• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter Nutrition
  • About
    • Media, Interviews & Guest Posts
    • Contact
  • Praise
  • Services
    • Creating Wealth eBook
    • Metabolism FastTrack eCourse
    • Hair Analysis
      • About Hair Analysis
      • Hair Analysis – Frequently Asked Questions
    • Gut Testing
    • Fatty Acid Testing
    • Free Consult
  • The Store
  • Blog
    • Recipes
    • Popular
    • Digestion
    • Weight Loss
    • Thyroid
    • Metabolism
    • Hormones
    • Detoxification
    • Low Energy
    • Hair Analysis
    • Skin and Beauty
      • Essential Oils
    • Diet Review
  • Quiz
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Articles
    • Recipes
  • Services
    • FAQs
  • Praise
  • Take the Quiz!
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Articles
      • Recipes
    • Services
      • FAQs
    • Praise
    • Take the Quiz!
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×

    Home » Nutrition

    9 Ways a Stool Test Can Explain Your 'Symptoms'

    By Catherine on May 13, 2021 Last Updated April 11, 2022 3 Comments | No Medical Advice | This Post Contains Affiliate Links

    9 Symptoms Stool Testing Explains | Butter NutritionGot acne? Weight gain? Tired all the time? Can't digest certain foods? Hormonal symptoms?

    Your gut could be the source of your issues, and commonly is based on my work with hundreds of clients around the world.

    Today I want to share with you 8 ways a stool test can explain your symptoms, so you can finally get to the root cause of your issues!

    Weight gain

    Weight gain is largely tied to the gut, especially when the weight gain is not linked to dietary or lifestyle changes. Gut dysbiosis can be the cause of bloating, water retention, and estrogen dominance, all which typically cause an increase in pounds. The three specific markers I look at for assessing if weight gain is being caused by gut issues are:

    • Low Akkermansia Muciniphila
      Akkermansia Muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a mucin-degrading bacterium naturally found in the human gut that is associated with obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. [1] According to a 2017 study, "Since its discovery in 2004 by Derrien et al. (2004), A. muciniphila has quickly become a popular research topic due to its newly discovered probiotic properties. The bacterium is more abundant in the gut of healthy subjects than in that of diabetic and obese patients and patients with bowel diseases and metabolic disorders. Recent intervention studies also confirmed an inverse correlation of A. muciniphila abundance with body weight, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Collectively, the increasing body of evidence from animal and human studies suggest that A. muciniphila is a highly promising probiotic, especially its potential for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity, and their associated metabolic disorders, which is of great interest for future research and development." [1]
    • High Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes Ratio
      Research over the last few decades has identified certain human gut microbiota or "fatbugs" that can increase the caloric energy harvest from the foods you eat. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes bacteria are two classifications of gut flora that are used to characterize the composition of the microbes in your gut. Research has found a high ratio of Firmicutes "fatbugs" to Bacteroidetes "thinbugs" (F/B ratio) in obese subjects when compared to the F/B ratio of lean subjects. They also saw that as obese subjects lost weight, the F/B ratio decreased.
    • High Beta-Glucuronidase (hinting at estrogen issues)
      High beta-glucuronidase is a dead giveaway for estrogen dominance-related weight gain. You see, an imbalance of gut bacteria can cause estrogen dominance through the re-circulation of estrogens. This is because certain types of gut bacteria produce beta-glucuronidase enzymes that can re-activate (or deconjugate) estrogens that were already detoxified (conjugated) and on their way out of the body. Decreasing levels of beta-glucuronidase enzyme producing bacteria in your gut is the key to stopping the cycle of estrogen recirculation. [6]High beta glucuronidase can also cause PMS-like symptoms.

    Skin issues (acne, eczema)

    Are you still addressing your skin Issues (eczema, psoriasis, acne, dryness, rosacea etc.) with topical approaches that don’t address the root cause?
     
    Way back when I was 20 years old I remember getting a cream from my dermatologist to help with my occasional acne encounter, and I remember how it would help the acne but leave the area so dry, red and just not healthy. The approach just lacked common sense to me — I wanted to get to the root of the issue, not just address it at the skin level with products that irritated my skin. Back then there was so little understanding behind the gut-skin connection, but luckily, times are changing!
     
    Skin issues are a sure sign that there's something off with your gut-skin axis. This often from an overgrowth of pathogens or opportunistic bacterial contributing to leakiness in your gut lining. This allows toxins to escape your gut and enter your bloodstream where over time they create inflammation and an added burden to your liver that eventually shows up on your skin. A leaky gut also sets the stage for food sensitivities, driving skin irritation from problematic foods.
     
