What is the Gut Microbiome?

The Gut Microbiome: A Crucial Player in Health

With a staggering 40 trillion microorganisms residing within your gut, the gut microbiome represents a complex ecosystem of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses that plays a pivotal role in your overall health. Beyond the gut, you can also find microbiomes in other areas of the body, such as the skin and mouth.

The Significance of the Human Microbiome

The human gut microbiome holds great importance for our growth, immune function, and nutrient absorption. The microorganisms inhabiting our gut assist in digesting food, modulating the immune system, and synthesizing vitamins, making them vital for maintaining optimal health.

In recent times, the gut microbiome has emerged as a hot topic in health research, with gut bacteria being increasingly linked to various aspects of well-being. From affecting metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and weight management to influencing mood and mental health, the gut microbiome plays a significant role in diverse aspects of our lives. Additionally, it can even impact how individuals respond to certain medications.

Interestingly, each person's gut microbiome is unique and heavily influenced by the components of their diet. The micronutrients found in food act as the building blocks for specific microbiome functions. Consequently, given the unique nature of each individual's gut microbiome, the same food item can lead to the production of beneficial molecules in one person and harmful molecules in another.

Recognizing an Unhealthy Gut: Symptoms to Look Out For

An unbalanced gut can manifest itself in various ways. Symptoms like occasional diarrhea or constipation, gas, and bloating may indicate a gut microbiome that is not functioning optimally. These issues often arise when certain microbes outnumber others, resulting in the production of substances that may be detrimental to your digestive system or overall health.

How can I achieve a balanced microbiome?

To promote a balanced gut microbiome, it's crucial to consume foods that benefit both you and your microbes while avoiding those that encourage the growth of microbes producing inflammatory substances harmful to healthy digestion. Additionally, incorporating vitamins, food extracts, probiotics, and prebiotics tailored to your unique needs can effectively support your diet. The next step is to determine which foods to consume or avoid and the supplements to take. To do this, you can utilize a gut microbiome test.

How do I test my gut microbiome?

A specialized gut microbiome test requires you to submit a small stool sample and complete a brief questionnaire about your body and health. The sample is then processed to gather an abundance of information about your gut microbiome at the molecular level.

The test utilizes a proprietary metatranscriptomic sequencing technology, which enables the identification and analysis of every microorganism in your gut and their activity. This advanced testing method provides a comprehensive view of your gut microbiome health, including bacteria, archaea, yeast, fungi, and eukaryotes, as well as their functions and byproducts.

Can my gut microbiome change when I implement my recommendations?

Absolutely! Implementing the recommended dietary changes and supplements can lead to changes in your gut microbiome. Keep in mind that your gut microbiome constantly fluctuates depending on your diet and environmental factors, such as stress. The pace of these changes varies from person to person and depends on your unique microbiome and personal journey.

What are the differences between gut microbiome tests?

A basic gut microbiome test measures microbial gene expression and provides insights into gut health, along with personalized nutritional recommendations to address areas of concern. More advanced tests analyze not only microbial gene expression but also mitochondrial and human gene expression.

These comprehensive tests provide insights into cellular health, immune system health, stress response health, mitochondrial health, biological age, and over 30 additional sub-scores within these main health areas. Your food, supplement, probiotic, and prebiotic recommendations are based on these scores and a complete analysis of your profile.

How can I access my test results?

Your results can be easily accessed through a dedicated app, available for both iOS and Android platforms. Online access to your results is also available on the corresponding website.