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Dr. Katie Brussard
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Dr. Katie's Blog

Tests Offered: GI MAP

5/21/2021

2 Comments

 
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A frequent conversation I have with my patients is why laboratory testing (of any kind) may be a good idea. I'm not one to order labs "just because". I think when I order a lab, I should have a pretty good reason and way to treat the patient based on the results.

One of the many specialty and functional medicine tests I offer is a stool test from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory called the GI MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus). This is a stool test (yes, it requires a poo sample!) uses cutting edge technology called PCR (polymerase chain reaction) which helps pick up tiny traces of gut bugs in the stool sample. GI MAP takes a look at what good bugs (normal bacteria), ok bugs, and not good bugs (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, worms, etc) might be lurking in the gastrointestinal tract. The test also assesses for inflammation, immune health, and digestive function.

I will quite frequently find infections on the GI MAP that other tests missed. The test will also gives us a sense of the level of dysbiosis (a condition where typically normal bacteria in the gut appear in abnormally low or high numbers) -- which is extremely helpful when it comes to recovering from many chronic conditions. 

I order this test for patients with digestive complaints, yes, but that's not all. Here's a short (but not exhaustive) list of patient conditions when I might order the GI MAP test:
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Anxiety or Depression
  • Hormone imbalance of many kinds
  • IBS
  • Anemia/other nutrient deficiency
  • Autoimmune diseases

If you have questions about whether the GI MAP is right for you, please reach out to me! I'd love to talk to you about your concerns. 
2 Comments
Vernise Madsen link
7/29/2021 02:59:29 pm

Hi, Dr. Katie... I came across your website while browsing and looking for an ND. I have been having trouble with my legs being stiff and often in pain. They started with this condition about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago.
I think my hormones are not right, too.
And I take a thyroid and a heart medication (heart for arrythmiia) I haven't had any heart trouble for about 2 years now with the medication. And my thyroid stays up with the thyroxin, too. But I believe in the natural way of eating and being well.
I believe in a good diet and good health from a good diet.
I saw that you know the Provozone treatment from Dr. Shallenberger. And wondered if that would help my legs?
I live in Provo.
Vernise

Reply
Dr. Katie link
8/3/2021 07:28:10 am

Hi Vernise, I'd love to talk with you more about your concerns. Please schedule a free 15 min phone consult with me by calling my office at 801-448-0966. Thank you!

Reply



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    Dr. Katie is a next-generation natural medicine doctor and proud dog mom living in the mountain west.

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Dr. Katie Brussard ND
2091 E 1300 S Suite 104
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
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When I speak with a new patient, I always ask “have you seen a Naturopath before?” I ask this simple question because I’ve lived all over and people have a wide variety of experience with natural medicine and Naturopaths. read the blog post
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