Stool Test
Introduction
The ability to digest and absorb nutrients from your food effectively is one of the cornerstones of good health. That is why the functioning of the gut is so very important.
A healthy gut not only makes it possible to extract all the goodness from your food, but also rids your body of waste and harmful substances. In contrast, poor gut function can contribute to symptoms associated with a number of digestive disorders.
The micro-organisms in your gut, such as bacteria, yeast and moulds, and parasites make up a unique ecological environment. The Stool Test checks the status of your gut health by providing an ecological profile of the micro-organisms present in the gut. The results of the test can give information and guidance on changing your lifestyle to improve your digestive health.
Your diet, what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat, is also key when considering your gut health. The complex ecological profile of bacteria, yeasts and moulds in your stool sample is unique to you as an individual. The Stool Test will provide you with information on the condition of your gut and personalised support and advice.
You should not take the Stool Test if you are suffering with a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis or HIV, or are pregnant. The test is also unsuitable for children under the age of two years old.
Should I consider a Stool test?
These are some of the classic signs that point to an unhealthy gut and ineffective digestion.
- A full or bloated feeling in your stomach, especially after eating
- Regular occurrences of wind
- Loose stools (diarrhoea) or constipation
- Avoiding eating certain foods because they make you feel uncomfortable
- Abdominal cramps or pains
- On-going chronic infections or chronic fatigue
- A feeling that your bowels have not been 'right' since suffering a bout of food poisoning; for example do you still suffer from diarrhoea?
You might also consider this test if you have ever taken an antibiotic for more than one month at a time, or have taken oral contraceptives, HRT or steroids for extended periods.
A full list of the symptoms that could possibly indicate problems with your gut can be found in the further information.
What does the test involve?
Our Stool Test requires you to collect a stool sample. This can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, without the need to go to a clinic or visit a specialist.
When you place an order, a test kit is sent to you in the post, which contains everything you need to collect your stool sample. Once you have collected your sample, you simply post it back to our laboratories for analysis.
Your results will usually be sent to you within 10-12 working days, and will be presented in a clear, understandable format. You’ll also receive a pack filled with additional information about what actions you could take next. You also receive a free telephone consultation with a qualified nutritionist, who can help you further understand your results and what you need to do next.
If you would like a full description of the test procedure, please click here to read what you will need to do.
Further Information
Your gut is divided into the small and large intestines, all stretched out, it is as long as a bus. Flatten out the millions of finger-like projections that line its insides and it would easily cover a tennis court! Your intestines contain many different bacteria and the nature of these bacteria varies widely. Some bacteria are beneficial and some can be harmful. Usually we think of bacteria as the ‘bad guys’ that make us ill, but in fact we need them to work with us, in our body, to help absorb nutrients and seal out those components which are most likely to cause harm.
The ‘good’ bacteria in the gut aid the process of digestion and help produce certain vitamins to supplement those which are obtained from food. In addition, ‘good’ bacteria help digest dietary fibre and breakdown dietary toxins into less harmful substances. They also ‘block out’ dangerous bacteria to decrease the risk of food poisoning. Harmful bacteria may slow these processes and contribute to poor digestion and the inability to absorb all the nutrients that the body needs.
Yeasts and moulds
Yeasts and mould colonies or ‘communities’ also exist naturally within our gut. Frequent or prolonged use of antibiotics, steroids or hormones, a weak immune system, stress, or too much sugar in our diet can knock out the good bacterial colonies, removing the natural halt on yeast growth. Yeast overgrowth can provoke symptoms including recurrent vaginal thrush, cystitis like symptoms, and much more.
Parasites
Parasites are organisms that live within the intestinal tract, growing and feeding from the nutrients you put into your body. Parasites are much more common in the UK than many people realise, and are transmitted by insects, pets, uncooked meat, water, and in some cases person to person. The Stool Test will look for and identify any and all parasites. An example of a parasite is Entamoeba Histolytica which is transmitted through unsanitary conditions, pets and human contact. It is prevalent throughout the world and can cause symptoms that mimic ulcerative colitis while others may have milder, but no less disruptive, symptoms of diarrhoea, colicky abdominal pain and nausea.
