why I run a GI-MAP stool analysis on all my clients with acne

As many of us know, acne is often more than just a skin-deep issue. While topical treatments and medications may offer short-term relief, they don’t address the root causes of acne, which often lie in the gut. That’s why I now run a GI-MAP stool analysis on every client struggling with chronic acne. This test helps uncover the hidden imbalances and infections in the gut that may be driving skin issues, allowing us to create a targeted plan for long-term healing.

Not only that, but hormonal imbalances often have their roots in the gut, as the gut is not only responsible for nutrient absorption but also plays a key role in detoxification and hormone regulation. When the gut is imbalanced due to issues like dysbiosis, leaky gut, or chronic inflammation, it can disrupt the body’s ability to detoxify properly. This creates a backlog in what is known as the drainage funnel—a system that starts with the colon and flows through the liver and lymphatic system. The liver is a major detox organ that processes excess hormones, like estrogen, but when it's overwhelmed by toxins or inflammation from the gut, hormones can build up, leading to imbalances. These imbalances often show up as skin issues, like acne, because the body’s natural detox pathways are congested, and the lymphatic system, which helps remove waste and toxins, also becomes sluggish.

This is why if your hormones are off…we need to address WHY they are off and again, a big part of that imbalance stems from the gut!

What is the GI-MAP Stool Analysis?

The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a comprehensive stool test that uses advanced DNA technology to analyze the microbiome. This test provides detailed insights into the bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your gut, as well as markers for inflammation, digestion, and immune function.

Unlike traditional stool tests, which only look for a handful of gut pathogens, the GI-MAP is much more precise and sensitive. It gives us a complete picture of what’s happening in your gut so we can identify specific imbalances or infections to see what may be contributing to your skin flare-ups!

What the GI-MAP Includes:

The GI-MAP screens for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that may be causing inflammation or disrupting your gut health. Certain bacteria, such as H. pylori, can impact digestion and nutrient absorption, which in turn may influence acne. The presence of parasites like Giardia or Blastocystis hominis can also trigger systemic inflammation, further exacerbating skin issues.

This test also looks at the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut flora is crucial for preventing acne because imbalances, such as an overgrowth of Candida or pathogenic bacteria, can lead to gut permeability (leaky gut). A leaky gut allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation that shows up on the skin as acne.

The GI-MAP measures inflammation levels in the gut with markers like Calprotectin. Chronic gut inflammation can affect the skin and cause acne flare-ups. By identifying high levels of inflammation, we can take steps to soothe the gut and support skin health.

The test also assesses Secretory IgA (sIgA), which is the immune system’s first line of defense in the gut. Low sIgA can indicate a weakened immune response, which might allow harmful bacteria to overgrow, contributing to acne. On the other hand, elevated sIgA could signal chronic infections or immune activation, further driving skin inflammation.

The GI-MAP stool analysis includes a marker for anti-gliadin IgA, which helps identify potential sensitivities to gluten. Anti-gliadin IgA is an immune response to gliadin, a component of gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. Elevated levels of this marker suggest that your body is reacting negatively to gluten, which can contribute to inflammation in the gut.

Proper digestion and absorption of nutrients are also key to skin health. The GI-MAP assesses markers like Elastase (an enzyme that breaks down proteins), and Steatocrit (which measures fat digestion), to evaluate how well the digestive system is functioning. Poor digestion can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients that are critical for clear skin, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

And many many more things!

Why the Gut-Skin Connection Matters

The gut and skin are closely linked through what’s called the gut-skin axis. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which allows inflammatory substances and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This triggers systemic inflammation that can manifest as acne or other skin conditions.

Anddd improving your gut health isn’t as simple as popping a probiotic or mixing up a greens powder smoothie - as much as social media makes you think so. The truth is, gut health is way more complex, and everyone’s gut issues are different. Whether it’s an overgrowth of bacteria, hidden infections, or digestion that’s not quite right, we need to really see what’s going on under the hood. That’s why I use tools like the GI-MAP stool analysis to get the full picture. This way, we can pinpoint exactly what needs to be addressed and come up with a personalized plan that does more than just slap a band-aid on the problem—it helps heal the gut for real. So if you haven't already..it may be time to look deeper and address your gut health!!

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.