Q: I was finally able to find an alternative doctor not too far from where I live. I made an appointment and his office sent me lots of paperwork to read over before I go in for my exam. One of the tests he routinely runs is something called an indican test. The papers didn’t go into much detail about it, so I’m wondering if you have any more information about what this test is for?
JVW: An indican test helps to determine the presence of bacteria overgrowth in your system. Indican is a substance created when the essential amino acid tryptophan is fermented by bacteria in the bowel. More than a very small amount of indican indicates an overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria.
While indican evaluations have fallen out of fashion among mainstream medicine physicians, the test itself is easy, inexpensive, and one that everyone should have done.
If your indican test is positive, the first step is to decrease intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates — substances that encourage the growth of many types of unfriendly bowel microorganisms. (Of course, eliminating refined items from your diet entirely would be even better, but taking it one step at a time is fine.)
Probiotic supplements like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus can also help restore the normal balance of internal microflora in your body. These supplements are available in most natural food stores. The doctor who performs the urinary indican test for you will be able to offer you more specific information regarding treatment and dosage amounts of probiotics.
