In addition to digestion and selective absorption, the gut eliminates undigested food residues and toxins. Impairment of the selective absorptive capacity or of the barrier function of the gut (as in "leaky gut syndrome") can result from a number of suspected causes. Common associated causes include: low stomach acid; chronic maldigestion; food allergies; bacterial overgrowth or imbalances (dysbiosis); pathogenic bacteria, yeasts or parasites with related toxic irritants; and the use of antibiotics.

Research has linked the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract to the function of many other organs and systems within the body. The contents and complex reactions occurring within the gastrointestinal tract can impact on hepatic, neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, and other vital body organ functions. Treatment of such conditions may need to start with correction of gut imbalances, deficiencies or dysfunctions to be successful. Simply testing the surface symptoms, which an individual is experiencing, may not address the underlying causes and lead to poor outcome. 

Presenting illnesses or symptoms linked to gut imbalances

• Food allergies, food intolerance, halitosis
• Auto-immune illness, immunodeficiencies, increased allergenicity
• Symptoms of chronic infection, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia
• Skin conditions such as acne or eczema
• Attention difficulties, ADD, hyperactivity, impulsive, or aggressive behavior
• Learning difficulties, poor concentration, memory difficulties
• Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance
• Brain fog, confusion, behavioral changes
• Cardiovascular symptoms as palpitations, arrhythmia, hypertention
• Arthritis, joint pain, rheumatoid disease, osteoarthritis
• Asthma, hayfever allergies
• Menopause, PMS symptoms, menstrual problems
• Weight gain or loss, endocrine or neurological imbalances
• Fungal infections (Candidiasis)
• Poor regulation of diabetes, glucose intolerance, hypoglycaemia
• Cholesterol and triglyceride imbalances
• Cancer risk
• Anaemia, vitamin or mineral deficiencies

Comprehensive  Parasitiology

This profile reports all bacterial flora (beneficial, imbalanced and pathogenic) all yeast, and all intestinal parasites (worms, eggs, larva, and protozoa. This profile is commonly used to monitor treatment  for bacterial, yeast, or parasitic infections.