GI Health Panel - Pathogen Testing

The prevalence of gastrointestinal complaints in general practice is impressively large. Although many of these complaints are vague, the long-term clinical consequences of untreated complaints may be impaired nutrient assimilation with reduced regenerative capacity and an increased rate of aging. Some causes of these complaints can be investigated using the Gastrointestinal Health Panel™. This is a 15- or 22-parameter analysis that evaluates gastrointestinal function and health non-invasively. The panel employs three stool and two saliva specimens.

Causes of GI Dysfunction

Pathogenic

• Parasitic infestations
• Yeast overgrowth
• Fungal infections
• Normal flora imbalances
• Bacterial overgrowth and infections

Neuroenteric (not part of panel)

• Dystonia of GI smooth muscle
• Dysrhythmia of GI smooth muscle
• Sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance

Non-pathogenic

• Acquired or genetically determined functional and structural GI complaints External stressors
• Dietary intolerances and allergies
• Environmental factors
• Pharmacological factors

Clinical Indications for GI Testing

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Loose stool or diarrhea after travel or camping
• Chronic loose stool or constipation
• Sudden changes in bowel habits
• Insomnia
• Hyperactivity
• Fat, grain and food intolerance
• Bloating, maldigestion and heartburn
• School- and pool-acquired GI problems
• Excess gas and flatulence
• Chronic abdominal discomfort or pain
• Chronic skin conditions
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
• Excessive eating or anorexia