GUT HEALTH & DNA TESTING
I recently added gut health and DNA testing to my practice. The exceptionally personalised results that these tests give provide valuable insights into client health, as well as practical solutions. They form the basis for highly individualised and effective treatment plans. I have partnered with GutMapDx because they provide high quality, detailed lab results, very useful follow-up sessions, and the best actionable advice that I have seen from a testing service.
Which tests are available?
GutMapDx offers a wide variety of tests.
Gut Health Tests
GI Axis: gut microbiome test
GI Axis Microbial Screen: testing for parasites, fungi, pathogenic bacteria, viruses & archaea
GI Axis Advanced: combines the GI Axis and GI Axis Microbial Screen
Food Sensitivity Tests
Food Sensitivity Map with 130 foods and drinks
Food Sensitivity Map with 270+ foods and drinks
hs-CRP: systemic inflammation test
Food Sensitivity Advanced: combines Food Sensitivity Map with 270+ and hs-CRP tests
DNA Tests
DNAMap Health & Nutrition: 29 key genetic SNPs
DNAMap - ADHD & ASD: 24 key genetic SNPs focusing on ADHD & ASD
DNAMap - Hair & Skin Genetics: 18 key genetic SNPs focusing on hair & skin genetics
DNAMap - Male Fertility: 14 key genetic SNPs focusing on fertility optimisation
DNAMap - Female Fertility: 8 key genetic SNPs focusing on fertility optimisation
What is the process of taking the tests and getting results?
Order your tests through me. GutMapDx is practitioner-led so that you get the best advice and treatment plans.
Fill out a quick form online.
Collect your test sample at home. Gut health tests use a simple at home stool sample swab from toilet roll. Food sensitivity tests use an at home finger prick dried blood sample. And DNA tests use a simple at home saliva swab.
Send your sample to the lab in the pre-paid envelope.
Your test results are emailed to me.
I have a session with one of the GutMapDx experts to review your results.
I formulate a treatment plan, and a diet plan with recipes if required.
We have a session to go through the results and plan together.
You get started and feel the results!
What kind of results will you get?
To explain the kind of results you will see, I’ll look in more detail at the GI Axis and DNAMap Health & Nutrition tests, which I find are the two most popular tests.
GI Axis
This test provides a very detailed breakdown of the good and bad bacteria in your gut, and shows clearly which areas of health they affect.
The results show which areas of the body are being affected by your specific bacteria (the Gut Axes) and gives each area a score of ‘Good’, ‘Suboptimal’, or ‘Needs Attention’. Examples include the Gut-Hormone Axis, the Gut-Metabolism Axis and the Gut-Skin Axis.
The results then show how your gut health affects key aspects of health, again giving each a score. These aspects include Immunity, Absorption, Mood & Mental Health, and Sleep.
One of the most helpful and practical parts of the GutMapDx results is the Unique Gut Based Nutrition Plan that it provides. This shows the top 30 foods that are beneficial for you and the top 30 foods that are detrimental to you. This is then used as the basis for your nutritional plan going forward.
DNA Health & Nutrition
This provides a detailed breakdown of 29 key genetic codes (called SNPs) in your DNA. It explains the role of each gene and the impact of your result on your health. For each one it gives a green, amber or red colour code: green indicates a neutral or positive SNP; amber a mildly negative impact; and red a negative impact.
The test covers the areas of digestion, metabolism, stress, immunity, nutrients, stimulants, exercise and sleep.
For example, the test can show whether you are more susceptible to problems with insulin regulation, whether you find it easy or difficult to recover from stress, how well you are able to absorb certain vitamins, and whether you are likely to be an ‘early bird’ or a ‘night owl’, etc.
For each amber or red SNP, the results provide practical suggestions of ways to counteract any negative findings. This might include supplementing a vitamin that you find hard to absorb, certain foods to include in your diet, or a suggested ideal ratio of protein, fats and carbs based on your DNA.
What actions will you need to take once you have your results?
DIET. Perhaps the most important changes you will make are to your nutrition, with personalised dietary recommendations, and a meal plan if required.
SUPPLEMENTS. I may suggest that you add supplements into your routine: either probiotics to increase your good bacteria, or nutrients where they would help overcome a genetic issue or support your health.
STRESS. An often overlooked factor in gut health is stress, and this will also be important to address. We would work together to develop strategies for coping with stress.
EXERCISE. Exercise can help mitigate certain genetic tendencies, as well as optimising your health more generally.
HOMEOPATHY. As a homeopath I will also be looking at homeopathic remedies to help with any symptoms you might have. We may concentrate purely on diet and supplements in the initial stages, as there can be significant changes to be made and felt. However, I will always be keeping homeopathy in mind as a powerful additional tool.
Work with me
If you are interested in any of the gut health or DNA tests, please do reach out to me and we can discuss how we can work together.
I offer a FREE DISCOVERY CALL which you can book here:
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Thank you for reading!