Myths and Misconceptions About Stool Testing with Dr. Tom Fabian: Rational Wellness Podcast 392

View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Tom Fabian discusses Myths and Misconceptions about Stool Testing with Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]   Podcast Highlights In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. Tom Fabian from Diagnostic Solutions about the various methodologies of stool testing, including culture, Whole Genome Shotgun Sequencing, and Quantitative PCR. The discussion primarily focuses on the GI MAP test, a popular stool test in functional medicine, which uses quantitative PCR to provide insights into the microbiome, pathogens, and gut health. Dr. Fabian explains the science behind PCR and addresses common concerns about stool testing, the detection of pathogens like H. pylori and C. difficile, and how stool tests can give clues to conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut. The episode also delves into broader implications of stool tests for clinical practice and patient care.   00:26 Interview with Dr. Tom Fabian on Stool Testing 00:40 Understanding Stool Testing Methodologies 03:19 Quantitative PCR and Its Advantages 08:10 Comparing Stool Testing Methods 17:13 The Importance of Quantitative Data in Clinical Settings 19:47 Addressing Criticisms of PCR Testing 22:58 Promotional Break: Apollo Wearable 24:30 Asymptomatic Colonization and C. diff 28:00 Understanding C. diff and Its Risk Factors 29:17 The Role of Parasites in Gut Health 32:40 Controversies Around H. pylori Detection 38:59 Small Intestine and GI MAP Insights 41:31 Methane and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) 45:58 Inflammation and Gut Health Markers 51:27 Final Thoughts and Resources for Practitioners     Dr. Tom Fabian has a PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and he is a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. Tom specializes in the microbiome and how it relates to digestive, immune, brain, and metabolic health.  Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory.  DiagnosticSolutionsLab.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.