COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 255
often include multi-day sampling, molecular analysis, and broader
microbiome assessment. In addition to identifying parasites
directly, they may reveal indirect signs such as elevated
eosinophils, secretory IgA imbalances, or increased inflammatory
markers4making them especially useful in cases of unresolved GI
or unexplained systemic symptoms.
Common tests include:
● GI Effects (Genova Diagnostics) 3 A 3-day test that screens
for over 30 parasites while also assessing five key areas of GI
health: maldigestion, inflammation, dysbiosis, metabolic
imbalance, and infection.
● GI-MAP 3 A PCR-based test that detects parasites and other
pathogens, with the added benefit of quantifying microbial
load4helpful for monitoring treatment progress.
● Parasitology 3-Day (Doctor’s Data) 3 A focused test for
detecting common parasites through microscopic analysis
over three consecutive samples, though it doesn’t include
broader gut health metrics.
This lecture, led by Julie Ann Davey, ANP-C, explores the
widespread but often overlooked impact of parasitic infections. It
covers how they're contracted, common symptoms, testing
strategies, and root-cause treatment approaches.
Helicobacter pylori - H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial infection that can
silently persist for years and is linked to chronic gastritis, ulcers, and
gastric cancer. In functional medicine, it's also recognized as a
potential contributor to systemic inflammation, nutrient
deficiencies (like B12 and iron), and upper GI symptoms such as
bloating, reflux, or indigestion4even when conventional testing is
inconclusive.
255
