI-MAP can offer insights into how your gut impacts your hormones and metabolism.

What Does the GI-MAP Tell You?

The GI-MAP is more than just a microbiome test. Here’s what it reveals:

1. Your Gut Microbiome

Using advanced PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology, the GI-MAP tests for both harmful and beneficial microbes in your gut. Unlike conventional tests, this comprehensive stool analysis identifies the exact strains present, providing valuable insights into your gut’s overall health.

2. Digestive Enzyme Function

The GI-MAP measures pancreatic elastase, which helps assess your enzyme production. Low levels may contribute to indigestion, reflux, diarrhea, or bloating. Additionally, it tests for fat digestion issues, which could indicate gallbladder dysfunction or lipase insufficiency.

3. Gut Immune Activity

This test tracks several immune markers, including:

• Calprotectin: Detects neutrophil activity in inflammatory bowel conditions.
• Eosinophil Activation Protein: Associated with inflammation and neurotoxicity.
• Secretory IgA: Indicates the gut’s immune response, revealing if it’s overactive or suppressed.
• Anti-gliadin IgA: Measures reactions to gluten and gluten-like foods.
• Zonulin: When elevated, this protein signals increased gut permeability (leaky gut). Zonulin testing is an add-on to the GI-MAP.

4. Weight, Metabolism, and Hormone Clues

The GI-MAP helps identify gut microbes that influence metabolism and weight, while also testing beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that can interfere with estrogen elimination. If your estrogen metabolism is sluggish—manifesting as PMS, heavy periods, or menstrual migraines—this test can pinpoint gut-related causes.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Gut Health

Whether you’re dealing with digestive discomfort, autoimmune issues, inflammation, or hormone imbalances, the GI-MAP offers comprehensive insights to guide your healing journey. Interested in seeing a sample GI-MAP report or ordering the test?

Many of our patients order the test before booking a new patient appointment with us, so we have the data in hand and can hit the ground running with your care.