A robust digestive system often means robust overall health. Yet, there are a lot of ways that the digestive tract can be compromised or challenged, and figuring out what is causing digestive concerns can be difficult. This is where objective lab data can be helpful. But how do you decide which information is most helpful or indicated?
While there are many circumstances in which multiple tests would be useful, and keeping in mind that no lab test is perfect, here is a chart designed to give you more information on when, why and how you would consider digestive health testing:
| Test Name | Type of Test | Indications and Benefits | Limitations and Comments |
| GI 360 by Doctors Data | Stool Analysis (3 day collection) | Considered one of the most comprehensive digestive tests available, as it measures microbial diversity, inflammatory markers, occult blood and both herbal and pharmaceutical treatment options. | This test will not tell you about immune-mediated food sensitivities. |
| IgG Food Sensitivity Testing by RMA | Blood Draw | Beneficial for suspected food sensitivities. Helpful when determining what foods to eliminate/investigate for GI symptoms. | Does not include information related to enzyme insufficiency or microbial imbalances (yeast, bacteria, parasites). |
| Organic Acid Test by Great Plains | Urine Collection | Offers insight into yeast overgrowth and dysbiosis, but also detoxification pathways, neurotransmitters and nutrient levels. | Indicated with multiple system involvement (ie neurological, mood, immune, etc) |
| Calprotectin | Stool Test | Calprotectin is an inflammatory marker to determine the level of inflammation in the bowels. | Very specific to rule in or out inflammatory bowel disease. |
| Zonulin | Blood Draw | Zonulin assesses for the degree of intestinal permeability (commonly referred to as “leaky gut”) which can present with loose stool, gas, bloating, etc. | Very specific for assessing “leaky gut” and does not determine the root cause. |
| H. pylori | Blood, Stool or Breath Test | H. pylori is a stubborn bacteria that can contribute to peptic ulcers and gastritis. Beneficial in cases of upper GI pain and discomfort. | Very specific test but also important to rule out as a cause of ongoing upper GI distress, as H. pylori must be eradicated to see long-term symptom resolution. |
As always, it’s best to speak with your Sprout Wellness practitioner to determine which course of action is going to benefit you the most. This post is just designed to let you know about some of the tests that *could* be offered – not necessarily which tests *should* be done. Moreover, it may make more sense to explore your sex hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisol or nutritional markers before going down any of these roads, as all of these aformentioned markers can affect digestive function…if only the human body was more simple! Your practitioner will have a much better idea of which tests should be seriously considered, given your medical history and comprehensive health overview.
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