Athletic Performance + Associated Metabolites

Bloating

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)
Indole-3-lactic acid (ILA)
Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA)
3-methylxanthine (3MX)

Constipation

Serotonin (SER)
3-methylxanthine (3MX)

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA)

Runner’s Gut

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)
Indole-3-lactic acid (ILA)
Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA)
Serotonin (SER)

Sleep

Serotonin (SER)
Tryptophan (TRP)
3-methylxanthine (3MX)
Uric Acid (UA)

Energy Levels

Tryptophan (TRP)
Kynurenine (KYN)
Total Indoxyl Sulfate (IDS)

Fatigue, Soreness, Inflammation

Uric Acid (UA)
Xanthine (XAN)
Kynurenine (KYN)
Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA)

Physical, Mental, Emotional Stress

Xanthine (XAN)
3-Methylxanthine (3MX)
Uric Acid (UA)
Total Indoxyl Sulfate (IDS)
Kynurenine (KYN)

Ixcela Personalized Solutions

Personalized Solutions for Athletic Performance

No two plans are the same! In addition to customizing plans based on test results, our dietitians often make tweaks for our athletes such as:

  • Modifying race nutrition based on symptoms and testing results
  • Recommending carb-loading plans two to three days before racing
  • Removing foods you dislike or are sensitive to
  • Suggesting post-workout snacks and drinks
  • Adjusting supplement routine and dosages
  • Offering creative hydration practices
  • Offering caffeine alternatives for energy
  • Providing sleep recommendations to increase the quality and quantity of sleep
  • Identifying which restorative practices feel most doable

Case Studies

Primary Symptom: Post Race Recovery

As a professional triathlete, four-time Ironman Champion, and seven-time 70.3 Champion, Sarah Piampiano would retain 20 pounds of fluid after racing an Ironman event and need four to six weeks to feel fully recovered. She also experienced chronic bloating, cramping, constipation, and inflammation.

Her Ixcela test results revealed:

  • Indole-3-propionic acid below optimal
  • Serotonin below optimal
  • Xanthine above optimal
  • Total indoxyl sulfate below optimal
  • Tryptophan below optimal
  • Uric acid trending below optimal

After following her Ixcela plan for 90 days, Sarah experienced the following:

  • 50% decrease in recovery time
  • 75% decrease in retained water weight
  • 250% increase in days with normal bowel movements
  • 60% decrease in wakeful nights

Primary Symptom: Runner’s Gut

Two months before her third Ironman, Rylee came to Ixcela hoping to improve her post-race recovery time—and to reduce her frequent Porta-Potty stops while training and racing.

Her Ixcela test results revealed:

  • Serotonin below optimal
  • Indole-3-propionic acid below optimal
  • Indole-3-acetic acid below optimal
  • Uric acid trending below optimal
  • Tryptophan above optimal
  • Xanthine above optimal

After following her Ixcela plan for 90 days, Rylee experienced the following:

  • 9 fewer bathroom stops during her Ironman race
  • 87% decrease in recovery time

Primary Symptom: Race Time

Hayden, a pediatric medical resident in his 30s, struggled with daily stomach issues for years. He experienced GI discomfort while training for an Ironman 70.3 and for days following intense training and racing.

His Ixcela test results revealed:

  • Xanthine above optimal
  • 3-methylxanthine above optimal

After following his Ixcela plan for 90 days, Hayden experienced the following:

  • ~10-minute faster half-Ironman time
  • 71% decrease in post-race recovery time
  • 77% fewer days with GI distress
  • 23% increase in sleep per night

Inside the Gut of a Champion: Sarah Piampiano’s Ixcela Experience

Professional triathlete, 4x Ironman Champion, and 7x 70.3 Champion, Sarah Piampiano suffered from symptoms related to IBS, constipation, night sweats, disrupted sleep, and general fatigue.

