Functional Testing for Comprehensive GIT Assessment

As a naturopath with a special focus in gut health, I frequently see patients dealing with chronic digestive symptoms such as bloating, distension, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and food intolerances. These issues are often complex and multifactorial, and finding lasting relief requires looking beyond surface-level symptoms to identify the underlying imbalances.

This is where functional testing becomes a powerful tool. It provides targeted insights that guide a more individualised, evidence-based treatment approach—helping to uncover underlying causes.

There are several tests I use most commonly and find to be particularly helpful in understanding and addressing chronic digestive issues. These tests provide crucial insights into the underlying factors contributing to digestive symptoms, enabling us to take a more targeted and effective approach to treatment.

Intestinal permeability testing, often referred to as “leaky gut” testing, evaluates the integrity of the small intestinal lining. When this barrier is compromised, it can contribute to systemic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and heightened sensitivity to foods. Intestinal permeability has been implicated in a range of health conditions beyond the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including autoimmunity, allergies, and mood disorders (Fasano, 2012). Identifying and addressing this issue can be key in supporting long-term gut and immune health.

Hydrogen and methane breath testing is a non-invasive method to detect small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal methane overproduction (IMO). Both conditions can cause bloating, distension, flatulence, altered bowel habits, and food intolerances. SIBO is more commonly associated with increased bowel frequency, whereas IMO is more closely linked to slowed bowel motility and constipation. The test helps identify the specific type of overgrowth, enabling more targeted and effective treatment.

Comprehensive microbiome analysis, such as Co-Biome MetaXplore, provides detailed insights into your unique gut microbiome. It identifies over 28,000 microbial species and assesses microbial diversity and relative abundance. The test also estimates the potential production of a range of microbial metabolites, including butyrate, based on the presence of microbes capable of producing it. This testing approach enables highly individualised microbiome restoration.

While these tests can provide vital clues in addressing chronic digestive concerns, it’s equally important to integrate findings within a broader healthcare context. I always recommend appropriate medical assessment to rule out or monitor serious conditions and to ensure your care is comprehensive and safe.

Functional testing may provide the answers you’ve been looking for and support a comprehensive, informed approach to restoring gut balance.

Amy is a Certified Healthy Gut Practitioner and Certified Microbiome Analyst. To work with Amy in clinic –  book consult