Types of Gut Health Tests

There are multiple types of gut health tests available.

Here are some of the most common wrong ones and then the right ones:

Not Recommended Gut Test:

1. IgG4 Tests: These tests measure IgG4 antibodies to foods, but they reflect a normal immune response, not intolerance. Their reliability is poor because IgG4 antibodies do not necessarily indicate a problem with food sensitivity.
2. ALCAT Test: This leukocyte activation test measures cellular responses to foods, but studies question its accuracy for diagnosing food intolerances due to variable reproducibility.
3. Muscle Testing (Applied Kinesiology): This method tests muscle strength while exposed to substances, but it lacks scientific evidence, making its reliability questionable.
4. Pulse Test: Claims to detect sensitivities based on changes in pulse rate after eating certain foods, but it’s considered pseudoscientific due to a lack of controlled studies.
5. Cytotoxicity Test: This test observes changes in white blood cells when exposed to food substances. It’s considered unreliable as it lacks scientific validation and can produce inconsistent results.
6. MORA Bio-resonance: A holistic therapy based on detecting energy imbalances, but there’s no solid evidence to support its effectiveness in diagnosing or treating conditions.
7. Vega Testing: An electrodermal test measuring skin resistance to detect intolerances, but its scientific foundation is weak, and results vary widely.
8. Bioscreening: Like bio-resonance, this test claims to detect imbalances via frequency measurements. It’s controversial, with little scientific backing.
9. Dria Test: Measures skin reactivity to allergens, but the technique is not widely accepted as a reliable diagnostic method.
10. Biostrength Test: Another term often related to bio-resonance testing, which lacks scientific validity.
11. Hair Follicle Test: Analyzes hair samples to identify intolerances, but experts question its reliability and validity.
12. Auricular-Cardiac Reflex: Involves observing pulse changes after ear stimulation. Like the pulse test, it is not widely accepted due to lack of evidence.
13. Electro-acupuncture: Similar to Vega testing, it uses electrical signals to diagnose intolerances but is largely unproven.
14. Iridology: Examines the iris to detect health issues, yet scientific studies dismiss its claims as unreliable.

Who knew there were so many of these types of inaccurate gut tests.

The following are the recommended, Best Gut Tests available.

Stool Tests

Stool tests are probably the most common type of gut health test. They involve collecting a small sample of your poo and sending it to a lab for analysis. These tests can reveal a lot about your gut health, including:

• Whether you have any harmful parasites or bacteria (O&P)
• If there’s any inflammation in your gut (faecal calprotectin)
• Cancer (Qfit)

Stool tests are usually painless and can be done at home, which makes them a good starting point for many people. Using the GP service is the correct way to do this. The other options are not accurate especially if you are considering checking the types and amounts of bacteria in your gut. These microbiome test vary greatly and so does your gut microbiota.

Breath Tests

Breath tests are used to diagnose certain gut conditions. They work by measuring the gases in your breath after you drink a special solution. Again using the NHS service is recommended for gold standard results.

These tests can help diagnose:

• Lactose intolerance
• Fructose malabsorption
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Breath tests are also non-invasive and can usually be done at a doctor’s office or clinic.

Blood Tests

While blood tests don’t directly look at your gut, they can provide important information about your overall health and how well your gut is working.

Blood tests can check for:

• Nutrient deficiencies, which might indicate poor absorption in the gut
• Signs of inflammation
• Coeliac disease
• Food allergies or intolerances

Hydrogen Breath Test

This is a specific type of breath test used to diagnose lactose intolerance and other conditions. You drink a solution containing lactose, and then your breath is tested for hydrogen. If your body can’t digest lactose properly, it will produce more hydrogen, which shows up in your breath.

Gut Permeability Tests

These tests, sometimes called “leaky gut” tests, check how well your intestines are working as a barrier. They involve drinking a solution with two types of sugar and then testing your urine to see how much of each sugar passes through your gut.

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

These are more invasive tests that involve putting a camera inside your digestive system. They’re usually only done if other tests haven’t found the cause of your symptoms. An endoscopy looks at your upper digestive tract, while a colonoscopy examines your large intestine.

When Should You Consider a Gut Health Test?

You might want to think about getting an accurate gut health test if you’re experiencing symptoms like:

• Frequent stomach pain or discomfort
• Bloating or gas
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Fatigue or low energy
• Skin problems like acne or eczema
• Frequent headaches
• Mood changes or anxiety

Remember, these symptoms can be caused by many things, not just gut problems. That’s why it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before getting any tests done.

The Role of a Dietitian in Gut Health Testing

As leading dietitians specialising in gut health, we at 121 Dietitian can provide valuable guidance prior and throughout the testing process.

Here’s how they can help:

1. Determining Which Tests You Need: Based on your symptoms and medical history, a dietitian can recommend which tests might be most helpful for you.
2. Interpreting Test Results: Gut health test results can be complex. A dietitian can help explain what your results mean and how they relate to your symptoms.
3. Creating a Treatment Plan: Once you have your test results, a dietitian can help you create a personalised plan to improve your gut health. This might include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, or further medical treatment.
4. Monitoring Progress: Your dietitian can help you track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
5. Providing Support: Dealing with gut health issues can be frustrating and overwhelming. A dietitian can provide emotional support and encouragement throughout your journey.

At 121 Dietitian we use evidence-based approaches to help you achieve optimal gut health. We understand that improving gut health is not just about running expensive tests, but about creating a holistic plan that works for your individual needs and lifestyle.

The best approach is to complete our pre-appointment questionnaire and food diary. These will be assessed for free, and then the best program will be recommended and if wished booked for you, so you can be confident in the direction you need to take.

What to Expect After Testing

After you’ve had your gut health tests and you may not need any, your dietitian will discuss the results with you.

They might recommend:

• Changes to your diet, like eating more fibre or avoiding certain foods
• Probiotics or other supplements to support your gut health
• Lifestyle changes, like managing stress or getting more sleep
• Further medical tests or treatments if necessary

Gut health tests can provide valuable insights into how your digestive system is working. While they’re not always necessary, they can be a helpful tool in understanding and improving your gut health. If you’re considering gut health testing, or if you’re struggling with digestive issues, consider reaching out to the experts at 121 Dietitian.

Our team of registered dietitians can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the testing process and develop a personalised plan for optimal gut health.

Remember, everyone’s gut is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another,  improving your gut health is often a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek support when you need it.

With the right approach and support, you can gain a better understanding of your gut health and take steps towards feeling your best.