FAQ

Ixcela has helped pro athletes as well as age groupers to push their bodies and achieve their best. Ixcela has also worked with Olympians and professional athletes in the NFL, NHL, and MLB, as well as pros who race Ironman, triathlon, ultramarathons, marathoners, and Tour de France events. View specific case studies from:

Runners

Triathletes

  • Chelsea Sodaro, 2022 Ironman World Champion, 5x Ironman 70.3 Champ, 2x USATF National Champion
  • Sarah True, 2x US Olympian, 2x Ironman 70.3 Champion
  • Sam Long, 2x Ironman Champion, 5x Ironman 70.3 Champion
  • Ben Hoffman, 8x Ironman Champion
  • Sarah Piampiano, 4x Ironman Champion, 6x Ironman 70.3 Champion
  • Ben Kanute, Olympian, 3x National Champion
  • Carolyn Carter, Professional Triathlete

Athletes who come to Ixcela are usually searching for one of three things:

  1. Alleviate bloating, cramping, diarrhea, or nausea during athletic performance
  2. Gain clarity about which race fueling they should use for their body and the best nutrition outside of racing
  3. Reduce inflammation and recovery time after intense workouts and racing

Our performance dietitians use the results from your Ixcela test to guide your nutrition, supplement, and recovery strategies to maximize your training efforts. Find out if Ixcela is a good fit for you by scheduling a free 15-minute consult with one of our registered dietitians.

No. While Ixcela’s premium-grade supplements are not NSF certified, they contain no harmful fillers and are produced at an FDA-registered, GMP-compliant facility.

Ixcela results include a list of recommended supplements based on your metabolite levels. While Ixcela recommends using our high-quality, lab-tested supplements, you can substitute them with supplements from your favorite brand.

View our supplement line.

At Ixcela, protocols are based on testing results—everyone does NOT get the same plan. Your Ixcela performance dietitian will factor in your Ixcela data, preferences, symptoms, goals, training regimen, and what you have the capacity to do. Our goal is to help you feel better by getting creative on nutrition and lifestyle shifts that feel realistic for you.

Examples:

  • Rylee was too busy to cook and couldn’t pull back on the intensity of her Ironman training. Her Ixcela dietitian helped her identify take-out dinner options that were rich in the nutrients she needed for sustained performance.
  • Robbie is a vegan and needed to find other ways to get more protein in his diet based on his testing results. His Ixcela dietitian was able to identify options he felt good about incorporating each day.

Ixcela has helped many people alleviate symptoms of bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. While we may not be able to alleviate all symptoms, on average, athletes who come to Ixcela experience 72% fewer instances of GI issues after working with one of our registered dietitians for 90 days.

No. Food sensitivities are often a symptom of a damaged or imbalanced gut. Ixcela testing and guidance from one of our registered dietitians will help you understand what may be the culprit behind symptoms related to food sensitivities.

No. Insurance does not cover Ixcela programs. If you have questions about FSA/HSA reimbursement eligibility, please speak to your doctor.

More questions? Check out our complete FAQ list.

“Ixcela has been an incredible resource for me as I’ve taken on the full-distance Ironman this year. The at-home blood test is easy and convenient. Even though I compete at the highest level of my sport, my results show that my health needs some work! I was surprised to realize how much life and training stress can impact the gut microbiome. Ixcela’s registered dietitian helped me to understand my test results and also showed me some small lifestyle and diet tweaks that could make a big impact. I’d recommend Ixcela to any athlete looking to take their health and performance to the next level.”

CHELSEA SODARO, 2022 IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPION, Kickstart Assessment Program


Health Issues Ixcela Can Help

Bloating and
GI Issues

Reduce bloating, decrease cramping, alleviate constipation, reduce diarrhea, alleviate acid reflux

View Case Studies

Pain and Inflammation

Reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve recovery time, reduce risk of injuries

View Case Studies

Stress and Anxiety

Address mood swings, reduce stress, ditch burnout, end wired-but-tired cycles, improve mental clarity

View Case Studies

Low Energy
and Fatigue

Improve energy, reduce fatigue, boost motivation, increase stamina, tackle brain fog

View Case Studies

Chronic Conditions

Support hormones, improve autoimmune symptoms, reduce high cholesterol, improve sleep

View Case Studies

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