TLDR - There are many different tests to help you identify the root cause of your digestive issues. I would suggest skipping the majority of them unless you have extra finances or are really desperate for answers.
Food Sensitivity Testing
Food sensitivity testing identifies foods that may cause adverse reactions in your body, such as inflammation, digestive discomfort, or other symptoms. Unlike food allergies, which trigger an immediate immune response, food sensitivities can cause delayed reactions that are harder to pinpoint. I would not recommend this type of testing as your microbiome is constantly changing and the tests are often found to be inaccurate. Instead, I would suggest muscle testing, an elimination diet, and symptom journaling.
Stool Testing
Stool tests can help give a comprehensive look at the microbiome, helping to identify imbalances or dysbiosis. They can identify harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may be causing digestive issues. They can also measure levels of inflammation in the gut, which can indicate conditions like IBD. These are often expensive and don’t change your treatment plan too much. I would skip unless you really are looking for detailed answers.
H. Pylori Testing
This test detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, which can cause peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues. Testing methods include breath tests, stool tests, and blood tests. This may be helpful to test for if you have chronic GERD or other digestive issues that don’t seem to be resolving with the prior recommendations.
Candida Testing
This identifies overgrowth of Candida yeast in the body, which can lead to many different digestive issues. Tests can be done through stool samples, blood tests, or urine tests. A Candida overgrowth can cause symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog. A positive test can help fast tract you to a resolution through specific antifungal treatments and dietary changes to reduce Candida levels.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Breath Test
The SIBO breath test measures the presence of hydrogen, methane, and sulfur gases in the breath, produced by bacteria in the small intestine. A positive test confirms bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and may help identify specific herbal or antibiotic treatments to eliminate it. Note the underlying issue of SIBO is digestive motility, and this must be resolved before starting treatment.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A CMP is a blood test that measures various markers of liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, and blood glucose levels. These test results can provide insight if there are specific organ issues.