The keys of a healthy digestive tract include proper absorption, gastric acidity (pH balance), and intestinal microbial balance. For this reason, maldigestion, malabsorption, and abnormal gut flora ecology lie at the root of most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaints.

Low gastric acidity (also known as hypochlorhydria) is linked to symptoms of indigestion, bloating, belching, heartburn, and flatulence immediately after meals.1,2 Acid secretion decreases with age, and low stomach acidity is found in more than half of patients over age 60.3,4

Intestinal bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are well-established as offering intrinsic benefit and aiding digestion while helping to prevent overgrowth of abnormal intestinal flora. Imbalances can lead to GI tract disturbances, including overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast which can provoke irritable bowel syndrome. One study reported that chronic diarrhea and abdominal cramps may be caused by large numbers of dead or damaged yeast, as found in feces.5 Other research indicates Candida as a cause of inflammation of the colon (colitis) in patients with various chronic disorders.6-8

Genova Diagnostics' Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis evaluates digestion and absorption, bacterial balance and metabolism, yeast and immune status, allowing the physican to identify and treat the root cause of many gastrointestinal complaints.

References:
1 Lipski E. Digestive wellness. New Canaan (CT): Keats, 1996:200-03.
2 Rappaport EM. Achlorhydria: associated symptoms and response to hydrochloric acid. New Engl J Med 1955;25.
3 Vellas B, Balas D, Albarde JL. Effects of aging process of digestive functions. Comprehensive Therapy 1991;17(8):46-52.
4 Rafsky HA, Weingarten M. The study of the gastric secretory response in the aged. Gastroenterol 1947; (May):348-52.
5 Caselli M, Trevisani L, Bighi S, Aleotti A, Balboni PG, Gaiani R, et. al Dead fecal yeasts and chronic diarrhea. Digestion 1988;41:142-148.
6 Eras P, Goldstein MJ, Sherlock P. Candida infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Medicine 1972;51:367-79.
7 Stylianos S, Orde Ka, Benvensity AL, Hardy MA. Lower gastrointestinal hemmorrhage in renal transplant recipients. Arch Surg 1988;123:739-44.
8 Jayagopal S, Cervia JS. Colitis due to candida albicans in a patient with AIDS. Clin Inf Dis 1992;15(3):55.

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

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Call our office for details. 800-956-7083 OR 818-707-3126.