8 Essential Intestinal Health Markers You Need to Know

Jannika is a Functional Nutrition Counselor specializing in gut health and chronic digestive issues like bloating, constipation, IBS, SIBO, and IBD. Through personalized, holistic care and functional lab testing, she helps women take control of their health and overcome debilitating symptoms once and for all.

If you’re dealing with chronic digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, or even skin issues, chances are your gut is trying to tell you something. Your gut microbiome is like an entire ecosystem working behind the scenes, and when it’s out of balance, it shows up in ways that disrupt life. 

That is why testing the environment within your gut is the first and most essential step. Without understanding what’s happening on a deeper level, you’re left throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks. 

Functional lab testing takes the guesswork out of the equation, offering insights you won’t get from standard doctor-ordered labs. Doctors often focus on diagnosing infections or chasing symptoms with meds: low level? Here’s something to bring it up. Infection? Here’s an antibiotic. While that approach might put out a fire in the short term, it doesn’t look at the bigger picture: your gut environment as a whole. 

With functional testing, we uncover the big red flags as well as the subtle imbalances that might be simmering under the surface, setting the stage for future problems. And instead of masking symptoms, lab testing helps you identify root causes so you can focus on creating a thriving gut environment that works for you long term.

By analyzing key intestinal markers, you can gain valuable insights into the state of your gut microbiome, digestion, immune function and inflammation. Let’s dive into what these markers tell you and why they matter.

1. Elastase-1: The Digestive Enzyme Indicator

Elastase-1 is a pancreatic enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins. Think of it as a measure of how well your pancreas is supporting digestion.

• What it tells you: Low levels indicate potential issues with stomach acid, as sufficient acid levels stimulate enzyme production. Low elastase can point to suppressed pancreatic function, inflammation, or even malabsorption issues. Diets low in animal protein (like vegan diets) can also play a role.

• Why it matters: Without adequate pancreatic enzyme production, your body struggles to absorb nutrients properly, leading to bloating, fatigue, and other digestive discomforts.

2. Steatocrit: Fat Absorption Check

This marker measures how much undigested fat is in your stool, providing insights into fat digestion and absorption.

• What it tells you: If more than 5% of your stool is undigested fat, it may signal pancreatic insufficiency, bile salt issues, or conditions like celiac disease or malabsorption.

• Why it matters: Proper fat absorption is crucial for nutrient intake, including fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. High steatocrit levels can explain fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and poor energy levels.

3. Secretory IgA: Your Gut’s Immune Shield

Secretory IgA (SIgA) is your gut’s first line of defense against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

• What it tells you: Low levels suggest a weakened immune response, possibly from chronic stress, protein malnutrition, or ongoing exposure to food sensitivities. High levels, on the other hand, may indicate an acute infection or immune activation.

• Why it matters: SIgA helps maintain a healthy balance in your gut and prevents pathogens from crossing the intestinal barrier. Chronic dysbiosis or low SIgA can leave you more vulnerable to infections and inflammation.

4. Anti-Gliadin IgA: Gluten Sensitivity Marker

This marker reveals if your body is reacting to gliadin, a component of gluten.

• What it tells you: Elevated levels often indicate a localized immune response to gluten, which may point to gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. However, a negative result doesn’t necessarily rule out gluten-related issues.

• Why it matters: Gluten sensitivity can trigger symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog. Understanding this marker helps identify potential dietary triggers and manage sensitivities.

5. Beta-Glucuronidase: The Detox Helper

This enzyme plays a role in breaking down toxins and used hormones, making it an important marker for detoxification.

• What it tells you: Elevated levels are associated with bacterial overgrowth, liver congestion, and even estrogen dominance, which can exacerbate PMS, mood swings, and fatigue.

• Why it matters: High beta-glucuronidase levels can signal that your body’s detox pathways are overwhelmed, potentially contributing to hormone imbalances and systemic inflammation.

6. Occult Blood: The Colon Bleeding Alarm

Occult blood tests detect hidden blood in the stool, which can signal intestinal issues.

• What it tells you: Low levels might suggest hemorrhoids or anal fissures, while high levels may indicate polyps, diverticulitis, IBD or even colorectal cancer.

• Why it matters: Detecting blood early can prevent serious complications. Elevated occult blood levels should always be referred to a specialist for further investigation.

7. Calprotectin: The Inflammation Marker

Calprotectin measures inflammation in the intestines, offering a reliable gauge for conditions like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

• What it tells you: High levels often signal gut inflammation, which can stem from infections, food sensitivities, or chronic diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

• Why it matters: Chronic gut inflammation can lead to leaky gut, systemic inflammation, and worsening symptoms. Managing inflammation is key to restoring gut health.

8. Eosinophil Activation Protein: Allergic and Parasitic Response

Eosinophil Activation Protein (EAP) sheds light on allergic reactions and parasitic activity in the gut.

• What it tells you: Elevated levels indicate an immune response to allergens or parasites. Chronic elevations might be tied to food sensitivities or environmental allergens.

• Why it matters: Understanding EAP can help identify triggers behind unexplained symptoms like itching, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.

When it comes to gut healing, my philosophy is simple: lasting wellness begins when you identify and address underlying dysfunction. All eight of these health markers are included in my favorite stool test, the GI MAP, a powerful tool that uncovers imbalances, infections, and hidden stressors in the gut. By analyzing these markers, we gain a deeper understanding of your gut health, tackle problem areas, and create a targeted plan to support healing.

If you’re dealing with digestive symptoms or want to better understand your gut microbiome, these insights can be transformative. My gut healing program focuses on uncovering hidden imbalances through functional lab testing, personalized nutrition, mindset work, targeted gut support, and lifestyle changes that stick.

Book a free discovery call with me here, and let’s chat about how we can get you feeling your best from the inside out.