How Gut Diagnostic Testing Services Can Help Identify IBS, SIBO, and Food Sensitivities

Gut health is the foundation of overall well-being. When something is off in the digestive system, it often shows up in the form of bloating, abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, fatigue, and even skin issues or mood swings. Many people suffer silently, unaware that they may be dealing with chronic conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), or undiagnosed food sensitivities.

But how do you go beyond guesswork and find real answers? That’s where gut diagnostic testing services come in. These advanced tests, offered by expert-led providers such as Levitas Gut Health, help uncover the hidden causes of gastrointestinal distress—so you can start treating the root, not just the symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

What gut diagnostic testing is

The role it plays in identifying IBS, SIBO, and food sensitivities

Types of tests available

What to expect from the testing process

Why personalised testing is key to healing your gut

Understanding Gut Diagnostic Testing Services

Gut diagnostic testing services refer to a broad range of advanced laboratory tests that examine the microbiome, digestive enzymes, bacterial imbalances, inflammation markers, and immune responses related to the digestive system. These tests are used by functional medicine doctors, nutritionists, and gut health specialists to develop tailored treatment plans.

Unlike basic blood tests or general stool samples, these diagnostics provide a deeper insight into how your gut is functioning and what might be causing persistent symptoms. They are especially helpful for people who have been dealing with chronic digestive issues without a clear diagnosis.

Why Testing Is Crucial for Gut-Related Conditions

Many gut-related conditions present with overlapping symptoms—bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue—making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause through symptoms alone. For example, IBS and SIBO can look quite similar on the surface but require very different treatment approaches.

Without proper testing, people often cycle through elimination diets, over-the-counter remedies, and medications that only offer temporary relief. Gut diagnostic testing breaks this cycle by providing clear, data-backed insights that lead to more effective and sustainable interventions.

Identifying IBS Through Gut Diagnostic Testing

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects how the gut moves and processes food. It often includes symptoms like cramping, bloating, gas, and irregular bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or both). While IBS is common, affecting around 1 in 10 people globally, its causes can vary significantly between individuals.

How Testing Helps

Gut diagnostic tests for IBS may include:

Stool analysis: Assesses microbiome diversity, inflammatory markers, and digestive enzymes.

Calprotectin and lactoferrin markers: Used to rule out inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis).

SIBO breath testing: Since SIBO often mimics IBS, testing helps distinguish between the two.

Food sensitivity panels: Identifies immune reactions to specific foods that may trigger IBS-like symptoms.

By combining these tests, practitioners can determine whether the root of IBS symptoms is microbial imbalance, enzyme deficiency, gut inflammation, or food intolerance.

Understanding and Diagnosing SIBO

What is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which bacteria that normally grow in other parts of the gut begin to multiply in the small intestine. This bacterial imbalance can interfere with nutrient absorption and trigger symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss.

How Testing Confirms SIBO

The most reliable method to diagnose SIBO is the SIBO breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane gas levels produced by bacteria after the patient drinks a sugar solution.

There are two main types of breath tests:

Lactulose Breath Test (LBT)

Glucose Breath Test (GBT)

These non-invasive tests track gas output over several hours and help classify the type of SIBO (hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or both), which guides treatment protocols.

Without accurate testing, SIBO may be misdiagnosed as IBS or overlooked entirely, leading to prolonged discomfort and inadequate treatment.

Food Sensitivities: The Hidden Gut Saboteurs

What are Food Sensitivities?

Unlike food allergies, which cause immediate and sometimes severe reactions, food sensitivities trigger delayed immune responses that can be difficult to detect. They often lead to bloating, fatigue, skin issues, brain fog, joint pain, and low mood—symptoms that many people don’t associate with diet.

How Testing Detects Sensitivities

Food sensitivity testing typically involves:

IgG and IgA antibody testing: Detects immune responses to specific foods.

Zonulin testing: Measures intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which can exacerbate sensitivities.

Comprehensive stool analysis: Evaluates gut inflammation and mucosal immunity.

