How do you feel when you receive test results from your doctor and you are told that everything looks fine. Or you receive a generic handout for you to read and follow at home? Would you like to have a more personalized approach to your health and nutrition plan?
At the Unconventional Dietitians, we can order functional nutrition tests that provide results so as to determine your individualized needs.
Unlocking Gut Health: The GI-MAP Test
The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a specialized stool test that provides a comprehensive analysis of your gut microbiome, helping identify imbalances, infections, inflammation, and digestive dysfunction. It is used to assess gut health and assist in determining the root cause of chronic symptoms.
The GI-MAP tests for the following:
- Pathogens such as salmonella, E.coli, norovirus, C diff and rotavirus can damage the gut lining (“leaky gut”), cause dysbiosis (imbalanced gut flora), impair digestion and nutrient absorption and produce harmful byproducts.
- Commensal (Normal) Bacteria which assesses diversity and balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut that contributes to good health.
- Opportunistic/Overgrowth Bacteria is a measure of bacteria that are normally present in small amounts but can overgrow and cause symptoms.
- Fungi and Yeast-especially Candida species can contribute to bloating, fatigue, and skin rashes.
- Parasites (protozoa, helminths) can damage the gut, steal essential nutrients, and dysregulate the immune system.
- Intestinal Health Markers
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- Secretory IgA: Gut immune function
- Calprotectin: Inflammation (useful in Crohn’s or colitis)
- Zonulin: Intestinal permeability (marker for “leaky gut”)
- Elastase-1: Pancreatic enzyme output that is needed for proper digestion
- β-glucuronidase: Plays a key role in detoxification and hormone recycling
Symptoms That May Point to GI Imbalances
These are many of the symptoms that you may be experiencing that would benefit from GI-MAP testing.
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- Chronic bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, irritability)
- Skin issues (acne, eczema)
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Suspected gut infections or dysbiosis
How would these results be used? Our dietitians would use GI-MAP results to create personalized treatment plans involving diet, supplements (e.g., probiotics, antimicrobials), and lifestyle changes.
Food Sensitivity Decoded: The MRT Test
Another available test is the MRT (Mediator Release Test). These results are used to identify food sensitivities. The test measures how your immune cells (particularly white blood cells) react to 170+ foods and chemicals by detecting the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins.
MRT results are categorized using a “stoplight” system:
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- Green: Non-reactive foods that do not trigger a significant immune response and are safe to consume.
- Yellow: Moderately reactive foods are identified as possible triggers of inflammation.
- Red: Highly reactive foods that are likely contributing to symptoms.
Common Conditions that would warrant MRT testing:
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating, gas, constipation
- Migraines or chronic headaches
- Autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroidits
- Eczema, acne, or other skin issues
- Brain fog, anxiety or depression, ADHD, fatigue
- Unexplained inflammation
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Your Custom LEAP Plan
A certified LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Performance) therapist (CLT) at the Unconventional Dietitians will use the results to create a personalized elimination diet while monitoring symptoms.
Hormone Blueprint: The DUTCH Test
The DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is an advanced and widely used lab test that evaluates hormone levels and metabolism through urine samples collected over a 24-hour period. The test is used to uncover hormonal imbalances that standard blood tests may miss with an analysis of 35 different hormones.
It measures:
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- Sex Hormones & Metabolites such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA-S that provides insight into hormone production, balance, and detox pathways (especially important for estrogen dominance or PCOS)
- Cortisol & Stress Hormones helps identify HPA axis dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, or abnormal stress responses
- Melatonin as a marker of sleep cycle regulation
- Other Functional Markers
- B6, B12, and glutathione markers
- Organic acids related to inflammation and detox
- Oxidative stress and methylation markers (in some panels)
Based on your results, our dietitians would recommend specific diet and lifestyle changes along with targeted supplements to improve hormone levels and metabolism.
Your DNA, Your Health: The 3X4 Genetic Test
The 3X4 Genetic Test is a personalized DNA test that analyzes over 157 genetic variants. By analyzing your genetic blueprint, it guides decisions about health, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. In doing so, it examines your cells, identifies suboptimal conditions, and helps implement corrective measures. As a result, you can prevent the progression of certain diseases and improve your overall health and longevity.
With this insight, we as your provider can tailor lifestyle, diet, and supplement recommendations specifically to your genetic profile. Moreover, optional integration with other functional lab results (like DUTCH, GI-MAP, MRT or organic acid tests) may provide even greater focus on your personal health and lifestyle needs.
The functional nutrition tests provided at the Unconventional Dietitians are essential tools in personalizing your needs to achieve better health and vitality. Check out the different testing packages today and contact us for more information.
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