Product Information
The Gut Health Test, from YorkTest Laboratories, helps check the status of your gut health by providing an ecological profile of the microorganisms present in the gut, giving information and guidance on changing your lifestyle to improve digestive health. The ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food effectively is one of the cornerstones of good health. Poor gut function can contribute to symptoms often associated with digestive disorders, such as bloating, wind and abdominal cramps.
Key Benefits:
- Helps check the status of your gut and whether you are properly absorbing nutrients
- Quick and easy-to-use home test
- Can help relieve symptoms such as bloating, wind, loose stools or constipation and abdominal cramps
- Your laboratory-analysed results are presented as a detailed chart that can be handed to your GP
- You will receive a personalised plan for improvements based on your results.
- Also included is a gut health guidebook with general advice and support
- Customer care support to advise on any queries you may have before or after receiving your results
Find out if you have healthy digestion by taking our proven stool test. The Gut Health Test is a service that helps monitor the status of your gut health and provides detailed information to help optimise your digestive health. The Gut Health Test is a comprehensive gut profile which includes testing for many different bacteria strains, the presence of yeast and moulds, and also the presence of undigested carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
How does the Gut Health test work?
YorkTest have developed a Gut Health test based on a single stool sample. They test for different bacteria strains looking at both good and harmful bacteria. They look for yeast and moulds, undigested carbohydrates, fats, proteins and physical factors. The delicate balance between the micro-organisms in your gut is crucial to gut health, and the test will be able to define your unique profile, indicating what you can do to improve the health and function of your digestion.
Is the Gut Health Test for me?
If you have endured prolonged gastro-intestinal problems such as constipation, IBS and stomach cramps, you may consider taking the Gut Health test to gain an insight into how your lifestyle and eating habits can contribute to the symptoms you have been suffering.
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.
How is the test carried out?
YorkTest will supply you with all that you need to carry out the Allergy Test in the comfort of your own home. The test uses a simple finger-prick device and there is no need to go to a clinic or visit a doctor.
The test is very quick and easy to carry out your self - to see a copy of the test instructions, please click here.
FAQ
Q. When will I receive my results?
It will take 10-12 working days to send your results back to you by post, presented as a detailed chart. Also included will be:
- Your unique ‘Gut Health Index’ score that shows you how far you can still go in optimising your gut health, and help you monitor improvements
- A personalised plan based on the results of the test, compiled by a physician, with in-depth advice on diet and lifestyle changes that are specific to your particular Gut Health Index profile
- A Gut Health Guide brochure which includes general advice and support information
- A free telephone consultation with a qualified Nutritionist registered with the British Association of Nutritional Therapists
Q. What do the test results look like?
The results are easy to understand – they are clearly laid out and fully explained. You can see a sample of the results here.
Q. What is in the test kit?
The test kit is sent in a tough, secure box which contains:
- Fully illustrated and complete instructions
- A pair of latex gloves
- A paper stool collector
- A stool collection tube
- A container tube with absorbent pad
- A reply-paid envelope for you to return the sample in
Q. What am I going to have to send you?
You will use the kit to collect a number of samples from your stool, putting these into the collection tube. This is then placed inside the containment tube. Follow all the instructions closely, complete the customer details form and send everything back in the reply-paid envelope.
Q. How do I complete the test kit?
Full, illustrated instructions will be sent with the kit. If you’d like to see what the instructions look like, click here.
Q. How do I prepare for the test?
Before you conduct the test: you must 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.
Q. Is posting back my sample safe?
The box that contains your kit is very strong – in all the years that the laboratory have operated they have never had any problems with tests being damaged in transit. Return your sample following the instructions, and it will be completely safe.
Q. Will any medication or nutritional supplements I am taking affect the test?
A.You cannot take any of our tests if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or taking steroids or immunosuppressants.
Q. How soon do I have to return my sample?
A. You should ideally post your sample back to the laboratory on the same day that you take it. This stops the sample from degrading over time and gives the most accurate results. You will also need to avoid posting the sample later in the week to make sure that it arrives on a working day and processing can begin immediately.
