01 / 08
What the GI-MAP is
The GI-MAP is an at-home stool test that shows what's living in your gut and how well your gut is working. It's run by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory and is one of the most widely used stool tests in functional health.
It reads DNA. The test uses qPCR to find the specific DNA of bacteria, yeast, parasites and viruses. Standard stool tests often rely on growing a culture or looking under a microscope, which can miss organisms that are hard to grow or present in small amounts.
It measures amounts, not just yes or no. You see how much of each organism is there, so your coach or provider can spot overgrowths and imbalances, not only infections.
It's one sample, collected at home. The kit includes everything you need, and the sample ships back at room temperature.
02 / 08
Signs your gut might be the missing piece
Gut problems don't always show up as stomach problems. If several of these sound like you, a GI-MAP may be worth talking about with your provider or coach.
Bloating, gas or discomfort after meals, even with "clean" food
Constipation, loose stools, or swinging between the two
Food sensitivities that keep growing
Low energy or brain fog that sleep doesn't fix
Skin issues like acne, eczema or rashes
Stubborn fat loss despite a solid plan
Bloodwork showing low iron, low B12 or inflammation with no clear cause
Autoimmune or thyroid issues
Symptoms that started after antibiotics, food poisoning or travel
Any of these can have other causes too. That's why testing beats guessing.
03 / 08
What it tests
The report has two halves: what's living in your gut, and how well your gut is doing its job.
What's living in your gut
| Section | What it looks for | Why it matters |
|---|
| Pathogens | Bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause infection | Can drive diarrhea, cramping and ongoing gut stress |
|---|
| H. pylori | A stomach bacteria, plus its virulence factors | Linked to reflux, low stomach acid and poor protein and mineral absorption |
|---|
| Normal bacterial flora | Your beneficial "good" bacteria | Low levels can mean weaker digestion, immunity and gut lining support |
|---|
| Opportunistic bacteria | Bacteria that cause trouble when they overgrow | Often tied to bloating, inflammation and food reactions |
|---|
| Fungi and yeast | Candida and other yeasts | Overgrowth can show up as cravings, bloating, brain fog and skin issues |
|---|
| Parasites | Protozoa and worms | Can cause gut symptoms, fatigue and nutrient loss |
|---|
How well your gut is working
| Marker | What it shows |
|---|
| Elastase | How much digestive enzyme your pancreas is putting out |
|---|
| Steatocrit | Fat left in your stool, a sign of how well you're digesting fats |
|---|
| Beta-glucuronidase | An enzyme that can recycle estrogen and toxins back into your body |
|---|
| Occult blood | Hidden blood in your stool that you can't see |
|---|
| Secretory IgA | Your gut's front-line immune defense |
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| Anti-gliadin IgA | Your gut's immune reaction to gluten |
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| Eosinophil activation protein | Immune activity often tied to allergies, food reactions or parasites |
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| Calprotectin | Inflammation in the gut lining |
|---|
Optional add-ons include zonulin (a "leaky gut" marker), a gluten exposure test, and antibiotic resistance genes.
04 / 08
How to prep for the test
What you take before the test can hide what's really going on. Never stop a prescription without talking to your doctor first.
| What | When to stop | Why |
|---|
| Antibiotics | Wait 2 weeks after finishing, with your prescriber’s guidance | They wipe out bacteria and skew the results |
|---|
| Oral steroids or immune suppressants | For prednisone, wait 2 weeks after finishing. Other prescriptions continue unless your prescriber advises otherwise | They can mask immune and inflammation markers |
|---|
| Antimicrobial herbs and supplements | Initial test: 2 weeks before. Retest: 4 weeks before | They can knock down organisms you're trying to find |
|---|
| Probiotics | Spore- or soil-based: 2 weeks before. Regular probiotics: 3 days before | Gives a true baseline instead of a reading of the supplement |
|---|
| Ox bile or lipase enzymes | 3 days before | They change the fat digestion readings |
|---|
| Biofilm disruptors | For retesting: 4 weeks before | Ask your coach |
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| Aspirin | Anti-inflammatory medicines: 2 weeks before, only with your prescriber’s approval | Can affect the hidden blood marker |
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| Colonoscopy or barium enema | Wait at least 4 weeks after | The prep clears out your gut |
|---|
Keep taking your prescription medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Before you collect
For initial testing, also discuss stopping bismuth 2 weeks before collection and other gut-specific supplements, including digestive supports and gut-healing formulas, 3 days before collection.
For the 3 days before collection, follow your coach’s instructions to eat 70–100 g of fat per day. If assessing your response to gluten, discuss the preparation with your provider before changing your intake.
Do not collect while menstruating. Write your name and date of birth on the vial and ship the sample as soon as possible using your kit’s instructions.
These timings distinguish an initial test from a retest. Confirm your preparation with your coach and prescribing clinician. Do not stop or change prescription medication on your own.
05 / 08
Why the order matters
Finding something on a GI-MAP is step one. Jumping straight into a harsh cleanse or "kill" protocol on an inflamed gut is how people flare up and quit. The R3 System works in order:
1. Regulate. Calm inflammation and stress first, so your body is ready to handle gut work.
2. Repair. Support digestion and the gut lining, then go after overgrowths and pathogens when your markers say you're ready.
3. Rebuild. Bring back healthy bacteria and lock in the habits that keep your gut stable.
Your results decide where you start. Not everyone needs the same protocol, and retesting shows whether it's working.
06 / 08
Important
This guide is for education only. It isn't medical advice and doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Talk to your physician before stopping any medication or starting a protocol.
07 / 08
Want help with your gut?
A GI-MAP is only as useful as the plan that follows it. If your gut has been holding you back, book a quick call to see if coaching is the right fit.
08 / 08
Sources
GI-MAP overview and product brief from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. Follow the preparation agreed with your coach and prescribing clinician.
Keep a copy
Jimmy’s guide.
Download the PDF to keep alongside your notes.