Functional testing for gut health is an important step in identifying the root cause of your gut health. Here is a list of recommended tests for food intolerances, food allergies, dysbiosis, SIBO, or in general gut health problems. I have spent many years and tens of thousands of dollars with western medical doctors who would tell me that nothing was wrong with my children. At one point they even suspected me as having mental problems! It wasn’t until I turned towards functional medicine that I finally started getting answers. I fought very hard with whatever was within our control. I started reading and researching papers, medical journals, and books. You can read my story here. Although in the western medical world many of the gut diseases are “unrecognized”, integrative or functional medicine has come a long way in this area and offers a range of tests. I have compiled a list of the most important tests I discovered through our own experience, research, and my interaction with functional practitioners from countries such as the US, Australia, Singapore, and the UK.
Allergy Testing
Blood IgE Test
It is always a good option to rule out if you or your child have any allergies. It is sometimes hard to distinguish between symptoms of histamine intolerance and an allergy as they could be very similar. With the number of allergies on the rise, it is good to know your allergies so that you have a proper management plan in childcare and school. Eggs, walnuts, tree nuts, and milk are the most common allergies among children. You can read more about what allergy tests I recommend:
IgE Food Allergy – Basic (USA Only – Excl. NY)
IgE Food Allergy – Basic (New York Only)
IgE Food Allergy – Basic (Canada)
IgE Food Allergy – Basic (Other Regions – International)
Food Intolerance/Sensitivity Testing
MRT Food Sensitivity Test
It gets even more challenging trying to diagnose food intolerances as the symptoms are not immediate. At a certain stage my son’s Calprotectin count (which is an inflammatory marker) had skyrocketed and he was basically reacting to everything that he ate. When I was struggling without any solution in sight, it was my functional practitioner who suggested that I should do the MRT food sensitivity tests for both my son and daughter. The test was able to identify the foods that he was reacting to and the ones he could take. We immediately put him on the right dietary regimen and we could see results within 2 weeks.
MRT Food Sensitivity 85 (USA Only)
MRT Food Sensitivity 170 (USA Only) **Popular**
MRT Food Sensitivity 170 (Canada)
MRT Food Sensitivity 170 (Europe)
Gastro-Intestinal Testing
Complete Digestive Stool Analysis
This is probably my most favorite test of all. It is a stool test offering a comprehensive analysis of the overall gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It evaluates (a) digestion/absorption markers, (b) gut metabolic markers, and (c) gut microbiology markers and provides insights into the following:
- Maldigestion
- Malabsorption
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Altered GI immune function
- Bacterial/fungal overgrowth
- Chronic dysbiosis
This test is for anyone who suspects a gut issue but do not know where to start the diagnosis process. When my son was extremely unwell, this was one of the two tests that our functional practitioner suggested on our first visit to her. The other being the MRT Food Sensitivity Test.
This test provides actionable clinical information for those who suspect gut issues. In my son’s situation, it provides the following actionable information:
- High Calprotectin – indicating an inflammation in the gut
- Low digestion markers (Putrefactive SCFAs) – indicating low levels of Pancreatic enzymes
- Overgrowth of Klebsiella and low Bifidobacterium – indicating dysbiosis/gut flora imbalance
- Low bile acid
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (USA and Canada Only – Excl. NY)
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (New York Only)
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (Europe)
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (Other Regions – International)
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) Test
If you have food intolerances, SIBO, or dysbiosis, you are prone to leaky gut. Click here for more details. This is a non-invasive test that measures small intestinal absorption and barrier function in the bowel. Malabsorption and increased intestinal permeability (also known as leaky gut) can be associated with chronic gastrointestinal imbalances. A positive test result will require removing the harmful foods (found using the MRT Food Intolerance Test) and replacing those that are non-inflammatory, sealing the gut with supplements such as L-Glutamine and probiotics. It is also helpful to take enzyme supplements to take the load off the gut/immune system.
My son tested positive for leaky gut, and he showed great results after he started taking L-Glutamine, probiotics and enzyme supplements.
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) (USA and Canada Only Excl. NY)
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) (New York Only)
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) (Other Regions – International)
Organic Acid Test (OAT)
This is a very important test, arguably the most comprehensive test that provides insights into one’s metabolic processes and efficiency of metabolic functions. Organic acids are metabolic intermediates produced by the pathways of detoxification, neurotransmitter breakdown, and intestinal microbial activity.
Accumulation of specific organic acids in urine often indicates a metabolic block or inhibition. This abnormality may be due to a nutrient deficiency, an inherited enzyme deficit, toxic build-up, or drug effect. An organic acid urine test helps reveal activity and changes at the metabolic level, helping you discover hidden issues and pinpoint where the therapeutic focus is needed.
For me, this was the test that helped to identify the methylation/detoxification pathways that were blocked, the toxins that were building up in the system, which lead to finding the root causes and proper healing of my kid’s food intolerances. This also helped us make a proper diagnosis that my daughter was salicylate sensitive and had dysbiosis/SIBO.
Organic Acid Test Advanced (USA and Canada Only Excl. NY)
Organic Acid Test Advanced (New York Only)
Organic Acid Test Advanced (Other Regions – International)
Toxicity Testing
Mycotoxin Mold Exposure Test
Exposure to mold toxicity can lead to long term health issues and is one of the main causes of gut issues (mainly food intolerances). Mold releases a type of toxins (mycotoxins) that we breathe in. The body eliminates them through urine, which is tested through the Mycotox test. It tests for 11 different mycotoxins from 40 species of mold. A sophisticated method – Mass Spectrometry is used for detection, which can detect even low levels of mycotoxins. This makes it useful when doing followup testing to ensure successful treatment.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or certified health care worker who can provide personalised advice.