Lifestyle

What is the GI-MAP test?

If you’ve ever heard that the gut is like the second brain, then you probably know that our gut health impacts our overall health, especially for fertility. Research has found that the gut microbiome impacts our digestion, immunity, metabolic and neuroendocrine functions, sleep, stress and so much more.

The GI MAP is a functional lab test that does a comprehensive analysis of your gut health. It looks at parasites, bacteria, fungi, inflammation markers, digestive enzymes and much more, and does so by targeting specific DNA of the organisms it tests.

The test looks at the DNA of pathogenic organisms like bacteria and viruses, but also the beneficial organisms (ie good bacteria) and the opportunistic bacteria as well.

The test looks at the specific genomes of these organisms that reside in the intestinal ecology. It’s a “Quantitate DNA test” – or real time test – which differentiates this test from other tests on the market.

The GI-MAP will actually measure how much of each strain exists in the gut, rather than just looking at a percentage.

Some Functional Markers in the GI MAP Test:

1. Calprotectin– a measure of inflammation in the gut. Can be a sign of Crohn’s disease or IBD.
2. Pancreatic elastase– the level of enzyme activity- how good are your levels of enzymes that digest protein, fat, carbs and fiber.
3. Secretory IgA– a marker of the ‘reactivity’ of your gut immune layer. It represents the first line of immune defense of the gut. This is important when evaluating food intolerances
4. Zonulin– a marker of leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
5. B-glucoronidase- a measure of re-circulating toxins between the gut and the liver. You’ll see this marker elevated with excess estrogen and in people with poor liver detoxification.
6. Steatocrit- amount of fat in the stool- measures fat absorption
7. Gliadin IgA– an excellent measure of gluten intolerance

Why Not Order a Cheaper Gut Health Test?

Many of the consumer facing microbiome tests don’t actually give you a full picture of what’s happening in the gut – they don’t count bacteria or parasites present.

In fact, I’ve taken one of those tests in the past and just felt like I didn’t have any more answers to my questions.

The GI MAP is used by clinicians and provides the most comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome compared to any other gut health test on the market. If you’re looking for real answers – test, don’t guess.

Why You Might Need a GI-MAP Stool Test for Gut Health and Fertility

Some conditions that could benefit from taking a GI Map stool test would be someone with:

• Autoimmune disease
• IBS/IBD
• Digestive complaints like diarrhea or constipation
• Brain fog, fatigue
• Joint pain
• Skin problems, like acne, rashes, hives or psoarisis
• Mood disorders, depression, anxiety
• Diabetes and weight loss issues
• Food intolerances

Why is Gut Health Important for Fertility?

I’ll be spending the next few weeks talking about how gut health impacts fertility, but there are a few high level concepts when it comes to the connection between fertility and gut health:

1. Hormone Balance- your gut directly plays a role in balancing the levels of estrogen in your body. If you suspect you have estrogen dominance, taking a comprehensive stool test would be a good place to start investigating.

2. Inflammation- your gut can cause some serious inflammation in the rest of your body. I love that the GI MAP can test for Zonulin, which is a marker of intestinal permeability or “leaky gut.” When toxins from the GI tract can leak into the bloodstream, this causes an immune response by the body, and triggers inflammation. When we work on fertility issues, the broad goal is to reduce overall inflammation so the body can prioritize reproductive health.

3. Insulin Resistance – A 2012 study found that dysbiosis and intestinal permeability impacted insulin levels, which then affected egg and sperm development.

The researchers also found that leaky gut and inflammation was a common cause of PCOS, and that insulin disruption was the most common cause for menstrual disruption and problems with ovulation.

How to Order the GI MAP Test

The test needs to be ordered by a qualified practitioner, such as myself. Interpreting the results requires understanding of gut bacteria, functional gastrointestinal health and experience dealing with dysbiosis or microbiome imbalances.

Interested to learn more? Book a free discovery call with me here to learn how we can use functional lab testing to address fertility.

If you suspect leaky gut or experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, we can discuss some options for you and work on your nutrition and lifestyle together to improve your microbiome.

Want more support?

1:1 Coaching: Let’s hop on a call to discuss what working together could look like & determine if we are a good fit

Grab my free Fertility Nutrient Guide and get added to our mailing list to get information like this sent to your inbox directly!