These tests help uncover hidden dietary triggers that are contributing to gut inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and ongoing symptoms. Once identified, these foods can be removed temporarily or permanently, allowing the gut to heal.

Types of Gut Diagnostic Tests Used by Specialists

At Levitas Gut Health, a variety of evidence-based gut diagnostic testing services are available to accurately assess and treat gut conditions:

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Measures gut microbiome composition, digestive enzyme levels, inflammation markers, parasites, yeast, and more.

SIBO Breath Testing

Identifies small intestinal bacterial overgrowth using hydrogen and methane levels.

Food Sensitivity Testing

Tests for IgG/IgA antibodies to common food groups and additives.

GI-MAP (DNA-based stool test)

Detects pathogens, H. pylori, viruses, bacteria, and intestinal health markers using advanced PCR technology.

Leaky Gut Testing

Zonulin and other markers to assess intestinal permeability.

Organic Acids Test (OAT)

Identifies overgrowths, nutrient deficiencies, and mitochondrial dysfunction through urine samples.

Each test is selected based on a detailed consultation and symptom review, ensuring a customised and targeted approach.

What to Expect from the Testing Process

The gut diagnostic process usually follows these steps:

1. Initial Consultation

A detailed health review is conducted to understand your symptoms, history, and lifestyle. Based on this, the right combination of tests is recommended.

2. Sample Collection

Most tests are done via home collection kits (stool, breath, or blood spot samples), making the process convenient and discreet.

3. Lab Analysis

Samples are sent to specialised laboratories that use advanced testing technology to deliver highly accurate results.

4. Report and Review

Your results are interpreted by experienced practitioners who provide a clear breakdown of findings.

5. Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on the results, a tailored plan is created, which may include dietary adjustments, targeted supplements, probiotics, antimicrobials, or lifestyle interventions.

The Power of Personalised Gut Health Care

No two guts are the same. What works for one person may not work for another. This is why generic treatments or elimination diets often fail to deliver long-term relief.

Gut diagnostic testing services take the guesswork out of healing by offering insights that are unique to your body. Whether you're struggling with IBS, SIBO, food sensitivities, or general digestive distress, accurate testing empowers both you and your practitioner to make informed, evidence-based decisions.

Providers like Levitas Gut Health specialise in this kind of precision care, blending functional medicine with cutting-edge diagnostics to offer sustainable gut healing strategies.

FAQs About Gut Diagnostic Testing Services

Q1: Are gut diagnostic tests safe and non-invasive?

Yes. Most tests involve stool, urine, breath, or saliva samples, all of which are non-invasive and safe for regular use. Many are done at home with easy-to-follow instructions.

Q2: How accurate are these tests?

When conducted through professional services like Levitas Gut Health, these tests use advanced lab techniques and are highly reliable. Results are interpreted by experts to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Q3: Can I order gut tests without seeing a specialist?

While some tests can be ordered directly, it’s strongly recommended to consult a gut health specialist first. This ensures the right tests are chosen, and results are interpreted within the correct clinical context.

Q4: Will my test results lead to a specific treatment plan?

Absolutely. Gut testing is most valuable when paired with a personalised plan. Results often guide dietary changes, supplement protocols, gut-healing strategies, and sometimes antimicrobial treatments.

Q5: How long does it take to see results after starting a treatment plan?

Depending on the condition and severity, many people begin to notice improvements within 4–8 weeks of starting a personalised gut plan. Chronic issues may take longer, but improvements are often progressive.

Conclusion

If you've been struggling with unexplained digestive symptoms, constant bloating, or ongoing discomfort that no diet seems to fix, it’s time to move beyond symptom-chasing. Gut diagnostic testing services provide the clarity and precision needed to identify the root causes of gut dysfunction—especially when it comes to IBS, SIBO, and food sensitivities.

By working with experienced professionals and undergoing targeted testing through trusted providers like Levitas Gut Health, you're taking a major step towards reclaiming your health, energy, and quality of life.

Don't keep guessing. Start testing—and start healing.