Are you suffering from GERD, recurrent indigestion, gas, and bloating, frequent upper respiratory infections, such as colds and flu? Are the medications and other remedies you are using simply deal with the symptoms? If your answer to both these questions is yes, then I suggest you get a functional laboratory gastrointestinal (GI) test.
In my practice, I use a functional GI test called the Metametrix Gastrointestinal Effects, or GI Effects test for short. It is a stool test that measures the state of health of your GI tract. This test is an advanced functional test measuring the DNA of microbes. This accurately detects disease-causing bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori. It also detects and identifies yeasts and parasites. Furthermore, it identifies your drug or botanical resistance genes so that your doctor or clinical nutritionist can predetermine the drugs or botanicals that will be effective for eradicating any disease-causing bacteria, yeast or parasites. In addition, it also identifies malabsorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Finally, it provides the levels of beneficial microflora in the gut, which are very important for proper digestion, absorption and elimination.
Who should get this test? If you are suffering from some of the health conditions above, you should get this test. Because of the connection between the Enteric Nervous System and the brain, anyone with anxiety attacks, insomnia, or difficulty concentrating may also be a candidate for this test. In addition, any male or female with inexplicable hormonal irregularities would want to consider getting this test.
Though I run different types of advanced laboratory tests on my patients to determine the underlying causes of their health concerns, I often find GI dysfunction as a contributing factor of health challenges. Check out the Gastrointestinal Disorder section of my blog for other posts where I discuss the GI tract function as a key for whole body health.
Dr Husbands is a Chiropractor, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, an Anti-Aging Healthcare Practitioner and a Functional Medicine Doctor.