Revealing My GI Map Results: Unveiling the Mysteries of Gut Health

The Importance of Gut Health

We often hear about gut health, leaky gut, and their crucial roles in the overall functioning of our bodies. For years, I dealt with fluctuating bowel movements without realizing they were indicative of a larger issue. It ranged from diarrhea to constipation to what seemed like a normal bowel movement, all within the span of 24-36 hours. For me, this was normal, but it shouldn't have been. This continuous battle with inflammation led me to explore functional medicine in a quest to understand my gut health better.

Understanding My GI Map Results

GI Map test and a more comprehensive blood tests were the first thing my Functional Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Schena ordered. Both my practitioner and I were eager to see what it would reveal about my gut health. One surprising find in the results was the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria I had never heard of before.

What is H. pylori? It is a type of bacteria that infects your stomach. It can damage the tissue in your stomach and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum). This can cause pain and inflammation. In some cases, it can also cause painful sores called peptic ulcers in your upper digestive tract. It turns out that over 50% of the population harbors H. pylori, often without any symptoms. Most cases, people first get the bacteria when they are children but adults can get it, too. The detection of this bacteria in my system was a revelation.

Addressing Gut Health and Moving Forward

Discovering H. pylori was just the beginning. The GI Map results offered insights into the broader picture of my gut health, showing how a compromised gut can affect overall well-being. Inflammation and imbalances, like the ones I experienced, can become the norm if left unaddressed.

I had the choice of either taking antibiotics or doing a more natural approach to rectifying my gut. Natural path will take longer. Antibiotics used to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections can cause a variety of side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and other effects:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, epigastric pain, and metallic taste

• Headaches: With or without vomiting

• Other effects: Altered taste, rash, nausea, sweating, tachycardia, and disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol consumption

Since my body has been going through so much as it is, and I one of the types of antibiotics I tested positive for having a resistance to, I decided on a more natural approach. With the guidance of my functional medicine practitioner, we devised a plan to tackle the bacterial overgrowth and restore balance to my gut. This included dietary adjustments, specific supplements, and a more mindful approach to my gut health moving forward.

A New Chapter in My Health Journey

The journey to better gut health is ongoing, but the knowledge gained from my GI Map results has been transformative. Understanding the presence of H. pylori and other factors affecting my gut has empowered me to take control of my health in new ways, including a gluten free diet and eliminating dairy from my diet.

By addressing these issues, I'm hopeful for improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and a healthier, more balanced life. The insights from the GI Map have opened a new chapter in my health journey, one focused on healing and prevention.