Should You Get a Microbiome Test? - The Apeiron Life Perspective
- Elizabeth Bradley, MS
- Apr 8, 2024
- 4 min read
What it is:
Your gut microbiome, which is the collection of bacteria in your digestive system, is influenced by what you eat and can affect how your body processes food. However, this relationship is complicated and can vary from person to person.
Research has shown strong connections between the types of bacteria in your gut and the foods you consume. Eating an array of plant foods tends to increase the diversity of good bacteria in your gut, which can be beneficial. On the other hand, taking too many antibiotics, following extreme eating patterns, or diets lacking in fiber can lead to an imbalance in your gut bacteria, with some harmful bacteria becoming more common.
The mix of bacteria in your gut can give you clues about your health, including factors like blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation. By testing the gut microbiome species, amounts, and metabolites, we can perform actions to improve gut health, identify causes of symptoms, and rebalance the microbiome overall.
Purported claims:
The gut microbiome and its metabolites influence human health and disease.
There are tests that can determine the variety, type, and functionality of your microbiome.
We can alter the gut microbiome to be healthier and more resilient.
What the science says:
Microbiome testing involves analyzing the composition and activity of the microbial communities in the large intestine. This testing provides valuable insights into the diversity, abundance, and functional capabilities of gut bacteria. Research in gut microbiome testing has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by advancements in DNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools.
By understanding the gut microbiome's composition and function, researchers and healthcare professionals may gain insights into its role in health and disease, paving the way for personalized interventions and treatments.
The gut-body-brain axis, where conditions are connected and influenced by our microbiome mix, is just beginning to emerge. From better blood sugar control to overall metabolic health, our gut has quite an effect. Improving your gut balance may enhance digestive health, reduce inflammation, protect against chronic diseases, lead to a more robust immune system, and maintain a healthy weight.
Furthermore, emerging research suggests that an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to the development of various health conditions, including inflammatory bowel conditions, obesity, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, heart conditions, and more.
So, what do we strive for in a healthy gut microbiome?
Diversity - Microbial diversity in the gut microbiome is associated with better quality of life. Having a wide variety of species can help protect against microbial invasion.
Resilience measures the microbiome's ability to recover or adapt to external changes or disturbances such as illness, antibiotics, dietary changes, or environmental stressors. We want our gut to bounce back quickly when challenged by intruders.
Stability is the measure of day-to-day variation. A stable gut microbiome exhibits minimal day-to-day variation, indicating that its composition and function remain relatively consistent over time. The microbiome is, therefore, robust and resilient, able to maintain its balance and functionality despite daily fluctuations in factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.
Some studies have found dietary patterns enriched in fiber and healthy fats can shift the microbiome and plasma microbial metabolites toward a beneficial profile in just four days (Zhu, 2020). Other studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables, pistachios, and other whole foods contribute to the species' varieties of the gut microbiome. The research is vast and still growing in this complex area of health, with significant advancements continually being made, offering promising avenues for personalized treatments, preventative measures, and overall improvements in health outcomes.
Our gut test is performed through BiomeSight. It uses 16S rRNA sequencing, which examines the DNA in your gut to detect different types of bacteria and the amount of each type present.
Benefits:
It gives us a more accurate, complete picture of the microbial ecosystem.
Temperature changes don't impact it during transport in the mail.
It allows us to accurately see the impact of medications and changes in diet that can't be assessed via culturing techniques.
Limitations:
It does not detect fungi, protozoa, helminths, or viruses.
Our take:
Your body contains a vast zoo of microscopic creatures with varying needs and benefits. By cultivating your specific microbiome, you may improve your health significantly, increasing both your quantity and quality of life.
Although microbiome testing is still in its infancy, with considerable research still required to verify and clarify the commercial testing claims offered, it is promising. The complexity of the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi and their interactions means there is a vast wealth of knowledge still to explore.
However, you can optimize your digestive health when guided by a knowledgeable health professional, such as a dietitian who specializes in the field. Our new Apeiron Life Microbiome Analysis Program will help you reveal your optimal gut composition.
Will this benefit you?
Yes. Whether you're hoping to increase mitochondrial function, improve digestive function, or want to optimize your overall health, our Microbiome Analysis Program is here to help you achieve your goals.
Still curious to try it? If you do, here’s what to keep an eye on:
Our team will guide you through the process but be conscious of any new changes to your body and communicate them to your Client Advocate.
References and additional reading:
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