IBS Resolve IBS Therapy with Nicola Warran in Bromley

1) GI EcologiX™ – Stool Test

GI EcologiX is a comprehensive gastrointestinal health and microbiome profile by Phylo Bioscience, a CQC laboratory in Bristol.

This test replaces the GI-MAP.

GI EcologiX™ uses quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to provide an accurate, reliable and quantifiable measurement of microbiota abundance and host inflammatory markers.

The profile detects:

Healthy gastrointestinal microbiome (homeostasis of host and microbiome)
Gastrointestinal dysbiosis detected (imbalance of the GI microbiota and/or host immune response)
Gastrointestinal pathogens detected (bacteria and amoebae)

Click here to view more details - you will also be able to view a sample test from this page

2) GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) – Stool Test

(Please note I do not use this test anymore but is available if a Client really wants to do this). This test is very outdated now.

Although the GI Map has been replaced with the GI EcologiX, it is still available to me through Nordic Labs if this is the test you wish to take. This can be useful in very acute symptomatic cases.

The GI Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) is a very good stool test which was designed to assess a patient’s microbiome from a single stool sample, with particular attention to microbes that cause disease or that disrupt normal microbial balance in the GI flora and contribute to illness.

This test will look for the following information in your stool sample but we are basically looking for H Pylori, Parasites. Toxins, Pathogenic Bacteria and yeast/fungal overgrowth.

• Pathogenic bacteria, toxins, parasites and viruses
• Commensal bacteria
• Bacterial autoimmune triggers
• Dysbiotic bacteria
• Opportunistic parasites
• Yeast, fungi and moulds
• Secretory IgA (sIgA)
• Anti-gliadin sIgA
• Pancreatic elastase 1
• Lactoferrin
• Faecal Occult blood

This test looks for the DNA of the offenders, something NHS tests do not always do. If you have previously been tested for parasites on the NHS, it is more likely this test may find something the NHS test could not find because of its use of PCR DNA technology.

Parasites such as Dientamoeba Fragilis, Blastocystis Hominis, cause IBS symptoms but are not looked for by the NHS stool test.

Pathogenic Bacteria such as Klebsiella, Citrobacter freundii or Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can be a hidden cause of IBS which is why testing can be an invaluable tool.

Candida Albicans or other species of yeast such as Geotrichum can be a contributory cause of IBS and the GI-Map test identifies the presence of any of these yeasts.

Click here to view more details and to see a sample test click here

3) Lactulose Breath Test for SIBO

The Lactulose breath test involves following a very strict 24 hour prep diet and then a 12 hour fast. The diet will ensure there are no fermentable fibres in your system that could mess up the results. You have to follow it strictly or the results may not be valid.

You then breathe into a tube to get your base line reading, drink a solution of lactulose and then take further readings for 3 hours. No test is 100% accurate.

Please be aware that some people (about 5%) are hydrogen sulphide producers which this test does not look for. There is still currently no home based breath test for hydrogen sulphide although Dr Pimental is close to producing a breath test for lab use only. However, there is a distinctive pattern on the breath test that may indicate this bacteria is present.

Please click here to read further information from Aerodiagnostics about the breath test.

4) GI EcologiX - GI Microbiome Only

A useful follow up tool for the GI EcologiX that just assesses the key microbial markers related to chronic health conditions such as IBS/IBD, SIBO, Neurodegeneration, Autoimmunity, and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Please click here for info on the GI EcologiX - Microbiome Only and see a sample report for a full break down of the microbes measured.

This microbiome profile is also part of the comprehensive GI EcologiX gastrointestinal health and microbiome profile (as above), which also assesses gut and digestive health markers.

5) Candida - Stool or Urine Test

Candida is a very clever organism and can switch from a yeast to a fungus in a bid to survive and secretes toxic chemicals to protect itself. Candida has the ability to damage brain structure/function, decrease anti-inflammatory capabilities, damage red blood cells and create vitamin B5, B6 and Niacin deficiencies. Most people have some Candida in the gut which is kept under control with normal flora. However, it is very opportunistic and things like antibiotics, birth control, steroids, stress can all help Candida proliferate. It can live anywhere where there is a mucosal lining, such as the mouth, sinuses, gut, vagina, genitals and the anus.

