Gut bacteria testing

[infomaniac]

Just wondering if anyone has had this done? It's very expensive but I'd gladly pay it if it would help!

[researcherUK]

I have done a 24 hrs urine test specific for intestinal dysbiosis. It highlights the types of bacterial overgrowth and whether candida is present.

[infomaniac in reply to researcherUK]

Did you get that privately? And did it help?

[researcherUK in reply to infomaniac]

All tests were privately done, had 6 of them, and as ordered by a functional medicine doctor. Did it help? it helped, according to the tests to identify that I have dysbiosis.

Doing the test can only highlight a problem but you need a treatment.

Whether the treatment was efficient? I took 3 rounds of antibiotics, that is the maximum you can have and then followed by 2 courses of high levels of berberine. Bacteria continued to show after each test.

In my views and now that I know what I know, every person who has a low thyroid and is consuming gluten will have a degree of dysbiosis.

I took a decision to give up gluten and sugars, took control of my own health, and now that I am optimally medicated, I feel much better.

[infomaniac in reply to researcherUK]

I went GF pretty soon after being diagnosed in 2011 and am very strict with my diet. I have taken probiotics, done the AIP diet, taken various supplements but I feel I still have a long way to go

[researcherUK in reply to infomaniac]

It is a long way but we'll get there in the end. Low stomach acid and slow intestinal motility, both a consequence of low thyroid, will allow the bacterial overgrowth. I would continue the strict diet, eliminate grains and sugars, very good quality probiotics, add a high dose of thiamine B1 up to 300 mg in divided doses, which will help increase the stomach acid, and most importantly optimise your thyroid hormones.

[infomaniac in reply to researcherUK]

I didn't know that about B1-thanks for that. It'll be a double whammy because it's supposed to keep mosquitoes away too Is it OK taking a high dose even if you are taking a good B complex?

[researcherUK in reply to infomaniac]

I take a b-complex that has 100mg of B1 and take 2 additional 100 mg on top of that. It has also helped with my energy levels. Izabella Wentz recommended 600 mg daily. I never reached this high dose or needed to do that.

[marigold22 in reply to researcherUK]

Can you please recommend very good quality probiotics.

[BeansMummy]

I’ve had gut bacteria testing, plus several other tests over time – I’ve done them through my private nutritionist, and it helped identify specific problems. Some of my tests have shown nothing at all, but then at least they have then ruled out certain issues. Yes, it has been expensive, but the end result is that it has enabled all my problems to be sorted out (something the NHS was happy to not bother with).

[Kipsy]

I too have had private tests- in particular the GI Total Effects one by Genova (ordered through a functional nutritionist) has been very helpful. It showed up numerous problems including a parasite known to cause autoimmune disease so the FN thought that could be my root cause. I'm currently on my second round of parasite cleansing (following Dr Hilda Clark's online protocol) with wormwood, black walnut and cloves to try to eliminate it. Feeling rubbish but I think that's the die off effect. If you suspect a parasite, have a look at her website as the above herbs will treat lots of different ones. Good luck.

[infomaniac in reply to Kipsy]

Wow-a parasite could cause autoimmune disease? I didn't know that. Hope what you're doing works for you. I did dabble with parasite cleansing some time ago and felt dreadful so you have all my sympathies!

[Kipsy in reply to infomaniac]

Good to know it must be working then! The fatigue is like nothing else.....😩😩😩

[Milady]

I've had the GI Effects by Genova too. It did show up a parasite which Isabella Wentz said it very common in those with Hashimoto's. I had to save up for it, and can't afford a retesting so just going through a protocol with Sacchromyces boulardii and oil of oregano which hoping it will get rid of it (while doing all the gut helpful things).

I liked that it ruled out a lot of things too, plus gave a very interesting insight into some of the levels of gut flora.

[infomaniac in reply to Milady]

Worth the money then. Are Genova in the USA?

[Milady in reply to infomaniac]

Yep. they are in the US too, but also here in the UK. Isabella Wentz recommended their GI Comprehensive (think it's called that in the US).