Here’s everything you need to know about when to stop taking supplements and medications before your Gut Health Test.
Before taking a stool test, it’s important to prepare properly to ensure you get the most accurate results.
We suggest the following guidelines to prepare for your Gut Health Test, but it’s important to check with your GP or healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescribed medications.
Please do not make any changes to your medications without discussing with a doctor first.
Medications
Antibiotics
We recommend not using antibiotics for 4 weeks before testing.
Motility medications
There are various types of motility medications, such as erythromycin.
We recommend not using these for 4 weeks before testing.
Antihelminthic
Antihelminthic medications include ivermectin and mebendazole.
We recommend not using these for 4 weeks before testing.
Antifungal medications
Antifungals include fluconazole, nystatin and amphotericin.
We recommend not using these for 4 weeks before testing.
Antiprotozoal
There are different kinds of antiprotozoals, including atorvaquone, aetronidazole and hydroxychloroquine.
We recommend not using these for 4 weeks before testing.
Alginate antacids
These types of antacids include Gaviscon and Peptac.
We recommend not to use these for 1 week before your stool test.
Aluminium and magnesium antacids
These types of antacids include Rennie and Gaviscon.
We recommend not using these for 3 to 7 days before testing.
Bulk-forming laxatives
These types of laxative include Fybogel.
We recommend not to use these for 3 to 7 days before testing.
Osmotic laxatives
These laxatives include Lactulose and Movicol.
We recommend not using these for 3 to 7 days before testing.
Stimulant laxatives
These types of laxative include Senna, Bisacodyl and Dulcolax.
We recommend not using these for 3 to 7 days before testing.
Promotility medications
These medications include domperidone and metoclopramide.
We recommend not using these for 3 days before testing.
Supplements
Antimicrobials
We recommend not using these for 4 weeks before testing.
Manuka honey
We recommend not using this for 1 week before testing.
CBD/Cannabis oil
We recommend not using this for 1 week before testing.
Slippery elm
We recommend not using this for 3 days before testing.
Prokinetic
Including the supplement Motilpro.
We recommend not using this for 3 days before testing.
Aloe vera
We recommend not using this for 3 days before testing.
Probiotics
These do not include food sources, for example, kefir, kimchi.
We recommend not using probiotics for 3 days before testing.
Glutamine
We recommend not using this for 2 days before testing.
Digestive enzymes
We recommend not using this for 24 hours before testing.
Colonoscopies
If you have recently had a colonoscopy, we recommend you wait at least 4 weeks before your stool test.
If you have any questions about your medication ahead of your Gut Health Test, please get in touch with your GP or healthcare practitioner.
If you have any questions about supplements ahead of your Gut Health Test, please contact us.