What My GI Map Test Revealed—And How It Changed My Life
- kaitlinraenutrition
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago

I Knew Something Was Off—But No One Could Tell Me What
For years, I felt like a mystery patient. Despite normal blood tests and doctors telling me I was "fine," I was bloated, anxious, foggy, and exhausted. I had chronic hives, worsening food sensitivities, and had just come off SSRIs after years of use—only to find myself deep in a storm of withdrawal symptoms that no one around me seemed to understand.
I was doing everything right—clean eating, reducing stress, taking supplements—yet my body was clearly trying to tell me something. I just didn’t have the tools to decode it.
Until I took a GI Map test.
So…What Is a GI Map Test, Anyway?
The GI Map is a functional stool test that uses DNA analysis to give a detailed look at your gut microbiome. Unlike conventional tests, it doesn’t just tell you if there’s a parasite—it shows you your bacterial diversity, overgrowths, inflammation, immune response, digestive function, and even markers related to autoimmunity and food sensitivities.
Basically? It gave me answers no one else could.
Here’s What My GI Map Revealed
When I finally saw my results, I felt both validated and overwhelmed. It turned out I had:
Elevated Helicobacter pyloriA common bacterial infection linked to ulcers, acid reflux, and suppressed stomach acid (which affects nutrient absorption and gut health overall).
Low digestive enzyme output (Elastase-1 = 106)This meant my pancreas wasn’t producing enough enzymes to break down my food properly—hello, bloating and fatigue.
Severely low Secretory IgA (198)This is your gut’s first line of immune defense. Mine was essentially burned out after years of stress, medications, and chronic inflammation.
Overgrowths of opportunistic bacteria like Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and FusobacteriumThese can create toxic metabolites, increase inflammation, and worsen symptoms like brain fog, mood issues, and even skin problems.
Akkermansia muciniphila was highWhile generally considered beneficial, excess levels can thin the gut lining if the mucus barrier is already compromised.
Blastocystis hominis parasite (high at 1.96e6)This one hit hard—it’s often dismissed by conventional medicine, but it can wreak havoc on sensitive guts, especially when your immune system is low.
Signs of leaky gutThe low SIgA + inflammation + high Akkermansia combo was the trifecta of intestinal permeability.
The Puzzle Pieces Clicked Into Place
For the first time, it all made sense.
My chronic hives? Likely tied to the dysbiosis, leaky gut, and immune system dysfunction.My food sensitivities and gluten issues? A gut barrier on fire.My hypothyroidism and SSRI withdrawal nightmare? Deeply tied to poor absorption, gut-brain axis disruption, and chronic microbial imbalances.
This wasn't “just in my head.” My body was screaming for help—and now, I finally had a map.
How I Started to Heal
Healing wasn’t overnight. But this test gave me a plan. I began:
Targeted antimicrobial herbs and binders to gently address the H. pylori and Blastocystis.
Digestive enzymes and bitters to support my low elastase levels.
Gut lining support (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, aloe) to help seal up the leaky gut.
A gluten-free, whole-food diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.
Nervous system work like vagus nerve toning, grounding, and trauma healing to support my parasympathetic state.
And maybe most importantly: I stopped blaming myself. This wasn’t a moral failure or weakness—it was a gut and brain crying out for care.
Where I Am Now
This test changed my life. Not just because it showed me what was wrong—but because it made me realize I wasn’t delusional.
My symptoms had a root cause. They were real, measurable, and treatable.
Since then, I’ve reversed my hypothyroidism, come off eight pharmaceuticals, healed my gut, and reclaimed my energy and mind. And now, I help others do the same through nutrition, testing, and holistic support.
Thinking About a GI Map?
If you’re dealing with mystery symptoms, food sensitivities, anxiety, or chronic illness—and nothing seems to help—I can’t recommend this test enough. I offer GI Map testing in my practice so we can do the deep diving.
Comments