Leaky Gut Syndrome Test
Investigate if a leaky gut is contributing to your health concerns
Leaky gut syndrome, or gut hyperpermeability, describes when your gut lining has abnormal functioning. When the gut becomes more permeable (“leaky”) it allows particles into the bloodstream that are typically filtered out. Consequently, this can trigger the immune system and lead to inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. We offer a leaky gut syndrome test that helps to determine if this is the underlying cause of your health concerns.
Leaky gut syndrome, or gut hyperpermeability, describes when your gut lining has abnormal functioning. When the gut becomes more permeable (“leaky”) it allows particles into the bloodstream that are typically filtered out. Consequently, this can trigger the immune system and lead to inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. We offer a leaky gut syndrome test that helps to determine if this is the underlying cause of your health concerns.
What is the best leaky gut syndrome test?
The historical standard test for measuring increased gut permeability (ie. a leaky gut) is the lactulose-mannitol urine test. This leaky gut syndrome test has involved preparation time and a six hour urine collection.
Fortunately, a newer test measures a protein in the blood, called zonulin. More specifically, it is a zonulin family protein, called properdin. The serum zonulin test is a blood test that is much more affordable and efficient to have performed. It does not require a six hour sample collection, but does require patients to go to a lab for the taking of the blood sample.
The results of the zonulin test have been demonstrated to correspond to the results of the lactulose-mannitol test, making it a reliable replacement.
In Ontario, Naturopathic doctors are only able to offer the serum zonulin test, not the urine lactulose-mannitol test. We offer information on the lactulose-mannitol test so that patients may be informed as to the different leaky gut tests out there.
How does the lactulose-mannitol test work?
The standard test for measuring gut hyperpermeability was historically the lactulose-mannitol test.
Lactulose and mannitol are both non-digestible sugars, meaning they are not broken down by the gut and can be measured in the urine. In a healthy gut, lactulose is a molecule that is not well absorbed, meaning that it does not readily cross the gut lining. In a compromised leaky gut state, lactulose is able to more easily pass through the gut wall and enter the bloodstream. From here, it is excreted into the urine.
Mannitol, on the other hand, is a sugar that is more readily absorbed across the gut, and into the bloodstream and then urine. This is used as a comparison against lactulose absorption. Essentially, in a leaky gut state, lactulose concentration in the urine will be elevated compared to normal. The best way to assess this relative change is to measure the lactulose versus mannitol ratio.
This test is non-invasive, but does take effort, time and patience. It involves some minor dietary adjustments prior to doing the test. As well, the test itself involves consuming a solution with the two sugars and collecting your urine output for the next six hours.
The lactulose-mannitol test is a test with good clinical relevance, but it is expensive and more prone to errors on the part of the patient if the protocol is not followed diligently.
How does the serum zonulin test work?
Serum zonulin levels work as an effective determinant of a hyperpermeable gut. This leaky gut syndrome test measures a protein called zonulin in your blood.
Zonulin is in a family of proteins that are important to “seal” the lining of your digestive tract. This spot welding between the cells of your digestive tract, are called tight junctions. In someone with leaky gut syndrome, the lining is compromised due to inflammation. In this situation, the tight junctions breakdown, meaning that the zonulin sealant is released into the blood.
As a result, when zonulin is measured in a blood sample, it would be found to be elevated in a hyperpermeable or leaky gut state.
The serum zonulin test is our leaky gut test of choice at Zentai Wellness Centre. We consider it superior to the lactulose-mannitol test because of its efficiency, simplicity, affordability and similar clinical relevance.
What do I do if I test positive for leaky gut?
Our naturopathic doctor, Dr.Makoto Trotter, ND, is very experienced with treating patients with leaky gut syndrome. He is also well-researched in gut hyperpermeability as he has published a comprehensive book on understanding, assessing and treating a leaky gut.
If the serum zonulin test shows positive for leaky gut syndrome, Dr.Trotter would be happy to assist you with properly assessing and treating you. Like other health concerns, leaky gut syndrome has a an overabundance of opinions and information online. As a result, it is overwhelming and not recommended to attempt to address it by yourself. Consult with a qualified health professional to heal your compromised gut.
If leaky gut syndrome is confirmed, it can be improved through naturopathic treatment. This would involve diet coaching, lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, herbal medicine, acupuncture and stress management.
How much does the serum zonulin test cost?
Please contact the clinic for pricing information, or book a free 15-minute Meet-n-Greet call using the “Book an Appointment” button below.
Turnaround time for test results is less than 2 weeks.
No refunds or returns after 90 days of purchase.
If this leaky gut syndrome test shows positive, are there other tests that can help guide my treatment?
Yes, there are tests to help explain potential causes of your state of gut hyperpermeability.
Firstly, the IgG Food Sensitivity Test can help serve to determine food triggers that are contributing to inflammation in the gut.
Secondly, the Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology test can provide detailed information about the function and health of your digestive tract. Additionally, it can rule out any pathogens that need to be addressed.
Additionally, to rule out other potential contributing abnormalities, you can investigate the Heavy Metal Hair Test, Saliva Hormone Test and Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Test.
Speak to our naturopath, Dr.Makoto Trotter, ND to help assess your health for leaky gut syndrome. As well, you can discuss testing options and determine what the best approach is to treating a compromised gut. Dr.Trotter is very knowledgeable about leaky gut syndrome and has authored a comprehensive guide book to treating this condition.
When is a good time to re-test?
We advise re-testing your results after several months of appropriate treatment under the guidance of a naturopathic doctor. Our naturopath can help you determine if and when re-testing is recommended.
The serum zonulin test is an essential test to help you to understand if leaky gut syndrome is a component of your health concerns.
Contact us to set up an appointment with our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Makoto Trotter, to find out more about this test and discuss potential treatment options.