    The science linking your skin to your gut microbiome keeps getting stronger. They've now found:
    -links between staph aureus, fungal dysbiosis (tested for on the GI Map) and eczema [5, 15]
    -confirmed connection between intestinal dysbiosis and psoriasis [16]
    -clear confirmation that intestinal microbes have significant impacts on acne [17]
    -a H pylori infection (in the stomach) is associated with the development of rosacea [18]
    The good new is, you can stay ahead of the science by having microbiome testing done using the GI Map. It's a simple at-home stool test that can set your skin up for a glowing future.

    Mood problems

    Did you know your gut impacts your mood in big ways?

    Specifically, there's three main ways that are well-documented by research:

    1. Too much Lipopolysaccharide Endotoxins (LPS) Create Inflammation — Inflammation caused by LPS leads to:
      1. slowed production of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) a molecule made in the body that acts as a natural serotonin reuptake inhibitor. 
      2. Pro-inflammatory events contribute to behavioral alterations like anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction.
    2. Altered Serotonin Production — Consider 95% of serotonin is manufactured in the gut by your gut bacteria. Stress and LPS/endotoxin (from an overgrowth of gram negative bacteria, think antibiotics, PPIs, processed food diet) shunts tryptophan (an amino acid found in your proteins) from being made into serotonin, and instead shuttles it down the Kynurenine pathway towards neurotoxic quinolinic acid.
    3. B vitamin Production Alteration — Poor gut health leads to a decrease in beneficial bacteria that manufacture b-vitamins, specifically bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. 

    Want to dive deeper into the mood:gut connection? Look no further than this article.

    Blood Sugar

    Did you know that blood sugar issues like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are linked to imbalances in your gut? [19, 20]

    An overgrowth of gram negative bacteria in the gut equate to more endotoxin (also called lipopolysaccharide or LPS).
     
    How do you end up with more LPS-containing gram negative bacteria in your guts? I’m glad you asked. For starters:
    * Western diet, low in whole foods and fiber
    * Antibiotics, as they 'kill' beneficial bacteria they create the environment for gram negative bacteria to thrive and overgrow
    * Proton pump inhibitor (PPIs)
    * Diets low in fiber and prebiotic foods (think fertilizer for your good gut microbes)
    * Keto and carnivore diets (often low in fiber, but not always)
     
    Countless studies have linked increased levels of LPS with insulin resistance.
     
    Morover, Akkermansia muciniphila (a good bacteria in your gut) when depleted is linked to obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. By working to increase Akkermansia muciniphila in your gut, you can fight back against blood sugar imbalances by addressing root cause issues. [1]
     
    Change your gut, change your blood sugar! Need help learning how to change your gut? Look no further than the how to build a Bulletproof Gut Masterclass🚀

    Fatigue

    Fatigue is all too common when it comes to chronic infections in the gut. When your system is constantly coping with underlying infections, it uses up your body's bandwidth so-to-speak, leaving less energy for other metabolic processes. 

    Constipation

    An overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and biliary insufficiency are huge triggers for constipation. The key to resolving chronic constipation is reestablishing healthy bile flow, microbiome balance in the gut, and supporting peristalsis.

    Bloating

    Bloating is often the results of biliary insufficiency (poor bile flow and/or inability to digest your fats), pathogen overgrowth, and general microbiome imbalances. With proper testing and supplementation, I've seen dramatic changes in bloating severity in just a few days. You do not have to live with bloating, you just need to understand why it's happening (so you can do something about it).

    Diarrhea

    Diarrhea is a dead giveaway for bacteria overgrowth. You see, certain microbes when overgrown can create something called secondary bile acids (particularly Clostridia, Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella, and Lactobacillus). Typically bile is reabsorbed and recycled within your small intestines, but secondary bile acids do not get reabsorbed in the intestines and move into your colon (where they aren't supposed to be) causing diarrhea and inflammation. [10]

    Acid Reflux

    Stool testing checks for the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection (commonly called h-pylori). A H-pylori infection of the stomach suppresses stomach acid secretion, and is extremely common. [11] In fact, it comes back on most of the GI Map (stool tests) I run on my clients. It’s estimated that over 50% of the world is infected with this chronic bacterial pathogen, and the research between h-pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very strong. [12-14]

    GI Map Testing

    What's going on in your gut?

    The first step to seeing real change in your body is understanding what the problem is.

    Without knowing what is going on, you're just taking shots in the dark and hoping to get lucky.

