A Case Report on a Functional GI Testing Protocol in a 35-Year-Old Female with Gastrointestinal and Joint Discomfort

Explore how functional GI testing and comprehensive stool analysis guided a personalized protocol for gastrointestinal symptoms and joint discomfort. CASI Editorial Team May 07, 2026 Gastrointestinal distress can manifest in an array of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and reflux. For many, these symptoms can be debilitating, affecting daily activities, food choices, and overall quality of life. According to a recent survey, 61% of Americans reported experiencing at least one GI symptom in the past week, and diagnoses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common, affecting an estimated 6.1% of adults. Despite how common gastrointestinal symptoms are, many people struggle to find lasting relief. Among patients on prescribed therapy for GI conditions, more than half report dissatisfaction, highlighting a clear need for approaches that go beyond symptom management to address the root cause. While musculoskeletal pain and gastrointestinal distress are often treated as separate conditions, emerging research suggests the two may be more closely connected than previously thought. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been shown to inf...