GI-MAP
Benefits of GI-Mapping
Research continues to demonstrate that your gut microbiome drastically influences your physical, mental, and emotional health. Your gut microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live in your gastrointestinal tract. Some of them are healthy, while others are not. That’s why understanding how your microbiome impacts your health is critical when you don’t feel your best, when your health is less than optimal, or when you are dealing with a chronic health condition.
At Sarah Lynn Nutrition, we use one of the best microbiome tests on the market – the GI-MAP. The GI-MAP is a precision test that measures the presence and amounts of parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more in your microbiome.
The GI-MAP is more reliable than tests that grow samples in Petri dishes because not all parasites, bacteria, etc. grow using this method. The GI-MAP looks at the DNA of the organisms in your stool to determine the contents of your microbiome. The DNA either exists or does not exist in the sample, which means this is the best microbiome test available.
Once you know the composition of your microbiome—what is there and what is missing—we can develop a plan for improving it so you feel your best.
Who Needs The GI-MAP Test?
Nearly everyone can benefit from the GI-MAP test. A microbiome may help you if you’re looking to achieve optimal health or experience other health conditions, including:
- Brain fog
- Autoimmune diseases
- Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
- Unexplained diarrhea or constipation
- Gastrointestinal conditions like IBS or IBD
- Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety
- Difficulty losing weight
Unlike many other tests, the GI-MAP is safe and effective for infants and children to provide insight into Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, and digestive complaints like diarrhea and constipation.
Expert Guide
Your microbiome changes with your eating habits, activity levels, sleep, antibiotic use, stress, and more. That’s a lot of factors to consider, and it can be overwhelming! But it doesn’t have to be.
The dietitians specializing in GI disorders at Sarah Lynn Nutrition are gastrointestinal health experts who understand the details of the GI-MAP test results.
When you work with your dietitian, they’ll explain the results so you can understand what’s going on in your microbiome and help you prioritize the changes that need to be made based on your health and symptoms to start feeling better fast. Your personalized plan includes more than just eating and provides a comprehensive, lifestyle-based solution.
Lasting Results
Because your microbiome is constantly changing, adjustments may be needed to achieve lasting results. Your dietitian will provide additional guidance on adjusting your plan based on changes in your lifestyle, like for times of increased stress, getting less sleep, or traveling and not being able to access your usual foods. You’ll also learn what to do if you end up on antibiotics that alter your microbiome. Your plan isn’t a short-term fix; it’s a long-term solution.