Consult a gastroenterologist for persistent symptoms

What to Do

See a board-certified gastroenterologist if you have digestive symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks, unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, or a family history of GI diseases. Skip the commercial tests and go straight to evidence-based diagnostics.

Why It Works

Gastroenterologists have access to validated tools — endoscopy, colonoscopy, validated blood panels, imaging, and biopsy — that can definitively diagnose conditions. Commercial microbiome tests cannot replace this diagnostic pathway and may delay proper treatment.

Tips

• Keep a symptom diary (foods, timing, severity) for 2 weeks before your appointment
• Red flags requiring urgent evaluation: blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, unintended weight loss, difficulty swallowing
• Ask your primary care doctor for a referral if needed for insurance coverage
• A good GI workup is more valuable than any number of commercial tests