Biomarkers are one of the essential ways practitioners are able to assess the flora residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Although different lab companies provide their own research and tests to help practitioners discover their patient’s diverse microbial communities, a gold standard test by Genova Diagnostics has been developed. Genova has made interpreting the results of patients unique bacterial communities easy to understand, ensuring that the patient is able to follow along with their own lab results. A healthy gut will house an abundance of diverse anaerobic bacteria. For patients to have optimal health, it is recommended to view results as an entire system of organisms rather than each individual species.
Biomarkers are one of the essential ways practitioners are able to assess the flora residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Although different lab companies provide their own research and tests to help practitioners discover their patient’s diverse microbial communities, a gold standard test by Genova Diagnostics has been developed.
Genova has made interpreting the results of patients unique bacterial communities easy to understand, ensuring that the patient is able to follow along with their own lab results. A healthy gut will house an abundance of diverse anaerobic bacteria. For patients to have optimal health, it is recommended to view results as an entire system of organisms rather than each individual species.
Genova breaks down lab results into a D.I.G. method, representing Digestion and Absorption, Inflammation and Immunology, and Gastrointestinal Microbiome. These are all key factors in determining, diagnosing, and treating leaky gut, intestinal permeability, and other health conditions.
D: The biomarkers being checked in “D” are secreted by the pancreas. Low levels have been associated with chronic pancreatitis, gallstones, diabetes, celiac disease, and irritable bowel disease. In addition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are also checked for here. Elevated levels of SCFA’s suggest bacterial overgrowth.
I: Inflammation is highly common yet detrimental when it comes to the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation has been linked to leaky gut, the onset of chronic health conditions, and linked to autoimmune disorders. Identifying inflammation and the source determines the course of action warranted by the practitioner. One biomarker specifically looked for is fecal secretory IgA. This biomarker is produced across the mucosal surface and is the first line of defense when it comes to immunity.
G: Often times compared to a fingerprint, the gastrointestinal microbiome is unique to each individual. Several biomarkers are considered here, generating a report showing which specific microorganisms are overgrown or depressed. Considering that microbiomes are different across the globe, there is no “ideal” microbiome set in place. Two specific markers to pay attention to in this section are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. These are generally found in probiotics and if a patient is specifically low in these two factors, probiotics may be used as direct intervention.
Although this test provides a significant amount of information, it is recommended patients combine other tests with this one for optimal results and recovery. Other tests that are recommended include SIBO markers, an IgG and IgE food antibody test, celiac and gluten intolerance, and a general nutritional status test to ensure food is being properly digested and absorbed.
Lab testing is always recommended in my book. Without proper laboratory testing, patients’ treatment is not fully optimized. Lab work provides clinical data leading to a more educated and more concise treatment plan. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach
References:
Stubbe, Christine. “Advanced Stool Diagnostics: GI Effects and the Evolution of Gut Health Assessment.” 7 May 2020, www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/1054.cfm.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
General Disclaimer, Licenses and Board Certifications *
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Advanced Diagnostics: Breaking Down Results" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those on this site and on our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on naturally restoring health for patients of all ages.
Our areas of multidisciplinary practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is multidisciplinary, focusing on musculoskeletal and physical medicine; wellness; contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations; associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics; subluxation complexes; sensitive health issues; and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and licensure jurisdiction. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.
Our videos, posts, topics, and insights address clinical matters and issues that directly or indirectly relate to our clinical scope of practice.
Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182
Multi-State Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN*) in Texas & Multi-States
Multi-state Compact APRN License by Endorsement (42 States)
Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
License Verification Link: Nursys License Verifier
* Prescriptive Authority Authorized
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426749
MD License #: J2933
Licenses and Board Certifications:
MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics
Memberships & Associations:
TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
NPI: 1205907805
| Primary Taxonomy | Selected Taxonomy | State | License Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | NM | DC2182 |
| Yes | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | TX | DC5807 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | TX | 1191402 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | FL | 11043890 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | CO | C-APN.0105610-C-NP |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | NY | N25929 |
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426749
MD License #: J2933
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