Understanding Stool Test Results: Parasites, Fat Absorption, and Pancreatic Health
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| Location of the pancreas |
I recently took a stool test to assess whether my dietary changes and supplements had improved my gut health. The results revealed several issues affecting my digestion, including residual parasites, fat absorption difficulties, and pancreatic function challenges. These findings offer valuable insight into my current gut health and provide a clear roadmap for managing and improving these areas.
Identifying the Parasites
Three main infections were addressed through treatment:
- Norovirus: This virus is now fully cleared, which is a significant milestone, as norovirus can lead to digestive disruption and inflammation.
- Indolemax nonna: This parasite was successfully eradicated, helping to reduce gut inflammation and improve nutrient absorption.
- Blastocystis: While this parasite is still present, it's showing signs of improvement. Blastocystis can contribute to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and gas, and its persistence can impact the gut microbiome and digestion. According to my functional medicine doctor, Dr. Chriss, “Blastocystis can be stubborn, but adjusting treatment to specifically target it should allow us to completely eliminate it over time.”
Fat Absorption and Steatocrit Levels
The stool test indicated elevated levels of steatocrit, which measures undigested fat in the stool and is a marker of fat malabsorption. High steatocrit levels suggest that my body isn’t efficiently breaking down or absorbing fats. This can lead to fatty, floating stools, a common symptom when the pancreas isn’t producing enough enzymes.
Dr. Chriss explained, “Steatocrit levels are an indicator that we need to focus on improving your body’s ability to digest fats. Often, inflammation from PUFA oils and residual parasites can interfere with fat absorption, which is crucial for nutrient uptake and digestive health.”
The Role of the Pancreas and Enzyme Production
The test also measured elastase 1, an enzyme marker reflecting pancreatic function. The pancreas produces enzymes that are essential for digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Low levels of elastase 1 indicate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, meaning the pancreas isn’t releasing enough enzymes for optimal digestion. My elastase 1 level has improved from a low of 54 to 141, yet it still hasn’t reached the optimal target of over 200, necessary for effective digestion.
Dr. Chriss emphasized the importance of supporting the pancreas in this phase: “Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency can impact nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies and digestive issues. By continuing enzyme support, we should see gradual improvement and, over time, restore pancreatic enzyme function.”
Action Plan for Digestive Health
To address these findings, we’ve developed a comprehensive plan focusing on eradicating the parasite, improving fat absorption, and supporting pancreatic function.
Anti-Parasitic Treatment: We’ll begin a new course of anti-parasitic treatment targeting Blastocystis, lasting about two months followed by a break. Once the treatment concludes, I’ll retest after a month to ensure accuracy. “For Blastocystis, waiting before retesting is key to avoid any false positives from lingering genetic material,” noted Dr. Chriss.
Dietary Adjustments for Fat Digestion: Since PUFA-rich oils can increase inflammation and exacerbate fat malabsorption, I’ll avoid nuts and foods roasted in vegetable oils, opting instead for whole-food fats like butter, ghee, and coconut oil. These fats are stable and anti-inflammatory, supporting digestion without overloading the digestive system.
Enzyme Supplementation: Continuing with enzyme supplements (Enzymix Pro) is crucial for supporting pancreatic function. The goal is to gradually increase enzyme output, giving the pancreas a chance to eventually manage fat digestion without supplements. “By aiding enzyme production with the right supplementation, we’re likely to see continued improvement, ultimately aiming for a time when your pancreas can work independently,” said Dr. Chriss.
Looking Forward
While the results highlight areas needing attention, they also point to significant progress, especially in terms of improved enzyme levels and the clearance of multiple infections. By adhering to the targeted treatment plan and dietary adjustments, I’m optimistic about restoring balance to my digestive system and achieving sustainable health improvements.
Note: I have been under the care of a functional medicine doctor to help manage my Type 2 diabetes through dietary changes. By eliminating inflammatory foods—such as grains, dairy, processed foods, and processed meats—I have lost 30 pounds and significantly reduced my A1C levels. For privacy, the doctor’s name has been changed in this story.
This article was created with the assistance of AI, which transcribed a recording of my interview and helped organize the information into this story.
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