Functional Testing for Digestive Health

Symptoms only tell part of the story.

Functional testing can help provide a deeper understanding of what may be contributing to digestive symptoms such as bloating, IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, food sensitivities, fatigue, skin issues, and more.

I offer a range of advanced functional medicine tests that can help identify potential imbalances and guide a more personalised approach to nutrition and gut health support.

Comprehensive Stool Test

GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile £375

The GI Effects stool test is an in-depth digestive and microbiome assessment that provides information about how well the digestive system is functioning and whether there may be imbalances in the gut environment.

The test analyses factors such as:

  • Gut bacteria balance
  • Microbiome diversity
  • Digestive function
  • Inflammation markers
  • Yeast or opportunistic bacteria
  • Short-chain fatty acids
  • Immune activity within the gut
  • Parasites

This test can be particularly helpful for people with long-standing digestive symptoms or more complex health concerns.

When Might GI Effects Be Useful?

This test may be helpful if you experience:

  • IBS symptoms
  • Bloating or excessive gas
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Reflux or indigestion
  • Food sensitivities
  • Ongoing gut issues despite dietary changes
  • Skin issues linked to digestion
  • Fatigue alongside digestive symptoms
  • A history of antibiotics or recurring infections

It can also be useful when symptoms seem “unexplained” or fluctuate significantly.

SIBO Breath Testing

3h SIBO Breath Test £160

The SIBO breath test helps assess for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where bacteria begin overgrowing in the small intestine.

SIBO is increasingly recognised as a common contributor to IBS-type symptoms.

The test measures gases such as hydrogen and methane in the breath to determine the type and amount of bacteria in the small intestine.

Common Signs of SIBO

SIBO may be worth investigating if you experience:

  • Bloating shortly after eating
  • Excessive gas
  • Constipation or diarrhoea or both
  • Feeling uncomfortable after “healthy” foods
  • Food intolerances that seem to be increasing
  • Abdominal discomfort or distension
  • IBS symptoms that are not improving
  • Symptoms that worsen throughout the day
  • Nutrient deficiencies despite a good diet

Methane-dominant SIBO is often associated with constipation, while hydrogen-dominant SIBO more commonly presents with diarrhoea or loose stools.

Why Test for SIBO?

Many people with IBS symptoms are never assessed for SIBO and may spend years trying restrictive diets without addressing the underlying issue.

Identifying SIBO can help guide a more targeted and personalised approach.

Food Sensitivity Test with Gut Barrier Panel

KBMO FIT Test £198-£360

The KBMO food sensitivity test looks at delayed immune reactions to foods, which can sometimes contribute to symptoms that are difficult to link to a specific trigger.

Unlike immediate food allergies, delayed food sensitivities may contribute to symptoms hours or even days after eating certain foods.The test measures immune reactivity to a wide range of foods and additives.

As the only test on the market, all KBMO FIT tests come with a unique Gut Barrier Panel. This panel incorporates essential gut permeability markers like Candida, Zonulin, LPS and Occludin, recognising the broad spectrum of “leaky gut” occurrences.

Symptoms Associated With Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities may contribute to symptoms such as:

  • Bloating
  • IBS symptoms
  • Digestive discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Skin issues
  • Joint pain
  • Sinus congestion
  • Mood issues like Anxiety and Depression

When Might Food Sensitivity Testing Be Helpful?

This test may be useful when:

  • Symptoms seem unpredictable
  • You suspect foods are contributing to symptoms but cannot identify clear triggers
  • You seem to react to many different foods
  • Digestive symptoms continue despite dietary changes
  • You experience both digestive and non-digestive symptoms

The goal is not to create unnecessarily restrictive diets, but to help identify possible triggers and support a more personalised nutrition approach.

Which Test Is Right for You?

Not everybody needs testing, and the most appropriate option depends on your symptoms, health history, and goals.

Testing can be particularly useful in long-standing, complex, or frustrating cases where symptoms are not improving despite making dietary or lifestyle changes.

If you are unsure which test may be appropriate, I can help guide you based on your individual symptoms and history on a free call.