What Your Stool Test Results Really Mean: A Breakdown of Key Markers - Shelley Cavezza, PhD
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What Your Stool Test Results Really Mean: A Breakdown of Key Markers

What Your Stool Test Results Really Mean: Key Markers Explained
 Category: Functional Medicine and Nutrition, Gut Health
 Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Sunshine Coast

Unlock the Secrets of Your Stool Test Results and Discover What They Reveal About Your Digestive Health with Expert Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Shelley Cavezza, PhD

Introduction: Decoding Your Digestive Blueprint

Stool testing provides a window into your gut—revealing important insights about digestion, inflammation and microbiome balance. But interpreting these markers can be confusing without expert guidance. In this post, we explain the key findings you’ll see on a comprehensive stool panel, what they signify, and how they inform a personalised plan to heal and optimise your gut.

Key Markers in Stool Testing

  1. Microbial Balance 
    • Beneficial vs. Opportunistic Bacteria
       Measures levels of supportive microbes (e.g. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) versus potential pathogens. A healthy balance underpins digestion, nutrient absorption and immune resilience. 
    • Microbiome Diversity
       Greater diversity correlates with better health. Low diversity may indicate dysbiosis, contributing to inflammation, digestive discomfort and even mood disturbances. 
  2. Inflammatory Markers 
    • Fecal Calprotectin
       Released by white blood cells during gut inflammation. Elevated levels can signal IBD or other chronic intestinal inflammation. 
    • Lactoferrin
       Another marker of active inflammation, helping pinpoint ongoing immune activation in the gut.

These markers are non specific – elevations don’t confirm a diagnosis but highlight need for further assessment.

 

  1. Digestive Function Markers 
    • Pancreatic Elastase
       Indicates pancreatic enzyme output. Low readings suggest insufficiency, leading to poor digestion and nutrient malabsorption. 
    • Fat Absorption Markers
       The presence of undigested fats (known as steatorrhoea) may reflect inadequate bile or enzyme activity, impairing overall fat digestion. 
  2. Pathogen Detection 
    • Bacterial, Viral & Parasitic Infections
       Identifies organisms causing acute or chronic symptoms—important for guiding targeted treatment. 
    • Antibiotic Resistance
       Advanced panels can reveal resistant strains, guiding more effective antimicrobial choices. 

Interpreting Your Results

  • Context Is Key: Markers must be reviewed in light of your symptoms and history. For example, an isolated rise in calprotectin may mean different things depending on your overall health. 
  • Dynamic Gut Environment: Diet, stress and lifestyle influence your microbiome. Test results are a snapshot in time and with the right interventions they can change significantly. 
  • Personalised Approach: Functional medicine integrates these insights into a tailored plan—dietary changes, targeted supplements and lifestyle adjustments—to restore balance. 

How a Functional Medicine and Nutrition Approach Can Help

  • In-Depth Assessments: We combine stool results with blood work, nutrigenomic or genetic insights, and clinical history for a holistic view. 
  • Customised Treatment Plans: Based on your unique markers, we recommend specific nutritional strategies, probiotic protocols and natural therapies. 
  • Ongoing Support: Regular follow-up ensures your plan adapts as your gut health evolves. 

Next Steps: Discovery Call

Curious about what your stool test reveals—and how to act on it? Book a Discovery Call with Shelley Cavezza, PhD—an exploratory discussion (not a consultation)—to determine if a personalised Functional Medicine and Nutrition programme is right for you.

Empower Your Gut Health Today
 Contact Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Shelley Cavezza, PhD, on the Sunshine Coast and take control of your digestive wellbeing with a science-based, individualised approach.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health programme.

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