Podcast Summary: Dr. 50 Something

S2 E2: The GI Map Revolution: Healing Root Causes Starts with a Hershey's Kiss

Host: Nicole Norris, MD
Release Date: November 14, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Norris delves into the transformative potential of the GI Map (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test, a state-of-the-art stool analysis utilized in her functional and preventative medicine practice. She shares real-world patient cases and practical advice, explaining how this test uncovers root causes of chronic symptoms—ranging from digestive issues to skin conditions and autoimmune disorders. The episode emphasizes proactive health management in midlife and beyond, showcasing the GI Map as a “window into your soul” for optimal health and longevity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to GI Map Testing

• [01:35] Dr. Norris introduces the GI Map, highlighting its simplicity and privacy—a stool sample "the size of a Hershey’s Kiss" shipped via FedEx.
• The test uses PCR technology to comprehensively analyze bacteria, parasites, fungi, digestive markers, and more, offering an eight-page report per patient.
• Quote:
  • "Yes, we just need a Hershey's Kiss size amount of your stool to do this test." – Dr. Nicole Norris [02:05]
  • "...this report is a window into your soul." [03:20]

2. Who Should Consider a GI Map?

• [05:00] Broad criteria:
  • Chronic GI symptoms: constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn, food sensitivities.
  • Persistent skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, unexplained hives.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto's, RA, lupus, type 1 diabetes.
  • Weight loss resistance during body composition programs (often linked to low Akkermansia bacteria).
  • Anyone aiming to optimize longevity and healthspan.
• Quote:
  • "Your skin mirrors your gut health." [09:40]
  • "All of us, with optimized hormones and a newfound zest for life, want to maximize our health span, not just our lifespan." [12:40]

3. Step-by-Step GI Map Report Exploration

a. Pathogens

• [14:00] Looks for rare but serious “bad guys” (bacteria, parasites, viruses).
  • Example: Treating an 18-year-old's parasite resolved years-long body acne.

b. Helicobacter pylori

• [16:00] Half of GI Maps show presence to some degree.
  • Evaluates both existence and virulence.
  • Virulent strains require antibiotics; non-virulent strains may respond to supplements.
  • Can cause GI issues, allergies, acne; is transmissible via saliva or shared utensils.
  • "It is even important to get a new toothbrush once we have treated H. Pylori." [19:40]
  • "Now back in my family practice office days I would have never considered treating bacteria with a supplement, but my eyes have been opened since I started my training on GI MAP." [21:00]

c. Good vs. Opportunistic Bacteria (Commensals and Overgrowths)

• [24:00] Commensals support immune, metabolic, and mental health.
  • Not all probiotics are created equal; GI Map allows for tailored recommendations.
  • Processed foods feed bad bacteria, while Mediterranean-style diets promote good bacteria.

d. Fungal Overgrowth (Yeast, Candida)

• [27:40] Detected yeast (often Candida) can lead to bloating, acne, and yeast infections, especially in females.
  • Typically treated with prescription antifungals.

e. Parasites

• [29:30] Can present with unusual symptoms: joint pain, headaches, bruxism.
  • Acquired from contaminated water, animals, or travel.
  • Require prescription or supplement-based treatment, always followed by retesting.

f. Intestinal Health Markers

• [31:30]
  • Steatocrit: Fat in stool, relates to gallbladder health.
  • Elastase-1: Digestive enzyme sufficiency.
  • Beta glucuronidase: Indicates liver detox needs.
  • Calprotectin: Gut inflammation.
  • Blood: Microscopic blood may signify need for colonoscopy.
  • "If there is microscopic blood in the stool that is not normal and may require further workup such as a colonoscopy." [33:20]

g. Immune Function Markers

• [35:00]
  • Secretory IgA: Overall gut-immune health—high = overactive (autoimmunity, sensitivities), low = underactive (vulnerable to infections).
  • Anti-gliadin IgA: Gluten sensitivity detection.
  • Gluten Peptide & Zonulin (Add-Ons): Fine-tune celiac monitoring and leaky gut detection.
  • "Patients who have a high secretory IgA often have an over responsive immune system and are at risk for autoimmune disorders." [36:15]

4. Food Sensitivities vs. Food Allergies

• [37:40]
  • Clear distinction: Allergies involve IgE (dangerous, rapid reactions); sensitivities involve IgG4 (less acute, gut-driven).
  • Most common sensitivities: eggs, dairy, gluten.
  • Dr. Norris prefers to balance gut microbiome first, as this often resolves sensitivities naturally, delaying blood-based food sensitivity testing.
  • Healing leaky gut often allows reintroduction of problematic foods over time.
  • "Notice I did not say allergy. There is a difference between allergy to food and sensitivity to food." [39:45]
  • "Food sensitivity reactions can be treated by stopping the offending foods for several months and simultaneously working on healing the lining of the gut." [41:20]

5. Practical Application & Resources

• [45:00]
  • The food sensitivity report helps patients avoid top irritants and includes allowed foods to help with meal planning.
  • The practice offers supplemental resources and nutrition coaching for patients struggling with dietary adjustments.

6. Historical Perspective & Empowerment

• [47:30]
  • Dr. Norris invokes Hippocrates: "All disease begins in the gut."
  • Expresses amazement that modern medicine is only now catching up: "It boggles my mind that only now in the 21st century AD are we offering our most health conscious patients [these insights]." [48:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We should not settle with growing old gracefully or letting nature take its course. How we age directly affects our confidence, which impacts all of our relationships..." – Dr. Nicole Norris [00:50]
• "This report is a window into your soul." [03:20]
• "The gut and the skin are twins. One lives inside and one lives outside your body." [09:30]
• "I guarantee when I look at your GI map, I will be able to tell you a few important things that you are missing on your quest to have the best possible healthspan." [12:20]
• "There is not one probiotic for all the species—think of them like food for the animals at the zoo." [24:30]
• "Hippocrates...said all disease begins in the gut. We have known this for a very long time, and it boggles my mind that only now...are we offering our most health conscious patients [these insights]." [47:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:35 – 03:20: Introduction to GI Map & “window into your soul” analogy
• 05:00 – 13:00: Who should get tested; importance for GI, skin, autoimmune, weight, and longevity
• 14:00 – 34:00: Test walkthrough—pathogens, H. pylori, good vs. bad bacteria, yeast, parasites, digestive markers, inflammation, and blood
• 35:00 – 39:45: Immune markers, gluten sensitivity, leaky gut
• 40:00 – 47:00: Food sensitivities vs. allergies, practical test implications
• 47:30 – 48:00: Historical context, Hippocrates quote, modern medicine’s gap

Final Takeaways

Dr. Norris demystifies the GI Map and its potential to transform health by targeting root causes, not just symptoms. She challenges listeners to become proactive about their gut health as a foundation for energy, resilience, and graceful, vibrant aging. The episode combines science, wit, and approachable advice, making a compelling case for regular gut health checkups as part of lifelong wellness.

Resources mentioned:

• Nutrition coaching (in practice)
• Mediterranean diet
• GI Map and food sensitivity testing (practice-specific offering)

If you want to maximize your healthspan—and not just extend your years—your gut may hold all the answers.