The GI-MAP is one of the most advanced and popular tests to find the root causes of not only gut issues but systemic issues. As I'm sure you already know, most disease begins in the gut. 

View a GI-MAP sample report

What is a GI-MAP?

The GI-MAP, simply put, is a DNA stool test. It's a qPCR diagnostic stool test that not only recognizes the organisms in your gut but also determines how prevalent they are. With this precise data, we can determine which organisms are out of balance and if there are pathogens that shouldn't even be in your gut. We can now create proper protocols to address these root causes.

Establishing this baseline will let you know, with real numbers, how successfully and quickly you're treating these pathogens or other root causes.

What does the GI-MAP look for?

• Bacterial pathogens
• Parasitic pathogens
• Viral pathogens
• Normal bacterial flora
• Phyla microbiota
• Opportunistic bacteria
• Fungi/Yeast
• Viruses
• Parasites (including worms)
• Liver/gallbladder function
• Enzyme production
• b-Glucuronidation (are you recycling your toxins)
• Blood in stool
• Immune health
• Gluten sensitivity
• Intestinal inflammation

Who should get a GI-MAP?

Almost any chronic issue will have a gut connection. Running a GI-MAP means you will be able to gather a lot more data on what the core issues may be and how your gut is contributing to your problems.

Remember, so many aspects of our health are affected by the gut. Our energy (mitochondrial health from absorption of nutrients), our mood (dopamine), allergies (leaky gut), auto-immune (leaky gut), heartburn/gastritis (low stomach acid), headache, and so many more.

Most common health issues that would warrant running a GI-MAP

Some conditions/symptoms that should run GI-MAP testing are:

• Auto-immune diseases
• IBS/IBD
• PANS/PANDAS
• Digestive symptoms
• Brain fog
• Skin problems
• Mood disorders, depression and anxiety
• Diabetes and weight loss issues 
• Lyme disease

How do you do a GI-MAP?

It's not going to be your favorite morning of the week, but it doesn't take long to complete this stool collection :). Your GI-MAP collection kit comes with everything you need. Read your instructions well and try to do it on a Monday morning so that you can get it shipped out with the provided FedEx package that day. You don't want this sitting on your counter for a couple of days.

1. Write your name and details on the collection vial before it's filled; it's just nicer that way.
2. Snap on the provided gloves to keep everything nice and clean.
3. Make sure you empty all your pee first as urine in the sample will void it.
4. Grab the provided cardboard nacho tray and assume the position.
5. Collect some stool, preferably a couple of separate specimens.
6. Take the lid off the specimen vial and use the attached spoon to collect stool from all different areas until you reach the red fill line.
7. Screw the lid back on and shake the sample until liquified.
8. Refrigerate.
9. Complete paperwork and get it to FedEx!

Are there any restrictions before collecting the GI-MAP sample?

Yes. To get the most out of your results and for them to be as accurate as possible, you will want to make a note of the following:

1. Stay on any required prescription medications. If you are on any anti-parasite, antimicrobial or antibiotics, don't do the test until you are off those for two weeks.

Why? - Killing off of the microbes will mean the test cannot pick them up. If you want a clear baseline of what infections may be in your gut, you have to do it when you're not actively killing them.

2. Stop taking any probiotics for two weeks before the test. 

Why? The GI-MAP measures the natural baseline of your good and bad bacteria. Taking probiotics will artificially alter those numbers.

3. Stop taking Tylenol, Advil and their no-name equivalents for two weeks before the test. 

Why? Using medications to suppress inflammation will alter the accurate results of the level of inflammation in your gut. 

4. Stop taking digestive support supplements at least three days before the test, products like HCL and enzymes.

Why? The GI-MAP measures many variables critical to the workings of your digestive system. Taking supplements will skew the results, and you won't know the actual state of your digestion. 

Do I need to do anything else differently before my collection?

Yes. Making these additions (only if right for you) will cause the testing to be more accurate with better data.

 

1. Adding a biofilm disruptor could reveal more pathogens.

Why? Bacteria create slimy "walls" around their colonies called biofilm to protect them. Taking a biofilm disrupter will break that down some allowing the bacteria to be picked up in the stool sample. Take the biofilm disruptor for two weeks, then stop it three days before your stool collection. 

2. Add in fats for three days before collection.

Why? The GI-MAP will test your fat digestion to see how your liver and gallbladder are working. Without fats in your system getting processed, the GI-MAP can't measure the undigested fat in the stool. Avocado, coconut oil, nuts, etc. 

3. If you want to check for gluten sensitivity, be sure to include gluten in your diet for the seven days before your GI-MAP test. If you know you have a gluten sensitivity, are celiac, or are already avoiding gluten, disregard this note.

How do I interpret GI-MAP results?

We will email you a PDF of the results once completed. 

Contact Matt or another qualified practitioner to give you an overview of the findings and what that may mean in the bigger picture of your current health journey. The data learned from the GI-MAP could pinpoint a root cause, and as you know, finding and dealing with root causes is the only path to total restoration.

The gut's health affects your complete body, and all organ systems are dependant on a healthy gut. What you'll learn from the GI-MAP could change your health and life forever. 

Questions? Contact Matt

View a GI-MAP sample report

If you need the GI-MAP test from within Canada click here