Candida symptoms include Impaired memory, brain fog, lethargy, apathy, depression, irritability, anxiety attacks, cravings for alcohol and sugar, headache, migraine, PMS, itchy skin, Constipation or Diarrhoea, Vaginosis, thrush, athletes foot, oral thrush (white tongue)

Like many parasites, SIBO and pathogenic bacteria, Candida can cause intestinal permeability of the mucosal gut barrier leading to food sensitivities and potential auto immune issues.

If you present with any of the above symptoms, it may be worth getting tested for Candida. However, many people who believe they have Candida often have a gut infection or parasite instead and find the Candida diet does not help them. Without the testing they will not know.

There are two ways of testing for Candida, either using the GI-EcologiX stool test or Organic acid urine testing.

Click here to view more details and see a sample stool test:-

Click here for more details of the urine Organix dysbiosis profile

There is also a reduced version of the OAT which is the MOAT (microbial organic acid test). This looks at just yeast and fungal, bacterial and Clostridia species. Is suitable for age 2 above. Children must be potty trained as the sample must not have any trace of nappy fibres or stools. The cost of this test is £159.

7) Adrenal Stress Profile

Adrenal Fatigue is a much overlooked condition in the UK. This is a 4 x saliva test that can detect imbalances in the daily circadian rhythm of the stress hormones, Cortisol and DHEA.

This saliva test can detect imbalances in the daily circadian secretions of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones can indicate an inappropriate response that can negatively impact energy levels, emotions, and many other health complaints. These include anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, depression, migraines, headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual difficulties and infertility. If your adrenals are fatigued it makes life much harder, and also harder to heal from gut conditions.

For further information click here

8) IGG Profile - Food Sensitivity Test

This test can be done at home. It is a blood draw which is a finger prick test. You will need to prick your own finger and draw blood and fill 3 circles on a test kit with blood so you must be happy to do this (its easy I’ve done it!)

For a sample report please click here

9) Oral EcologiX Profile

A ground-breaking clinical tool to assess the oral microbiome – a key ecosystem in the gut-brain connection, and for cardiovascular and female reproductive health.

The microbiota of the oral cavity exists as a complex biofilm that remains stable, despite environmental changes. However, dysbiosis, in form of infection, injury, dietary changes and risk-associated factors (e.g. smoking) may disrupt the biofilm community, favouring colonisation and invasion of pathogens. Disruption of the biofilm community to a pathogenic profile, induces host immune responses, chronic inflammation and ultimately, the development of local and systemic disease, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, oral cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. However, much of this damage is reversible if pathogenic communities are reduced, and homeostasis is restored. Click here for more info on the Oral EcologiX and to view a sample report.

10) Vaginal EcologiX Profile

This ground-breaking clinical tool assesses the vaginal microbiome (bacteria and yeast) – a key ecosystem for female health and reproductive optimisation. Dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota has been linked to a multitude of disorders including BV, Thrush, Intersticial Cystitis, Fertility Issues, premtature delivery in pregnant women, miscarriages and increased risk of STI's.

This is the most technologically advanced vaginal microbiome profile to provide accurate analysis of the microbiota abundance, host inflammatory markers and pH. A vaginal swab test. Click here for more info on the Vaginal EcologiX and to see a sample report.

11) Great Plains Urinary Mycotoxins Profile

Mycotoxins are some of the most prevalent toxins in the environment, produced by fungi like mould, which can infest buildings, vehicles and foodstuffs. A majority of mycotoxin exposures are through food ingestion or airborne exposure.

Fungi are able to grow on almost any surface, especially if the environment is warm and wet. Inner wall materials of buildings, wallpaper, fibreglass insulation, ceiling tiles and gypsum are all good surfaces for fungi to colonize. These fungi then release mycotoxins into the environment causing symptoms of many different chronic diseases. This profile identifies mycotoxin exposures and provides recommendations for detoxification treatments that have been shown to be effective. Mid stream urine sample.

Click here for more info on the Urinary Mycotoxins Profile and to see a sample report.