As each micro-organism present has different properties, and the balance between the different micro-organisms is complex, an accurate picture of your gut health status is required before decisions about changes to your dietary regimen and / or the taking of specific supplements is made.
What symptoms are associated with digestive problems?
There are many symptoms that may cause you to investigate gut health. The list below covers just a few of these:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Chronic fatigue
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Flatulence
- Anal itching or soreness
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Headaches and migraines
- Frequent urination
- Pain and/or burning on urination
- Sugar and/or carbohydrate cravings
- Nausea
- Body odour
- Bad breath or halitosis
- Poor memory
- Depression
If any of the following make up part of your medical history then you may want to consider The Stool Test.
- Regular use of antibiotics
- High dose use of antibiotics
- Use of birth control
- High or regular alcohol use
- Cigarette use
- Steroid medication use
- Ill health following travelling (including locations in the UK)
- Sensitive to smells
- Stress
- Diet high in sugar or refined carbohydrates
Test FAQ
What causes gut problems?
Overall there are numerous factors that may influence the ecology of the gut, these include:
What does the Stool Test look for?
The results provided to you will include information about the following:
Please note:
The Stool Test does not test for cancer, ulcers or specific food allergies or food intolerances. If you have any concerns about your symptoms you should contact your GP or Healthcare Practitioner. If you require information about testing for food intolerance then please look at our Food Intolerance test.
Does my doctor need to know?
We strongly recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare practitioner with your test results. The advice we give is not intended to replace any recommendations offered by your doctor, since they will have the full details of your medical history.
How long will it take to receive my results?
Once we receive your blood sample, we will return your results to you within 10-12 working days. Additionally, we’ll offer you a half-hour telephone consultation with a qualified nutritionist to discuss your results and how best to proceed
What will my test results look like?
Your results will be clearly laid out and easy to understand – to see a sample of how results for this test are presented, click here.
What does the test kit include?
The contents of the test kit will be sent in a strong, secure box. This box will contain:
What are you expecting me to provide you with?
You’ll need to use the items in the kit to collect a sample of your stool, as instructed. This will go into the stool collection tube, which is then put into the container tube. Complete the form with your details and send that, together with the box containing your sample, back to us in the reply-paid envelope.
How do I complete the test kit?
Full, illustrated instructions are enclosed with your test kit. To see what those instructions look like, click here.
What can I eat or drink before the test?
Before you conduct the test: you will need to stop taking all oral and systemic (injected) anti-fungals for at least one week. If you have any concerns about doing this, please consult your GP or Healthcare practitioner.
You also need to ensure that you do not eat any foods that are, or are made using fungi, such as mushrooms or blue cheeses (stilton, camembert etc) the day before you take your sample.
Is it safe to post back my sample?
The box containing your kit, and in which you will return your sample, is very strong – the laboratory have never had any problems in all their years of operating. Follow the instructions for returning your sample, and it will be completely safe.
How do I post back my sample?
Just pop the box containing your sample, plus your completed form, into the reply-paid envelope, and post it as normal.
If I am taking medication or nutritional supplements can I still do the test?
If you are taking steroids, immunosuppressants or are pregnant or breast feeding you cannot take any of our tests.
Does the laboratory provide everything needed to do the test?
Yes it does. Everything you need is included in the kit, complete with full instructions. If you have any problems with the contents of the kit, or with understanding the procedure, simply call the Customer Care Line number, which is clearly printed on the instructions.
How quickly do I have to return my stool sample?
Your sample must be returned within two days of taking it.
Where do you conduct the analysis?
YorkTest operates a state of the art laboratory which utilises the very latest biotechnology testing facilities.
What do you do with my sample after it has been used?
All samples are destroyed after testing.
