Functional Medicine: Comprehensive Stool Analysis

February 15, 2024

Functional Medicine: Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Dr. Nicole Sundene

Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor

Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) testing is very important in the following conditions: 

A Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) looks at the microbes in the stool along with their ratio and balance with each other. While it is normal to have some yeast or bacteria in the digestive tract, when the yeast, bacteria or parasites become out of balance with the good bacteria, that is when skin rash symptoms, ADHD, fatigue, and brain fog symptoms begin to flare up. This is how the CSA differs from standard lab stool testing through your GI doctor or gastroenterologist.

Stool testing through a reputable company approved by a Naturopathic Doctor is important to understand which probiotics or good bacteria need to be added to the patient's microbiome and if any botanical antifungals, antibacterials, or antiparasitics are indicated for the patient's specific test results. 

Stool testing also tells us about the health of the digestive tract with the absorption of fats, enzymes, and elasticity of the stool and is therefore important for patients with malabsorption issues related to osteoporosis and anemia.

HOW TO COLLECT STOOL SAMPLE

Sample must be collected on two separate days. The patient must discontinue digestive enzymes, antacids, iron supplements, vitamin C, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and large amounts of meat 48 hours prior to the collection of the stool specimen.

FAQ STOOL TESTING

"My doctor already checked my stool and said it was fine," is a comment I often hear when I recommend comprehensive stool testing. While I order insurance covered stool testing from a standard lab as well it is grossly looking for a severe bacterial infection or parasites. It does not analyze for yeast overgrowth, or bacterial overgrowth which are the two primary reasons my patient is experiencing chronic disease. Regular testing has also in my experience, missed low grade c. diff infections that are picked up on the more sensitive CSA test.

If you would like to order your stool test kit prior to your new patient visit, simply give us a call and allow 5 weeks from the date you mail your stool test in, prior to booking your new patient visit as this comprehensive testing takes about four weeks. If you do not have a Naturopathic Doctor near you to help with stool specialty testing I am able to serve patients by telemedicine in all fifty states and would be happy to help you as I don't generally need to prescribe any medications to treat digestive issues. Oftentimes my patients need this important diagnostic information to improve.

Dr. Nicole Sundene

(480) 837-0900

Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert  in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for MenopauseThyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, PerimenopauseAutoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on InstagramTwitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!

footer-logo
Location: 14300 N Northsight 
Blvd Ste 124
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Ph: 480-837-0900
Fax: 480-409-2644
© Copyright 2024 | Scottsdale Naturopathic Hormones 
map-markersmartphone linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram