GI-MAP Test in Ontario: When Clinically Indicated

Understand What’s Happening in Your Gut: So Healing Has a Clear Direction

Many people come to our clinic after months or years of digestive symptoms, fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, skin issues, or inflammation without clear answers. Standard bloodwork often comes back “normal,” yet the symptoms continue.

At 8 Wellness in Oakville, we begin with a thorough naturopathic assessment to understand your full health history, nutrition, digestion, stress, lifestyle, and symptom patterns. When your case suggests that deeper gut microbiome imbalances may be playing a role, your naturopathic doctor may recommend the GI-MAP stool test as part of your diagnostic work-up.

For many patients, this test becomes a key part of a broader naturopathic approach to digestive health, helping uncover the root causes of bloating, food sensitivities, and gut inflammation that standard testing may miss.

This test is not routinely ordered for everyone.
It is used selectively, when your clinical picture suggests it will meaningfully inform your treatment plan.

What Is the GI-MAP Test?

The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a DNA-based stool analysis that provides detailed information about the organisms in your digestive system and how your gut is functioning. It measures:

1. Beneficial gut bacteria
2. Harmful or overgrown bacteria
3. Parasites
4. Yeast and fungi (including Candida)
5. Viruses
6. H. pylori and associated virulence factors

It also assesses key digestive and immune markers, which help us understand:

1. Gut lining integrity
2. Digestive enzyme function
3. Inflammation levels
4. Detoxification pathways
5. Immune activation inside the gut

This gives a much clearer picture of gut health than standard stool testing or basic lab results.

Your naturopathic doctor may integrate your GI-MAP findings with other specialized diagnostic testing when a deeper understanding of hormones, inflammation, or nutrient balance is needed to guide care.

When Do We Recommend the GI-MAP Test?

We do not believe in running every test on every patient.

The GI-MAP is recommended only when your symptoms and assessment suggest deeper microbiome or digestive dysfunction, such as:

1. Chronic bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort
2. IBS or IBD symptoms
3. Irregular bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea, mixed)
4. Unresolved food sensitivities
5. Unexplained fatigue or brain fog
6. Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
7. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne are connected to gut patterns
8. Hormonal symptoms influenced by gut metabolism (e.g., estrogen clearance issues)
9. Persistent symptoms despite “normal” conventional testing

If your naturopathic doctor determines that gut dysbiosis, low digestive function, or microbial imbalance may be contributing to your symptoms, this test may be an appropriate next step.