Bile Acid Diarrhea: Understanding Testing and Underlying Cause

In this case review, Dr. Ilana Gurevich explores bile acid diarrhea and how to use the GI-MAP® to discover underlying causes and tailor individualized treatments. She explains the physiology of primary and secondary bile acid production and why patients may experience bile acid malabsorption.

The case review includes an overview of pertinent GI-MAP markers, including specific bacteria, steatocrit, and elastase-1. Dr. Gurevich highlights the utility of the steatocrit marker, particularly in comparison to other fecal fat measurement methods. Finally, treatment options for bile acid diarrhea are explored, including natural remedies and pharmaceutical therapies such as bile acid sequestrants.

This case review emphasizes the value of using the GI-MAP to identify the root causes of a patient’s symptoms. This targeted approach leads to more effective management of conditions like chronic diarrhea, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

[casieleighshepherd]

Curious to know how you know if the patient is even making any bile vs just malabsorption? If the patient had a gallbladder removed you would give bile but in the case they still have it you would use some of the natural treatments even if the patient isn’t having diarrhea? Thank you!