Presence of any pathogenic bacteria, parasites or yeasts

The digestive stool analysis identifies the presence of any pathogenic organisms including bacteria, parasites or yeast. Your sample is studied under a microscope and any organisms present will be identified and reported.

What does it mean for me?

You may have a bacteria or parasite infection without even knowing! Symptoms associated with a pathogenic infection can be vastly varied and many may not even be gut related. While gut infections are often associated with symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, gas or bloating. Gut infections can also present with symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, poor concentration and cognitive disturbances, sweet cravings, sleep and mood disturbances such as depression or anxiety, skin irritations, allergies and nutrient deficiencies can all be symptoms of gut infection, but it can be very difficult make the connection without testing.

Presence of Infection or Inflammation

Presence of white cells and any mucus in the stool indicates potential inflammation or infection.

What does it mean for me?

You may have a bacterial or parasitic infection that affects the digestive system. White Cells and/or mucus in the stools may also be an indicator of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive system such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Both infection and IBD can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhoea and bloating.

Evaluation of the gut environment and microbiota (beneficial and pathogenic organisms)

The digestive stool analysis studies levels of beneficial organisms which can be supplemented, these include lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, E.Coli, Streptococci/Enterococci. The sample is studied under a microscope and any pathogenic organisms present will be identified and reported.

What does it mean for me?

The gut is home to millions of different organisms. An imbalance of the levels of organisms in the gut is known as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can be caused by any factor which alters the gut environment such as dietary changes, new medication or increased stress. Symptoms of dysbiosis can also be quite varied and often make it difficult to connect the symptoms to the cause without testing. Some symptoms of dysbiosis include, diarrhoea, constipation, digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas, nausea, halitosis (bad breath), difficulty urinating, vaginal or rectal itching, skin irritations, difficulty concentrating and mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety.

Dysbiosis can also allow for opportunistic pathogenic organisms to infiltrate the gut and cause further symptoms of infection.

The stool tests determine levels of beneficial organisms which can be easily found in probiotic supplement form should supplementation be required.

Overall intestinal function and absorption of food particles

The digestive stool analysis studies the stool samples both microscopically and macroscopically identifying the presence of fibres, meat and vegetable particles as well as starch cells. Presence of these can help in diagnosing potential leaky gut syndrome or poor digestive function.

Symptoms of leaky gut can cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence, loose stools and can also result in skin conditions such as eczema or skin irritations.

What does it mean for me?

When looking at stools we do not want to see too many food particles or food remnants, as it can be a result of increased permeability of the intestinal lining, or leaky gut. Leaky gut is related to many conditions and diseases. One thing that many people don’t realize is that leaky gut may be closely related to the development of autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, just to name a few. Other symptoms associated with leaky gut include food allergies and sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

As larger particles are passing through the intestinal lining there is a higher chance of nutrient deficiencies as less of the nutrients are able to be extracted and absorbed. Skin irritation and inflammatory skin condition are commonly associated with poor gut health and especially leaky gut.

Reductions in cognitive function, mood disorders and conditions such as autism can all be associated with digestive disorders.

Testing is therefore very important to provide an understanding of the potential underlying cause of symptoms, as it may be possible to reverse these if it is possible to identify where the symptoms you are experiencing may be stemming from.

Breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats

The digestive stool analysis evaluates how carbohydrates, proteins and fats are broken down and absorbed, identifying any presence of starch cells which can indicate poor breakdown of carbohydrates or reduced carbohydrate fermentation.

Upper digestive function is assessed, increased production of valerate/ isobuterate is indicative of poor efficacy of protein breakdown.

Presence of triglycerides and cholesterol in the stool which will give an indication of efficiency of fat digestion and potential influences from dietary intake of fats.

The bowel environment, such as the bowel pH are also measured as this can have a direct impact on breakdown and metabolism of various nutrients, as well as survival and increased diversity of various microorganisms required for adequate digestion.

What does it mean for me?

How your body breaks down food is directly related to how much nutrients your body is able to absorb and utilize. If your body isn’t absorbing nutrients then this can lead to deficiencies.

The microbiome is strongly dependent on factors affecting the gut environment such as the bowel pH. If the environment is suboptimal and not conducive to production and maintenance of microorganisms it can lead to symptoms associated with dysbiosis such as diarrhoea, constipation, digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas, nausea, halitosis (bad breath), difficulty urinating, vaginal or rectal itching, skin irritations, difficulty concentrating and mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety.

Evaluation of dietary fibre, carbohydrate and fat intake

The digestive stool analysis provides insight into whether adequate levels of dietary fibre are being consumed and whether there may be potentially elevated intake of refined carbohydrates. The test will also identify how well dietary fats are being hydrolysed and absorbed.

What does it mean for me?

We all aim to have the best possible diet, however sometimes we may not even realize that our diet is not ideal. For example we might be eating too much of something such as refined carbohydrates, fats which our body may be struggling to breakdown and utilise. Similarly our digestive system requires adequate levels of various forms of dietary fibre to maintain healthy digestion. This testing will allow you to see whether you are getting enough fibre and whether your diet might need a slight ‘tweek’ to ensure healthy digestion, which may potentially help to alleviate some symptoms.

General Digestive Analysis

Recommended for monitoring treatment, identifying the presence of unfavourable organisms, gut infection, microbial imbalance, malabsorption or assessing whether probiotic supplementation is having a positive impact.

Analysis of your digestive function and gut microbial environment including an evaluation of microscopic and macroscopic markers, such as the presence of fibres, cells and food particles. In-depth analysis of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria including the presence of parasites or yeasts.

Essential Digestive Analysis

Our most popular test – Recommended if you have digestive function issues and require an in-depth analysis of your gut health.

All components of the General Digestive Analysis are included along with additional testing on biochemical markers, such as pH, breakdown and absorption of fats, carbohydrates and protein, pancreatic function and levels of short chain fatty acids (required to maintain normal bowel function).

Comprehensive Digestive Analysis

Select this test for a complete gut assessment and comprehensive parasitology screening.
Our most comprehensive digestive stool test includes all components within the General and Essential Digestive Analysis tests plus a 3-day parasitology test. This increases the probability of identifying parasites as they may not be present in every bowel motion as well as testing for antimicrobial sensitivities (if bacterial organisms are detected).