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The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology x1, 2, or 3 is an
invaluable non-invasive diagnostic assessment that permits practitioners to
objectively evaluate the status of beneficial and imbalanced commensal bacteria,
pathogenic bacteria, yeast/fungus and parasites. Precise identification of
pathogenic species and susceptibility testing greatly facilitates selection of
the most appropriate pharmaceutical or natural treatment agent(s).
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, irritable bowel syndrome and
malabsorption. The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology x1, 2, or 3
(CSAP1, 2, 3) 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.
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 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 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 the presence of enteroinvasive pathogens.
Lactoferrin is only markedly elevated prior to and during the active phases of
Irritated Bowel Disorder (IBD) but not with IBS. Monitoring fecal lactoferrin
levels in patients with IBD can therefore facilitate timely treatment of IBD,
and the doctors at CCNM may need that test
done 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.
KEEPING THE GI TRACT HEALTHY IS PARAMOUNT TO OPTIMUM HEALTH
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
(dysbiosis); pathogenic bacteria, yeast or parasites 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.
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