Expanded Gastrointestinal Health Panel

The Expanded Gastrointestinal Health Panel (GI2) was designed to detect a wide variety of problems that can occur in our digestive tracts.

From the results we can tell if a patient has an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria or fungal organisms that should not be present. This includes Candida albicans and other species.

Some organisms are large enough to be seen through the microscope. One of the more commonly seen single-celled protozoans is Blastocystis hominis.

We test specifically for Clostridium difficile, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, Ameba histolytica, and Helicobacter pylori.

We look at total intestinal secretory IgA, i.e. the ability of the mucosal surface of the GI tract to produce antibodies. By using chemical markers, we also can tell whether the small intestine or the colon is inflamed. At the same time, we check pancreatic enzyme levels, the presence of hidden blood, and fecal pH.

Finally, we check to see if the patient is building antibodies against gliadin (a form of protein believed to be associated with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or gluten-induced enteropathy), soy protein, dairy protein, and egg protein. Anyone who has a high level of antibodies can be thought of as being genetically intolerant of those particular food items.

Who should use this test? Anyone with chronic and vague GI symptoms including: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping. Anyone who travels outside the U.S. frequently or eats out frequently. Other high-risk groups might include institutionalized individuals, homosexuals, and groups that share common quarters.

You might have read that I found out I was gluten intolerant when I took the Adrenal Stress Index. Do you want to know the results from my GI2 panel?

Well, I tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii and Helicobacter pylori. I have a depressed immune response and low digestive enzymes. Besides being gluten intolerant, I also am genetically unable to handle soy, egg, and dairy proteins.

The GI2 kit consists of three vials for collecting samples from two bowel movements and two vials for saliva.

E-mail me for more information on the Expanded Gastrointestinal Health Panel or to order a test kit.