Analysis of Stool Test Results
Stool test results are actionable if and when you take the proper test and correctly analyze them. Find out how Dr. Norm, a Medical Microbiologist, analyzes stool test results and develops a comprehensive action plan based on his findings.
As a first step, Make a complimentary pre-consult appointment
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 microbe is evaluated 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 frequently identifies key factors contributing to various digestive disorders and overall health concerns
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