References

1. Tremellen, K and Pearce, K (2012). Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota (DOGMA) – A novel theory for the development of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Med Hyspotheses’ 79, 1, 104-12.

You may be thinking – I don’t need to work with a fertility dietitian / nutritionist, I already eat pretty healthy (weekend margs don’t count right?), I exercise, drink my green juices … and besides, I can get any nutrition information I really need through Google.

Well, my friend… I’m here to break down five benefits of working with a fertility dietitian nutritionist, specifically one that works in a functional nutrition capacity. I think some of these may surprise you!

1. Breaking down your relationship with food

Okay, we all have our issues with food. To say that eating is not emotional… well it’s just not what I’ve seen in my practice and in life. We all eat emotionally from time to time, even if it’s happy emotions like birthday cake, or holiday meals.

But when our relationship to food becomes restrictive or consumes our thoughts, it’s time to work with a professional who understands what you’re going through.

For many women struggling with fertility, food can be very time consuming. We’re told not to eat gluten or dairy or cut out coffee completely. We’ve heard of different fertility diets, and can easily spiral into the trap of thinking that every bite we take is going to either get us pregnant or leave us feeling miserable.

Working with a fertility dietitian that can help you set up your meals in a way that supports your fertility, but also leaves room for enjoyment is key. I mean, what is a life without pizza anyway?

2. Accountability

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to take on a new hobby or something to improve yourself only to find yourself giving up a few weeks later? 👋🏼

A few years ago, I decided I wanted to take up surfing – I bought a foam board off Craigslist, rented a wet suit, and out I went into the ocean. As I splashed around the water, and even got tumbled by some waves I felt exhilarated by the cold Pacific ocean and glimmer of water in the sun.

Maybe I went out a few more times, but soon enough, I lost momentum. I didn’t have anyone to go with, no one to learn some new moves with or a partner to go with before or after work.

We all have the best of intentions when we start something new. But having accountability is key. And your dietitian is always going to keep you accountable to what you said you wanted for yourself.

3. Test, don’t guess

When you work with a functional nutrition dietitian (hey, hello!) – you’re likely going to be introduced to some new functional lab tests. Tests like the DUTCH hormone test, GI MAP stool test, Spectracell micronutrient testing, food sensitivity testing and more.

The reason for this is because you’ve likely already had some conventional lab tests done in the past. The problem with this is that you’re still trying to get pregnant and have no answers. By the way… “unexplained infertility” is not an answer.

This is where a deeper dive into your gut, hormones, and nutrient levels is so important. For example, most people don’t realize that they’re probably deficient in vitamin D – a key vitamin (that acts as a hormone) needed for fertility.

Or maybe you’ve had heavy periods your whole life, but didn’t realize that your messed up gut health is actually impacting your estrogen levels, causing you to put on weight, and have heavy painful periods.

Working with a functional nutrition dietitian is going to be key to understanding the root cause of your issues.

4. You have PCOS and you’re kind of freaking out

One of the most common hormone disrupting conditions for women of reproductive age is PCOS. It can feel really scary when you get the diagnosis and you may think you’ll never be able to get pregnant without hormone therapy – WRONG. Just wrong.

Instead of jumping to medications and pills, you can work with a fertility dietitian who will help you manage your diet and lifestyle specifically for PCOS, so that you can have regular periods, and optimize your chances of getting pregnant naturally.

PCOS is not a death sentence, and there are plenty of women with the condition who get pregnant (and have healthy pregnancies) without assistive reproductive technology.

5. You know your diet could be better and you just want to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy

Well, good on you girl for being uber prepared for pregnancy.

Did you know that the best time to start taking prenatal vitamins and working on your diet is actually 6 months BEFORE you plan to start trying?

Working with a fertility dietitian is going to be huge for you, because you’re making sure you get all the nutrients you and baby need, so by the time that first trimester rolls in and all you want is bagels and crackers- you’ve already stored up the necessary nutrients to ensure baby is getting everything they need.

So tell me, which one applies to you? If you’re thinking you might benefit from working with a fertility dietitian, book your free discovery call with me today.

We’ll talk through what your goals are and how I might be able to help you on your journey towards becoming a mama.

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