Gut health is essential for whole-body wellness. The gut microbiome influences digestion, immunity, metabolism, skin and even brain health. When your gut is balanced, you often feel vibrant; when it's off, symptoms like bloating, gas, fatigue, joint pain or IBS flare-ups can occur. These signs of gut imbalance (IBS, chronic tiredness, food sensitivities, skin issues, mood changes, etc.) may hint at underlying dysbiosis or inflammation.
To identify the root causes of your digestive or systemic symptoms, we use comprehensive stool testing to map your gut's ecosystem and function. At Integrative Wellness Centers, we recommend the GI-MAP test from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory as the most advanced and accurate option available. Read more about Lifestyle Medicine: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters
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The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a cutting-edge stool test that uses DNA technology to provide a detailed picture of your gut microbiome and digestive health. Unlike older testing methods that rely on culture or microscopy, GI-MAP uses qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) technology to detect the DNA of microorganisms, making it far more sensitive and precise.
From a single stool sample collected at home, the GI-MAP provides comprehensive information about:
The GI-MAP offers several advantages that make it the gold standard in functional gut testing:
GI-MAP testing is ideal for:
* Chronic digestive issues like IBS, IBD, SIBO, or unexplained diarrhea/constipation
* Identifying specific pathogens or infections causing symptoms
* Unexplained fatigue or systemic inflammation
* Food sensitivities or suspected leaky gut
* Autoimmune conditions linked to gut health
* Skin conditions like eczema, acne, or rosacea
* Mood disorders with potential gut-brain connection (anxiety, depression, brain fog)
* Hormonal imbalances that may be gut-related
* Tracking progress after gut-healing protocols or antimicrobial treatments
* Anyone seeking a comprehensive, root-cause approach to gut health
The detailed information from GI-MAP testing allows your functional medicine practitioner to create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your results, this might include:
* Targeted antimicrobial protocols to address specific pathogens (herbs, prescriptions, or both)
* Probiotic and prebiotic recommendations tailored to your unique microbiome needs
* Digestive enzyme support if pancreatic elastase is low
* Anti-inflammatory interventions if calprotectin or other markers are elevated
* Gut-healing nutrients to repair intestinal permeability (like L-glutamine, zinc, or collagen)
* Dietary modifications based on your gut profile (elimination diets, low-FODMAP, etc.)
* Lifestyle changes to support long-term gut health (stress management, sleep optimization)
* Retesting after 3-6 months to track progress and adjust protocols
The GI-MAP test provides the precise, quantitative data needed to stop guessing and start healing your gut with targeted, evidence-based interventions.
Ready to Uncover What's Happening in Your Gut? Schedule a consultation at Integrative Wellness Centers to discuss whether GI-MAP testing is right for you and begin your journey toward optimal gut health.
1. Easy at-home collection
You’ll receive a simple kit to collect a small stool sample using the tools provided. No fasting is needed, but you may need to pause antibiotics or probiotics before testing for best results.
2. Send to the lab
Use the prepaid mailer to ship your sample. GI-MAP results arrive in about 10-14 days.
3. Lab analysis
Your sample is tested using advanced methods to check bacteria, yeast, parasites, inflammation, and digestion markers like calprotectin and elastase.
4. Results and review
Your provider reviews a detailed report showing your gut balance and function. You’ll get clear guidance on next steps, such as diet, supplements, or probiotics.
5. Personalized plan
At Integrative Wellness Centers, we create a custom gut-healing plan based on your results to help restore balance and long-term wellness.
If you’re searching for Gut Health Testing in Michigan, Integrative Wellness Centers offers trusted Functional and Naturopathic Medicine care. Our practitioners specialize in interpreting GI-MAP results to uncover the root causes of digestive, immune, and hormonal imbalances. We serve patients both in-person and virtual consultation across Michigan, providing convenient access to expert gut health analysis.
From lab testing to personalized treatment with diet, probiotics, and natural detox support, we help you restore gut balance naturally. Schedule your consultation to begin your gut health journey today.
At Integrative Wellness Centers, we use your gut health test results to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms, not just to mask them. Our team reviews your microbiome, digestion, and inflammation markers to design a personalized, data-driven plan that supports true healing.
Your treatment may include targeted nutrition, specialized supplements, and lifestyle guidance to restore balance in your gut and body. We focus on long-term wellness by improving digestion, calming inflammation, and supporting the immune system. This root-cause approach helps patients experience lasting relief from fatigue, IBS, and other chronic symptoms.
Ready to get to the root of your digestive issues? Book your appointment at Integrative Wellness Centers today and start your personalized healing journey in Michigan.
1. How is this different from a regular stool test?
A regular stool test looks for infection or blood. A Comprehensive Gut Health Test examines your full gut ecosystem — bacteria, yeast, parasites, inflammation, and digestion — to uncover the root cause of symptoms.
2. Do I need to fast or stop supplements?
No fasting is needed, but you may need to pause antibiotics or antifungals for 2–4 weeks, and stop probiotics or enzymes a few days before testing. Always follow your kit’s specific instructions.
3. Can this test help with IBS or leaky gut?
Yes. It can detect imbalances, infections, and markers like zonulin that reveal gut permeability (“leaky gut”). The results guide a personalized plan to restore gut balance.
4. How long until I get results?
Turnaround time is usually 7–10 days for GI-MAP. Your provider will review the findings and create your next-step plan.
5. Are these tests covered by insurance?
Usually not. Functional stool tests are considered specialty testing, so most patients pay out-of-pocket or use HSA/FSA funds.
6. How accurate are DNA-based stool tests?
Very accurate. Modern qPCR DNA testing detects even tiny traces of microbes, offering far more reliable results than standard culture-based tests.
7. What happens after I get my results?
Your practitioner explains the findings and designs a custom plan — including diet, probiotics, and supplements — to help you heal from the root.
No more guessing, no more dead ends, no more endless referrals.
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