What a recent gut health test revealed about my overall health
One of the most valuable tests I’ve recently used to gain insight into my own health was a comprehensive stool test.
Comprehensive stool tests that I use in clinic are a great way of getting to the root cause of my clients’ health issues quicker. Unlike standard tests you may get through your GP, these provide detailed, actionable insights into your gut health, helping to address a range of symptoms.
The test I use looks at a broader set of markers than standard tests and assesses:
The diversity of your gut microbiome
The balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria
How well you’re chewing and absorbing your food
The health of your gut lining
When I started thinking more about my own health (in between the times I've been supporting clients with theirs), my main concerns were joint pain, an itchy patch of skin under my right knee, a fuzzy head and cravings for all the carbs.
I suspected these symptoms could be linked to gut imbalances, but I needed clear answers.
By taking this test, I was able to pinpoint specific imbalances contributing to my symptoms – and more importantly, I knew exactly how to address them.
My comprehensive stool test results
The good news:
An above-average diversity of bacteria in my gut (phew!)
A low dysbiosis score – this means the mix of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in my gut is relatively healthy, with no major imbalances
No signs of parasites, viruses or pathogenic bacteria
A good level of the type of bacteria that protects the gut barrier
The not-so-good news:
Very low levels of elastase: this digestive enzyme marker suggested my pancreas wasn’t producing enough enzymes to break down food properly, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies.
Very low levels of secretory IgA (sIgA): sIgA is the gut’s first line of immune defense. Low levels can make it harder to fight infections and maintain a healthy gut balance. Stress, long-term gut infections, or nutrient deficiencies could be playing a role (which makes sense, given my enzyme deficiency).
Very low stool pH (high acidity): this can indicate excess fermentation in the gut due to bacterial imbalances, poor carbohydrate absorption, or even yeast overgrowth like Candida. It also suggests I may not have enough beneficial bacteria like Lactobacilli in my diet.
Overgrowth of Candida inconspicua: Candida is a type of yeast and an overgrowth can contribute to joint pain, itchy skin, brain fog and cravings for those carbs (cue that lightbulb moment!). A weakened immune system (we’re back to that low sIgA again) and excess sugar/carb intake could be fueling this (I do love cake!).
You can see a full sample report of the stool test I did here.
What am I doing to resolve this?
I’m now being my own client and:
Reducing my carb intake: so Candida has less sugar to feed off (this is a work in progress – I'm human too!)
Supporting my digestion: by improving how I eat to encourage better enzyme production and nutrient absorption
Eating more probiotic foods: like yoghurts, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and miso, which contain beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
Taking a specific anti-fungal agent: based on the stool test results to help eradicate the Candida overgrowth
Boosting my immunity: by supporting my gut with the nutrients it needs to raise my sIgA levels
I’m only about one month into a 3-month plan but already the itchy skin and fuzzy head have improved.
This is exactly the approach I take with my clients – reviewing test results alongside symptoms to uncover the real cause of their health issues and create a targeted action plan.
Want to find out what’s going on in your gut?
If you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms like gut issues, food sensitivities, skin problems, joint pain or fatigue, a stool test might give you the answers you need.
If you’d like to explore whether this test is right for you, why not book a free and informal introductory chat with me. I can also answer any questions about the stool test itself if it’s not something you’ve done before.