What is a Microbiome Test?
As we know our gut is so important to our overall health. Research has shown that there is strong links between your health and wellbeing to your gut microbiome. Our digestive system is responsible for converting food into simple nutrients, absorbing those nutrients, regulating hormones, regulate appetite excreting toxins and more. To maintain this overall health, a healthy gut microbiome with the right balance of good bugs is essential. A healthy gut microbiome will also protect you against harmful pathogens, as about 70% of your immune system is found in your gut.
Poor gut health is not only linked to gastrointestinal problems but may play a role in the prevention of some non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and autoimmune disorders.
A microbiome gut test is a stool analysis test which provides a comprehensive report of your individual microbiome, which gives you an insight into what it going on with your gut health.
Did you know that your gut bacteria environment is different to someone else's. No one has the same makeup not even identical twins. A gut microbiome test basically tells you what microorganisms are in your gut, how they are affecting your gut health and the balance of good and bad bacteria.
Taking a microbiome test will show you, your unique gut bacteria. Some things that are shown in these tests include:
a higher detailed information about your microbial diversity level,
potential to breakdown macronutrients such as fibre, carbohydrates, fat and protein. As well as how well they are producing essential vitamins and minerals.
potential to produce substances associated with health
unique composition of the microbial species.
also to see if those probiotics you are taking are working by colonising your gut microbiome, as we know not all probiotics supplements are the same.
From this test a registered health professional (trained in reading these tests) can advise you;
What foods to add to your diet, to promote a healthy gut and grow those good gut bacteria.
Any potential overgrowth of certain species, you would to aim for a balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. You can never remove all the bad bacteria.
Further investigate any other factors that maybe influencing your health.
Is it worth it?
Having a microbiome test is a personal choice, but if you are having recurring gut health issues, you may want to think about having one. It will give you a better understanding of your unique gut microbiome makeup which might be influencing those symptoms. But investing in your health should be something that should be take seriously, as prevention is always better than cure. Finding out what is going on in your microbiome will improve your health, as your gut bacteria is there to help you, wouldn't you want to know how to help those good guys flourish.
These tests can be order through myself and are sent directly to you via post. You then complete the test and send back for processing. I then contact you and discuss the results.
Please note that these tests are not a diagnostic tool and can not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions. If you are experiencing any red flags such as blood in your stool, please speak to your doctor.
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