Question 1

Do you offer virtual consultations, or do I need to see you in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I offer virtual consultations via Zoom. An entire nutrition program can be done virtually. Thanks technology!

Question 2

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I know not everyone is made of money and not all of us can afford to spend bank on our health. For that reason, I offer payment plans for those who are interested in them.

Question 3

Do you offer meal plans or specific diet recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Some clients benefit from specific diets for a short period of time to allow gut healing to occur. We believe that all foods should be part of the diet unless there is a known allergy, intolerance or reaction to that food.

While we offer nutrient dense recipes and guidelines for meal planning, we empower our clients to create their own meal plans based on their bio-individuality and unique needs. However, we do offer ideas and guidelines for creating meal plans.

Question 4

Can you requisition blood work?

Accepted Answer

No. Absolutely not. Under Canadian law I am not authorized to make blood requisitions. However, I am able to interpret lab work ordered by your primary care physician.

Question 5

How long does it take to see results from your programs?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the program and the person. Some people can see a transformative result within 3 months when they stick to their protocol, while others it may take longer. This all depends on adherence to the protocol, life circumstances, bio-individuality and the comprehensiveness of the program itself. Each case is different.

Question 6

Can I work with you if I’m already seeing a doctor or other health practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I think it's great when we have a team of people who can work collaboratively together on helping you achieve your health goals.

Question 7

How do I know if functional lab testing is right for me?

Accepted Answer

This is usually determined together. Upon hearing about your symptoms and history, this can give me a good understanding if this is necessary or not. Some like to order the test for peace of mind and to know exactly whats going on, or for maintenance, but it's not always necessary.

Question 8

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

To book a consultation, you must first book a Clarity Call with me. This will allow me to see if I can help you and the direction we would like to go in terms of packages.

Question 9

What payment options do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept credit cards and etransfers, or through Stripe or Paypal.

Question 10

Do you take insurance or HSA/FSA payments?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not at this time! This is something we are working on!

Question 11

What is a GI MAP test?

Accepted Answer

GI MAP stands for Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus. It's a comprehensive stool test that gives us a detailed look at what's happening inside your gut — from the bacteria, viruses, and parasites living there, to how well your gut is functioning overall.
 
Unlike a basic stool test your GP might order, the GI MAP uses a technology called quantitative PCR (qPCR) — think of it as a highly sensitive detection system that can identify and measure specific organisms in your gut with a much higher degree of accuracy than traditional lab methods.
In simple terms: it tells us exactly what's living in your gut, how much of it is there, and whether it's causing problems.

Question 12

How is the GI MAP test different from a standard stool test my doctor orders?

Accepted Answer

Great question — and an important one.
 
A standard stool test from your GP is typically ordered to rule out a specific infection or look for blood. It uses older technology (culture-based methods) that can only detect organisms that grow well in a lab environment — which means many microbes are missed entirely.

The GI MAP is fundamentally different:

The bottom line: Your GP's test is designed to find emergencies. The GI MAP is designed to find the root cause of chronic, ongoing symptoms.

Question 13

What does the GI MAP actually test for?

Accepted Answer

The GI MAP looks at a wide range of markers across several categories:

Pathogens (things that shouldn't be there)
Bacterial pathogens — including H. pylori, C. difficile, Salmonella, E. coli strains, and more
Parasites — including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and others
Worms/helminths
Viral markers — including Norovirus and Adenovirus

Opportunistic organisms (things that are okay in small amounts, but problematic in excess)
Bacteria and fungi that can overgrow when the gut is out of balance

Normal/beneficial bacteria (your "good guys")
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and other commensal organisms that support digestion and immunity

Gut function markers
Elastase-1 — measures how well your pancreas is making digestive enzymes
Steatocrit — measures fat absorption
Calprotectin — flags gut inflammation
Secretory IgA — shows how strong your gut immune defence is
Anti-gliadin IgA — a marker for gluten sensitivity
Beta-glucuronidase — linked to oestrogen metabolism and detoxification

The GI MAP doesn't just look for "bad bugs." It gives us a full picture of your gut environment, what's there, what's missing, and how well your gut is actually working.

Question 14

What results are considered concerning?

Accepted Answer

Not everything flagged on a GI MAP is cause for alarm — context matters enormously. That said, here are the markers that typically prompt the most attention:

High concern:
H. pylori — especially with virulence factors present (this tells us how aggressive the strain is)
Pathogenic E. coli strains (e.g., EPEC, ETEC, STEC)
C. difficile toxins A/B
Parasites like Giardia or Cryptosporidium
High calprotectin — suggests active gut inflammation

Moderate concern / worth addressing:
Low or absent Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium
Elevated opportunistic bacteria (e.g., Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas)
Low elastase-1 — suggests poor digestive enzyme output
Very low secretory IgA — suggests a weakened gut immune barrier
Elevated beta-glucuronidase — can affect hormone clearance

Results are always reviewed in the context of your symptoms, history, and health goals. A single out-of-range marker rarely tells the whole story — we look at the full picture together.

After your results are reviewed, your personalized protocol is built, linking each finding to specific dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations.

Question 15

Who should get a GI MAP test?

Accepted Answer

The GI MAP is a good fit for anyone who suspects their gut health is playing a role in how they feel — whether that's digestive symptoms or seemingly unrelated issues.

