Tests

Our journey to managing Ulcerative Colitis (UC) began with tests. Boy, did we learn a lot! We recommend 5 tests (+bonus) that can cast a light on your UC and how to make it better.

The American Gut Project

The American Gut Project gives you an opportunity to participate and to compare the microbes in your gut to those in the guts of thousands of other people in the US and around the world.
Your results come with a downloadable PDF, where your gut microbiota is sequenced an compared against Michael Polan’s and the average US microbiota. The results map out the types of bacteria you have “in excess” and with a bit more resarch, you can learn if you have pathogenic (harmful) bacteria in excess. Read more

Lactose and Casein Sensitivity Tests

Dairy products can cause discomfort to those diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Gas, bloating, and diarrhea are frequent symptoms. Definitively establishing an intolerance to dairy requires a blood test to establish the presence of lactose and casein antibodies. In fact, lactose is just one of the carbohydrates contained in milk, which might cause discomfort. This could be the reason lactose-free milk can still wreak havoc with you. Ask your doctor about these tests to learn if dairy plays a role in exacerbating your UC symptoms.

Gluten Intolerance Test

An intolerance to gluten, a protein contained in wheat, can cause UC patients considerable discomfort. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, joint pain, among others. We recommend definitively establishing whether or not you have a gluten intolerance. A blood test can establish the presence of gluten antibodies. Ask your doctor about this test to learn if gluten plays a role in exacerbating your UC symptoms.

Allergy Panel

Aside from lactose, casein, and gluten, UC symptoms may be exacerbated by a wide range of allergies. Allergies can be quite unexpected and you may be surprised what you are allergic to. Allergy tests are usually determined by an allergy panel. Ask your doctor about conducting an allergy panel to definitively establish or rule out other allergies.

Cologuard – Colon Cancer Prescription Test

Cologuard is the first noninvasive screening test for colorectal cancer that analyzes both stool DNA and blood biomarkers. Cologuard, which is available through healthcare providers, offers people 50 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer a screening test they can do in the privacy of their own home.

BONUS: 23andMe

23andMe is a DNA test that includes both ancestry and health reports. This test does not help establish a genetic variation for UC, but it is informative about other risks that you may like to be informed about in light of the risks of the commonly prescribed UC medication.