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Assessing gastrointestinal function is important for identifying and addressing digestive issues that can significantly impact your overall health.
Over the past twenty years, I’ve relied on five key tests in my clinical practice to evaluate GI function and integrity. These tests, which include urine, blood, and stool analyses, provide invaluable insights into digestive health. Among them, the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) stands out for its thoroughness. Many patients who felt dismissed by other healthcare professionals found clarity and relief through these tests.
The Urinary Indican Test detects the presence of indican in the urine, which indicates fermentation within the digestive system. Elevated indole levels often signal intestinal toxemia caused by protein mal-digestion or an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, primarily due to mal-digestion and intestinal mucosal damage.
The CDSA is a thorough and sensitive test that assesses not only candida overgrowth but also a variety of intestinal conditions.Not only does this test offer detailed insights into your ability to digest, metabolize, and absorb nutrients, it also provides a comprehensive report on bacterial flora—beneficial, imbalanced, and pathogenic—as well as yeast and intestinal parasites. Chronic infections can negatively impact metabolic and absorptive processes. Additionally, the CDSA includes a sensitivity panel to help guide treatment.
Food allergies can be critical contributors to gastrointestinal distress. This blood test quickly determines your immune reactivity to 98 different foods across seven categories, including fruits, grains, vegetables, and animal proteins. It measures IgE and IgG antibody levels to identify problematic foods that may be causing or exacerbating digestive issues.
This test, discussed in a recent Healthy Options article, analyzes the nutrient profile of your hair. It can reveal patterns that indicate an under-active stomach (hypochlorhydria) and offers a cost-effective way to assess digestive and absorptive functions.
By utilizing these tests to assess gastrointestinal function, you can gain a clearer understanding of your digestive health. Then those insights will allow you to make more informed decisions for effective treatment and recovery.
Diet plays a crucial role in healing the digestive system. Consuming pure water and making appropriate dietary changes are essential for this process. Additionally, regular, vigorous exercise stimulates digestion and helps reduce bowel congestion.
Beneficial herbs include aloe vera, slippery elm bark powder, liquorice, gentian, and milk thistle. Always consult a qualified naturopath or natural medicine-friendly doctor for chronic digestive issues, as they can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Further reading: Your Digestive System