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Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are among the most common reasons that patients seek medical care. Symptoms associated with GI disorders include persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and malabsorption. The Comprehensive Stool may be used to assess digestive and absorptive functions, the presence of opportunistic pathogens and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic remediation of GI disorders.
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) is an invaluable non-invasive diagnostic assessment that permits practitioners to objectively evaluate the status of beneficial and imbalanced commensal bacteria including Clostridium species, pathogenic bacteria, yeast/fungus. Precise identification of pathogenic species and susceptibility testing greatly facilitates selection of the most appropriate pharmaceutical or natural remedies.
Important information regarding the efficiency of digestion and absorption
can be gleaned from the measurement of the fecal levels of elastase
(pancreatic exocrine sufficiency), muscle and vegetable fibers,
carbohydrates, and steatocrit (% total fat).
Inflammation can significantly increase intestinal permeability and
compromise assimilation of nutrients. The extent of inflammation, whether
caused by pathogens or IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome), can be assessed and
monitored by examination of the levels of biomarkers such as lysozyme,
lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucus. These markers can be used to
differentiate between inflammation associated with potentially life
threatening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which requires life long
treatment, and less severe inflammation that can be associated with
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is most commonly due to the presence of
enteroinvasive pathogens. Lactoferrin is only markedly elevated prior to and
during the active phases of IBD, but not with IBS. Monitoring fecal
lactoferrin levels in patients with IBD can therefore facilitate timely
treatment of IBD, and the test can be ordered separately. Since the vast
majority of secretory IgA (sIgA) is normally present in the GI tract where
it prevents binding of pathogens and antigens to the mucosal membrane, it is
essential to know the status of sIgA in the gut. sIgA is the only bona fide
marker of humoral immune status in the GI tract.
Cornerstones of good health include proper digestion of food, assimilation
of nutrients, exclusion of pathogens and timely elimination of waste. To
obtain benefits from food that is consumed, nutrients must be appropriately
digested and then efficiently absorbed into portal circulation. Microbes,
larger sized particles of fiber, and undigested foodstuffs should remain
within the intestinal lumen. Poor digestion and malabsorption of vital
nutrients can contribute to degenerative diseases, compromised immune
status, and nutritional deficiencies. Impairment of the highly specific
nutrient uptake processes, or compromised GI barrier function (as in "leaky
gut syndrome") can result from a number of causes including: low gastric
acid production, chronic maldigestion, food allergen impact on bowel
absorptive surfaces, bacterial overgrowth or imbalances (dysbiotic);
pathogenic bacteria, yeast and related toxic irritants, and the use of
NSAID’s and antibiotics. Impairment of intestinal functions can contribute
to the development of food allergies, systemic illnesses, autoimmune
disease, and toxic overload from substances that are usually kept in the
confines of the bowel for elimination. Efficient remediation of GI
dysfunctions incorporates a comprehensive guided approach that should
include consideration of elimination of pathogens and exposure to irritants,
supplementation of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and pre- and
probiotics, and repair of the mucosal barrier.
see sample
report
If you have further questions after receiving your report, a phone consult with Dr. Psonak is available for an additional fee.
The CSA does not include analysis for parasites; for assessment of the
presence for parasites, one should request the
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
with Parasitology
