A client I worked with had IBS symptoms.

Worked with a bunch of different people - doctors, naturopaths, health coaches, etc.

They ran breath testing that didn’t show any issues, but didn’t run any other testing.

Everything was based on symptoms that were present and best guesses as to what the underlying issues were since the breath test was all that was done.

For over a decade these symptoms persisted. Different supplements and diet restrictions were continuously recommended but nothing was providing lasting improvement.

Which makes sense considering the actual cause of the issues hadn’t been identified. It was just a game of trial and error until one of the guesses was right.

Which hadn’t happened yet.

So, this person suffered for a very long time.

When we started working together, one of the first things we did was run testing.

The symptoms they were experiencing could have been caused by a ton of different issues. Also, given the amount of time this had been going on for, it was unlikely that there was just one issue causing it all but rather several issues at this point.

We ran several tests looking at microbiome, immune function, micronutrients, etc. and found several issues.

Specifically, many nutrient deficiencies, high inflammation, intestinal permeability and dysbiosis.

After over a decade of dealing with these issues, in less than a year, the symptoms were gone.

They were able to go back to a normal life and not have to worry about what they’re eating, having to sprint to a bathroom, not being able to go out with friends, etc.

Why?

Because instead of guessing and shooting from the hip, we did testing and we found the cause of the issues. Which allowed us to understand exactly what needed to be done.

As I’ve said before, I don’t think testing is 100% necessary in every situation.

Minor issues that sprang up recently can often be traced back to the cause and generally speaking do not involve as many factors as health issues that have been going on for years.

But in situations where issues have been going on for a long time, there are usually several variables involved. Some of which you’re just not going to know with certainty or understand the extent of them without any testing at all.

Which I think is a big reason why so many people struggle with issues for so long despite trying 20 different supplements and every possible diet variation practitioners can think of.

If you're in a similar situation and feel like you've just been shooting from the hip with any real progress, looking into testing might help.

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- Nick
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