‘…..a highly accurate and clinically informative functional pathology test, which provides an overview of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora’.

The long-standing focus of natural therapists with gut health, bowel function and nature of faeces has been given an important technical boost with the advent of access to functional pathology testing.  The Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is a highly accurate and clinically informative functional pathology test, which provides an overview of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora.  Some of the specific areas this comprehensive test provides information about include:

• The macroscopic and microscopic appearance – The colour, form, consistency and digestive markers of faeces may provide an important insight into various conditions.  For example, an unformed stool may indicate maldigestion, malabsorption, inflammation or infection. Elevated food remnants or food fibres may reflect inadequate digestion.
• Biochemistry – in particular, altered pH, which is an important marker reflecting underlying problems including maldigestion, malabsorption, abnormal transit time, unhealthy diet and, most importantly, dysbiosis.  Altered pH has a dramatic effect on the function of the entire gut including cell damage, enzyme inactivation and decreased bile acid,
• Gut ecology – The gut contains 100 – 650 trillion organisms. Dysbiosis is a state of imbalance of intestinal microbial flora, which is implicated in many diseases and chronic health conditions. The main patterns of dysbiosis can be categorised as putrefaction, fermentation, deficiency and sensitisation, each with their own clinical implications and treatment requirements. The CDSA test can identify accurately the specifics of the gut and bowel microclimate and ensure that treatment approaches are targeted and effective.

Utilising modern diagnostic tools like functional pathology testing can provide valuable, highly accurate information to support efficient and effective overall health support and symptom management .  For more information about the tests available, cost etc, please feel free to contact Judith Magee