Specialized Testing

Functional lab tests can be a significant game-changer for accurately identifying the root causes of your concerns, ensuring that your nutritional therapy is personalized to you, and, most importantly, effective.

Participants in the It Starts in the Gut® DIY and Hybrid Programs can choose to upgrade to one or more of the available test bundles at any time. These exclusive bundles, tailored specifically for It Starts in the Gut® members, can be conveniently purchased through your portal. Each bundle includes the test, a private consultation, and a personalized plan.

My Personalized Program includes the Gut Zoomer stool test and cortisol/sex hormone test (the DUTCH Plus). If desired, additional tests can be incorporated upon request.

Micronutrient Test

Blood

Evaluates the nutrient levels in your blood serum and within your cells. This advanced testing provides insights into nutritional deficiencies and cellular health that traditional tests may overlook. It measures a comprehensive range of 32 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Wheat Zoomer Test

blood

Gluten has been shown to impact the intestinal lining in everyone, even those without symptoms. Your body might produce antibodies against gluten and wheat, suggesting a sensitivity or allergy. It could also trigger an autoimmune response, indicating celiac disease. If you’re tired of uncertainty about gluten or wheat issues and want to know if you have leaky gut, this test is the solution you’ve been looking for.

DUTCH Plus®

Hormones play a crucial role in our well-being. Ensuring hormone balance is essential to feeling our best. When investigating potential metabolism and hormone issues, I prefer to cover all aspects of hormones.

urine & saliva

The DUTCH Plus® is the most comprehensive hormone test, examining sex hormones, cortisol patterns, and more, while the DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ offers insights into menstrual cycle issues for women.

blood

In addition to the DUTCH Plus®, routine bloodwork for blood sugar metabolism (fasting blood sugar, insulin, A1C) and thyroid function (comprehensive panel with antibodies) is essential. Serum sex hormone levels are also valuable. These lab tests can be done through your doctor, or if needed, they can be added to your bundle at an extra cost.

DUTCH ADRENAL TEST

urine

Your adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress and inflammation, a process regulated by the brain’s hypothalamus (H) and pituitary gland (P), along with the adrenal glands (A) situated above each kidney. This complex interaction is known as the HPA Axis.

The primary aim of this test is to evaluate your stress response. Is your body producing excessive cortisol, indicating heightened stress, or is it not generating enough cortisol, suggestive of a “burnout” pattern of stress? This assessment provides insights into how stress might be affecting various aspects of your health, including gut health, weight, blood sugar metabolism, thyroid function, and sex hormones.

SIBO Breath Test

Breath

This test collects hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases from your breath to evaluate the possibility of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In cases of SIBO, bacteria are found in high concentrations in the small intestine, potentially affecting the absorption of essential nutrients. Detecting this condition is crucial. SIBO is often linked to symptoms like IBS, bloating, gas, and alternating constipation and diarrhea.

The test involves ingesting a challenge dose of lactose, followed by the collection of breath samples at various intervals. Elevated levels of H2 and/or CH4 indicate the presence of SIBO.

Gut Zoomer Test

stool

This test enables us to evaluate your gut health and uncover the underlying causes of any gut-related symptoms you may be experiencing. It helps us determine the balance of “friendly” bacteria, detect pathogens such as parasites or opportunistic bacteria, assess your digestion, and identify the presence of gut inflammation. Stool testing forms the foundation for tailoring individualized protocols for gut healing, as everyone’s needs are unique.

Additional tests…

In my Personalized Program, I offer additional tests, particularly for complex cases after addressing gut health and establishing an anti-inflammatory diet foundation. These tests, tailored to individual health needs, include:

  • Candida and IBS (fungal overgrowth)
  • Environmental Toxins
  • Food Sensitivity / Food Zoomers
  • Mycotoxin (mold)
  • Methylation Panel
  • Neurotransmitters
  • Organic Acids Testing (OAT)

It Starts in the Gut® success stories

I suffer from many digestive/gut issues and since working with Audrey I’ve seen major improvements in just 6 months. Audrey has given me the knowledge, awareness and tools to help me along the way so that I can feel better!  

Jennifer

 My GI issues were the most important thing for me to fix and now, it’s almost like they never existed. I’m very grateful for the new habits Audrey has helped me to create and the new mindset that will help me through my health journey.

Jess

I’ve noticed many improvements in how my body has responded to the dietary changes and significant change in my hormonal health as well. It was truly my pleasure to work with Audrey and I would highly recommend her to anyone.

Natalie