    If you're ready to get to the root of your issues instead of just chasing the symptoms, a GI Map test is the way to go. I typically pair this test with 3 months of support to help my clients gain control of their gut and find lasting change.

    The GI Map test is shipped straight to your door and you can complete it in the comfort of your own home (I can even have it shipped outside of the US). The kit includes 2-day return shipping back to the lab. Results take about 2-3 weeks to process from the mailing date.

    Interested to see what all is tested? View sample results here.

     I hope this gives you more insight into possible causes of your most annoying and persistent symptoms.

    PIN IT:
    9 Symptoms Stool Testing Explains | Butter Nutrition

    8 Symptoms Stool Testing Explains | Butter Nutrition

    References:

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6223323/
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336737/
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5933040/
    4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4644874/
    5. https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com/sites/default/files/gi-map-white-paper_2.pdf
    6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5017946/
    7. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/09/gut-feeling
    8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4259177/
    9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678709/
    10. https://rebelhealthtribe.com/acid-reflux-h-pylori-ulcers-upper-gi-solutions-2/
    11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9207257/
    12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8547526/
    13. https://europepmc.org/article/med/11873099
    14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502218/
    15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16965415/
    16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7350295/
    17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678709/
    18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6042414/
    19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21636801/
    20. https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/56/7/1761/12590/Metabolic-Endotoxemia-Initiates-Obesity-and

     

    More Articles You May Enjoy

    • Thyroid Triggers Everyone Ignores
    • 16 Signs of Histamine Intolerance (and WHAT causes it)
    • Is Your Chronic Gut Issue Really a Liver/Gallbladder Issue?
    • Are You Really Vitamin D Deficient? 4 Things to Consider

    About Catherine

    Hi there! I’m Catherine Crow. Seattle-based Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Educator, Diet Investigator, and Coconut Milk Ice Cream Enthusiast. My goal is to help guide you to improve your nutrition through strategic eating (not dieting) and without expensive supplements. Because when you know better, you can feel better! Read more...

    Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Please note: using an affiliate link does not change the price of the product, instead the seller pays Butter Nutrition a small commission. My thoughts on these products are my own.

    Paid Endorsement Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Join the Conversation Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1. Mary Felgate

      April 22, 2022 at 12:46 am

      Catherine,

      I love reading all your blogs - they all make sense…. the older I get, particularly caring for my 90 year old mother and accompanying her to her many medical appointments, I am afraid the medical profession leaves me cold and sceptical.

      You, together with Ray Peat and Broda Barnes are proof there is so much more to health than popping Steroids, PPis,
      Statins and drugs…. Aged 63, I’ve only just discovered I had a thyroid storm, 30 years ago, which was instantly iradicated
      by radioactive iodine…. I have never felt
      right since, nothing has ever been explained, according to blood tests, it’s all been in my imagination! - it definitely hasn’t!

      Thanks to you, I am gathering strength
      In my understanding and will at some stage, try some of your tests.

      Thank you once again

      Reply
    2. Margaret Manzo

      January 09, 2023 at 5:11 am

      I believe both of my young grandchildren (3 and 4 years old)could benefit from gut analysis and therapy. Do you have effective remedies that can improve the gut of children who are too young to swallow capsules?

      Reply
      • Catherine

        January 09, 2023 at 1:54 pm

        There are a wide variety of food-based interventions as well as some supplements can be opened and added to food or drink.

        Abundantly,
        Catherine

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Catherine

    As a nutritional therapist, my passion is education. My goal is to help guide you to improve your nutrition through strategic eating (not dieting) and without expensive supplements! Because when you know better, you can feel better! Read more...

    Follow on:

    • Facebook

      45k

    • Instagram

      2k

    • Pinterest

      61k

    • Tiktok

      13k

    Quiz: Are you in nutritional debt?

    Get your free customized results!

    Take the Quiz

    3 Nutrition Secrets

    Grab the 3 Nutrition Secrets You Must Know for Your Health to THRIVE!

    Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

    What Others Are Reading:

    • Duped by Vitamin D? What low levels can REALLY reveal...
    • 14 Signs of Undermethylation
    • How much protein do you need? 11 Signs You're NOT Getting Enough Protein!
    • 10 Things NOT To Do When You're Trying To Lose Weight (#2 fools everyone!)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

    Get The eBook!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Catherine
    • Client Praise
    • Media/Interviews/Guest Posts
    • Newsletter Sign Up

    Fine Print

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility
    • Terms of Use

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    Copyright © 2023 Butter Nutrition LLC