Comprehensive Stool Analysis w/Parasitology x 3
30/04/19
CGastrointestinal complaints are among the most common in medical care. This comprehensive profile helps pinpoint the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic systemic conditions, and measures key markers of digestion, absorption and inflammation. Using growth-based culture, the standard of practice in clinical microbiology, as well as sensitive biochemical assays and microscopy, this thorough stool test evaluates the status of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeast and parasites.
Detailed Information
The Comprehensive Stool
Analysis with Parasitology x1, 2, or 3 is an invaluable non-invasive diagnostic
assessment that permits practitioners to objectively evaluate the status of
beneficial and imbalanced commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, yeast/fungus
and parasites. Precise identification of pathogenic species and susceptibility
testing greatly facilitates selection of the most appropriate pharmaceutical or
natural treatment agents.
Important information regarding the efficiency of digestion and absorption can
be gleaned from the measurement of the fecal levels of pancreatic elastase
(pancreatic exocrine sufficiency), fat, muscle and vegetable fibers, and
carbohydrates. Inflammation can significantly increase intestinal permeability
and compromise assimilation of nutrients. The extent of inflammation, whether
caused by pathogens or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be assessed and
monitored by examination of the levels of biomarkers such as lysozyme,
lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucus. These markers can be used to
differentiate between inflammation associated with potentially life-threatening
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which requires lifelong treatment, and less
severe inflammation that can be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
which is frequently due to the presence of enteroinvasive pathogens.
Lactoferrin is only markedly elevated prior to and during the active phases of
IBD, but not with IBS. Monitoring fecal lactoferrin levels in patients with IBD
can therefore facilitate timely treatment of IBD, and the test can be ordered
separately. Since the vast majority of secretory IgA (sIgA) is normally present
in the GI tract, where it prevents binding of pathogens and antigens to the
mucosal membrane, it is essential to know the status of sIgA in the gut through
stool testing. sIgA is the only bona fide marker of humoral immune status in
the GI tract.
Cornerstones of good health include proper digestion of food, assimilation of
nutrients, exclusion of pathogens and timely elimination of waste. To obtain
benefits from food that is consumed, nutrients must be appropriately digested
and then efficiently absorbed into portal circulation. Microbes, larger-sized
particles of fiber, and undigested foodstuffs should remain within the
intestinal lumen. Poor digestion and malabsorption of vital nutrients can
contribute to degenerative diseases, compromised immune status and nutritional
deficiencies. Impairment of the highly specific nutrient uptake processes, or
compromised GI barrier function, as in “leaky gut syndrome,” can
result from a number of causes including:
· Low gastric acid production
· Chronic Maldigestion
· Food allergen impact on bowel absorptive
surfaces
· Bacterial overgrowth or imbalances
(dysbiosis)
· Pathogenic bacteria, yeast or parasites and
related toxic irritants
· The use of NSAIDs and antibiotics
Impairment of intestinal functions can contribute to the
development of food allergies, systemic illnesses, autoimmune disease, and
toxic overload from substances that are usually kept in the confines of the
bowel for elimination. After performing a stool test, efficient remediation of
GI dysfunctions incorporates a comprehensive guided approach that should include
consideration of elimination of pathogens and exposure to irritants,
supplementation of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and pre- and
probiotics, and repair of the mucosal barrier.
Posted Comments
Nicole
DR Jeffrey J Hunt