gut health coaching

If you have ever read or heard about functional medicine, you know that gut health is front and center when it comes to getting your health on track. In recent years, GI issues have increased due to more processed foods, pesticide use on foods, GMOs, and less clean, whole foods in people’s diets. Other factors may include medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants or antacids, as well as stress. Whatever the reason for your gut issues, there are steps you can take to fix them!

I offer gut health consultations and can help provide support on implementing a recovery protocol. I use the basic IFM 5 Rs of Gut Rebuilding protocol, but find that testing can provide more specific guidance. Microbiome tests are more affordable and use gut bacteria as indicators of specific issues; tests like GI Effects and GI Map are typically only available through practitioners and are more accurate diagnostically.

These tests include:

Microbiome/Gut Microbe Tests:

Viome ($279 but frequently on sale): Viome offers a look at components of your overall gut health, such as leaky gut, as well as a thorough list of gut bacteria amounts. This allows for more targeted probiotic therapy. Viome will also provide a list of foods to support your microbiome, and foods which would irritate your microbiome.

Thorne Gut Health Test ($198): Instead of requiring a stool sample, this test offers a “wipe” (I would use that term loosely since the wipe looks more like a small piece of saran wrap.). This test provides information on dysbiosis, inflammation, bacteria diversity, as well as pathogens such as h pylori. It provides guidance on probiotic support. This tests provides a lot of information for the cost.

Complete diagnostic GI Tests:

GI Effects Stool Test (Rupa $339): This is one often used by functional medicine doctors, and offers a complete look at your gut health. Included is a look at overall inflammation and bacterial balance as well as measures for yeast, calprotectin and pathogenic bacteria. 

GI Map Test (Rupa $327.18): Another popular test with functional medicine practitioners, this provides a comprehensive look at your gut health. Included are indicators for c.diff, e coli, candida and Epstein-Barr, as well as a look at barrier integrity and bacterial balance. I can order this test through Rupa, with the test kit and results being sent directly to you.

Viome and Thorne can be ordered online, with the collection kit sent directly to you. Packaging materials are included for you to send the sample back, with results typically arriving by email in about 3-4 weeks.

I can order Rupa tests through their physician services option, which adds about $10 on to each test for a doctor’s review. Once I place the order, the collection kit and instructions are sent to you for completion. Return packaging is provided and results would arrive in your email about 3-4 weeks after submission.

I am happy to work with other tests you may find online. I believe that these tests provide a guide to help target issues specific to you. (i.e. certain bacteria may be too high, so specific herbs or probiotics can help bring it back into balance.)

For more information on gut health coaching, you can schedule a free, 20-minute consultation. Or, if you are ready to get your gut health back on track, schedule a full appointment.

Any questions? Email me at kate@heretohelpcoaching.com