It's commonly recommended for people experiencing:
Bloating, gas, or distension that doesn't resolve
Constipation, diarrhoea, or unpredictable bowel habits
IBS or IBD diagnosis (or suspected)
Reflux, heartburn, or nausea
Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne
Mood issues, brain fog, or anxiety
Recurring infections or a sense that immunity is low
Hormonal imbalances (especially oestrogen dominance)
History of food poisoning or travel sickness
Autoimmune conditions
A desire to understand their gut health proactively, even without obvious symptoms

Question 16

Is GI MAP Right for Me?

Accepted Answer

Use this checklist to get a quick sense of whether this test makes sense for you right now.

GI MAP is likely a great fit if you:
 Have had digestive symptoms (bloating, irregular bowels, reflux, nausea) for more than 4 weeks
 Have been told you have IBS but don't feel you have a clear cause or solution
 Are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, or mood issues that haven't responded to other interventions
 Have a history of gut infections, food poisoning, or antibiotic use
 Are dealing with skin, hormonal, or immune challenges and suspect gut involvement
 Want data-driven answers rather than trial-and-error supplementation
 Are ready to act on your results with a clear plan

GI MAP may not be the right first step if you:
 Are currently taking antibiotics or antifungals (wait at least 2–4 weeks after finishing before testing)
 Have used a colon prep or laxative within the past week
 Are experiencing symptoms that need urgent medical attention (e.g., blood in stool, severe pain, unexplained weight loss — please see your GP first)
 Are not yet ready or able to make dietary or lifestyle changes — the test is most valuable when you're in a position to act on the results

Book a free 15-minute discovery call and we'll help you decide whether GI MAP is the right next step, or whether another test would serve you better first.

Question 17

How do I collect the sample?

Accepted Answer

We promise — it's much simpler than it sounds.

When you order your GI MAP test, a test kit is mailed directly to your home. Inside, you'll find a sample collection tube, a collection device (a small catch tray that sits in your toilet), clear printed instructions, a biohazard bag for the sample, and a prepaid return shipping label.

Here's the process, step by step:
 
Arrange the collection tray over your toilet bowl before going to the bathroom
Collect a small stool sample using the collection swab included in the kit
Place the swab into the sample tube and seal it securely
Package everything into the biohazard bag, then into the return box
Post it back using the prepaid label — ideally on the same day or the next morning. Always check with your local post office to make sure the shipment goes out that day! Most places ship before 2pm so having it dropped off early in the morning is best practice.

Tips for a smooth collection:

Avoid collecting during menstruation if possible
Don't let the sample come into contact with toilet water or urine
Don't use a laxative, colonoscopy prep, or barium within 7 days of collection
Wait at least 2–4 weeks after any antibiotic or antifungal use before testing

Most clients tell us the process is far less daunting than they expected!

Question 18

How long does it take to get results?

Accepted Answer

Once your sample is received by the lab, you can expect results within 10–14 business days.
 
Here's a rough timeline from start to finish:

Day 1       → Kit arrives at your home 
Day 2–7     → You collect and post your sample 
Day 8–10    → Lab receives sample and begins analysis 
Day 18–24   → Results returned to your practitioner 
Day 21–28   → Results review consultation with you

Total time from ordering to having a clear plan in hand: approximately 3–4 weeks.

You'll be notified as soon as your results are in, and we'll book your results review appointment at that point.

Question 19

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Getting your results is just the beginning — the real value is in what we do with them.

Here's what to expect:
 
Results Review Consultation — We go through your report together, in plain language. You'll understand exactly what each finding means for you — no confusing medical jargon, no information overload.
Personalised Protocol — Based on your results, symptoms, and health goals, we build a clear action plan. This includes dietary adjustments, targeted supplement recommendations, and lifestyle guidance — all delivered through our structured protocol format so nothing feels overwhelming.
Supplement Recommendations — Where relevant, supplements are recommended with specific rationale linked to your results. You'll always understand why something is being recommended, not just what to take.
Follow-up Support — You don't go through this alone. We check in as you implement your protocol, and retesting (usually at 3–6 months) can confirm that what we've done is working.

Your protocol is structured based on your result, and supplement guidance draws from our evidence based supplement bank — so your plan is always evidence-informed and clearly explained.

Question 20

How much does the GI MAP test cost?

Accepted Answer

The GI MAP is an investment in understanding your health at a foundational level. Here's a transparent breakdown:

Standard GI MAP Test → $359 USD (~$485–$505 CAD)
GI MAP Test with Zonulin Add On → ~$395 USD (~$535–$555 CAD)

We recommend the Restore package for all new clients. Receiving results without a professional review can be confusing and sometimes unnecessarily alarming — context is everything.

Question 21

Is the GI MAP covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, functional lab testing is not covered by standard UK health insurance — this includes the GI MAP.

A few things worth knowing:
 
Some private health insurance policies with complementary or functional medicine coverage may offer partial reimbursement — it's worth checking your policy details
If you are seeing us through a health cash plan (e.g., Simplyhealth, Bupa Cash Plan), some plans cover a portion of specialist consultations
The GI MAP itself is classified as a private functional test and is not available through the NHS

We're happy to provide an itemised receipt for insurance purposes if needed — just let us know.

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