Analysis of Stool Test Results
When I evaluate comprehensive stool testing results, I follow a process that considers various elements, including:
When I evaluate comprehensive stool testing results, I follow a process that considers various elements, including:- High-level scoring regarding digestion, inflammation, dysbiosis, metabolism, and infection. High scores often emphasize problem areas but may also vary according to significant differences in diet and other factors.
- Presence of specific fungal, parasitic, or bacterial pathogens, including Candida albicans, H. pylori, Klebsiella pneumonia, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and many more
- Overall abundance of commensal bacterial populations which provides a measure of possible overgrowth or undergrowth from diet or other factors such as antibiotic use
- Specific relative abundance of commensal microorganisms at both the phyla (high level) and genus/species (specific organisms within each phylum). The level of each type of microbes is evaluauted in comparison to a reference range reflecting the greater population. Typical findings are overgrowth/undergrowth and often the absence of entire species or genera reflecting significant dysbiosis.
- Short-chain fatty acids produced by bacteria which reflect both microbe populations, metabolic activities, and dietary factors
- Digestive markers including elastase (pancreas health), level of various fats and fibers (digestive health)
- Inflammatory markers including secreted immunoglobulin A (critical antibody in the gut), calprotectin (released by certain white blood cells at the site of inflammation), EPX (food allergy marker), beta-glucuronidase (high levels linked to cancer risk), and occult blood (high levels linked to inflammatory bowel disease and cancer risk)
My analysis often identifies critical issues, such as a variety of digestive and overall health issues
Some examples include:
- Distinct dysbioses
- Food sensitivities and intolerances
- Malabsorption
- Leaky gut
- Excessive inflammation
- Immune deficiency
- Risk of diabetes
- Gastritis
- Low stomach acid
- Anemia
- Impact of antibiotics or other medicines and supplements on the microbiome
Based on this analysis, often in conjunction with other test results, I develop a plan to address deficiencies, including:
- Diet and behavioral changes
- A variety of dietary supplements are aimed at addressing imbalances and improving digestion and strategies to improve/recover a healthy microbiome, especially after antibiotics or other insults. Some of the supplements include:
- Digestive enzymes
- Bile
- Novel probiotics
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Herbs
- Specific nutrients