What is this test for?

The Adrenal Stress Index Panel, (ASI), was introduced in 1989 to evaluate stress, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Recently, new tests were added to evaluate glycemic control using multiple salivary insulin measurements, and to evaluate adrenal capacity to produce cortisol using 17-Hydroxyprogesterone. Tests include 4 cortisol tests (free fraction), DHEA (free fraction), 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, 2 insulin tests (fasting and after a meal), total salivary SIgA and gliadin antibodies (grain intolerance). It is used clinically for such conditions as chronic pain/fibromyalgia; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Glycemic Dysregulation, allergies/autoimmune disorders and depression/ADD.

How can I decide if this test is right for me?

To learn more about the specific advantages to this lab analysis, select any of the links below that interest you. You are also welcome to download and complete the Stress Evaluation Questionnaire.

• Collection instructions
• General information on the Androgen Synthesis Pathway
• Learn more about the functions of cortisol and DHEA
• Why is it important for there to be a balance between cortisol and DHEA?
• What increases cortisol?
• What stresses my adrenal glands?
• What are the symptoms of adrenal gland dysfunction?
• Symptoms of Adrenal Gland exhaustion
• Foods to avoid if positive for Gluten Intolerance
• What is "Glycemic Control"?
• Protein content of common foods
• Stress Evaluation Questionnaire

*Adapted from Diagos-Techs Labs

Why would I need a GI Panel?

For most people, the experience of a gastrointestinal complaint will happen at least once in life and for many it is a source of frequent distress. Often the problem is that symptoms of the GI tract can be very general and difficult to pinpoint. The long-term consequences of not paying close attention to the health of the GI tract are many and often lead to systemic problems that can be difficult to correct.

I have often found in clinical practice that gut health is absolutely critical to so many of the common complaints that patients have presented with over the years. Therefore, I often look to gut health first and foremost as a general rule.

This panel is a non-invasive early immuno-detection option with numerous benefits including detection of parasitic infections, inherited food intolerances and more. Review the following factors to see if any apply to you:

*Chronic & vague GI symptoms of frequent bloating, gas, cramping & constipation
*Frequent travel within the U.S. & overseas
*Frequent eating outside the home
*Food handlers - to protect others
*Food preparers at restaurants, homes, schools, etc.
*Uniformed services
*Dormitory residents with common quarters
*Children that go to daycare centers

What are the causes of GI tract dysfunction?

The causes can be many and varied making a definitive identification of the cause of the problem nearly impossible to find. The GI tract, along with the rest of the body, is a dynamic system that is directly affected by the choices made on a daily basis.

The causes have been broken down into four areas for review:

Pathogenic: Parasitic infections; Yeast overgrowth; Fungal infections; Normal flora imbalances; Bacterial overgrowth & infections

Neuroenteric (not included in the panel): Dystonia of GI smooth muscle; Dysrhythmia of GI smooth muscle; Sympathetic/Parasympathetic imbalance

Non-Pathogenic: Acquired or genetically determined functional & structural GI complaints

External Stressors: Dietary intolerances & allergies; Environmental factors; Pharmacological factors

Clinical indications for GI testing include:

*Inflammatory bowel disease
*Loose stool/diarrhea after travel or camping
*Chronic loose stool or constipation
*Sudden changes in bowel habits
*Insomnia
*Hyperactivity
*Fat, grain & food intolerance
*Bloating, maldigestion, heartburn
*School & pool acquired GI problems
*Excess gas & flatulence
*Chronic abdominal discomfort/pain
*Chronic skin conditions
*Chronic fatigue & fibromyalgia
*Excessive eating or anorexia

Parasites

The following U.S. based statistics will give you an idea of the prevalence of parasitic infections.

Percentage of the U.S. Population Infected With:

Clostridium difficile: 5% of population OR 13 million people
Giardia lamblia: 7.2% of population OR 19 million people
Entamoeba coli 4.2% of population OR 11 million people
Endolimax nana 4.2% of population OR 11 million people
Toxoplasma gondii 40-50% of population OR 110 million people
Blastocystis hominis 2.6% of population OR 7 million people

Case Study : Missed Diagnosis
Background: Patient had mild discomfort in the left abdomen with some irregular bowel movements. Patient had a stool exam at another laboratory. Results showed normal values with a "mild dysbiosis". Patient was treated with herbs and lactobacilli, six-months later patient consults another physician for same problem. A GI Health Panel was then ordered from Diagnos-Techs.

Findings: Elevated lysozyme (a colon inflammation marker) & positive for occult blood.

The laboratory recommended endoscopy due to the lysozyme increase. The patient had a colon tumor the size of an orange. Surgery was required.

Regular GI Health Panel

No. of Samples: 2 saliva + 3 stool

Includes tests for: Stool culture for yeast, ova and parasites microscopy, bacterial stool pathogens, clostridium difficile antigens, giardia antigen, cryptosporidium antigen, ameba histolytica Ab, H. pylori Ab, chymotrypsin, occult blood, fecal pH, total intestinal SIgA, intestinal lysozyme, alpha anti-chymotrypsin and gluten intolerance test.

Expanded GI Health Panel

No. of Samples: 2 saliva + 3 stool

Includes tests for: All tests in the Regular GI panel plus tapeworm Ab, roundworm Ab, tissue worm Ab, toxoplasma Ab, cow's milk intolerance, soy intolerance and egg intolerance.

Food Intolerance Panel

No. of Samples: 1 saliva

Includes tests for: Intolerances of gluten, cow's milk, egg & soy proteins.

Resource: What's Your Poo Telling You? By Josh Richman & Anish Sheth, M.D.