What's in your microbiome?

When you think of health, the first things that come to mind are probably exercise, diet, and sleep. But did you know that the trillions of microorganisms that live in your gut, known as the gut microbiome, can also significantly impact your overall well-being?

The gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that reside in your gastrointestinal tract. Recent research has linked an imbalanced microbiome to various health issues, including obesity, autoimmune disorders, mood, and risk for certain diseases.

One of the main functions of the gut microbiome is to aid in the digestion and absorption of food. The microbes in our gut break down complex carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients that our bodies can’t digest on their own. They also produce enzymes and other compounds that help us digest fats, proteins, and other nutrients. This process provides us with essential nutrients and helps regulate our blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The gut microbiome also plays a crucial role in regulating our immune system. Research has shown that the microbes in our gut can communicate with our immune system, triggering the production of immune cells and antibodies that protect us against infections and diseases. A healthy gut microbiome can help to prevent autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other immune-related disorders.

In recent years, studies have also shown that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in mental health and mood regulation. The microbes in our gut produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating our mood and behavior. Studies have shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

So how do you know if your gut microbiome is healthy? A growing number of companies will analyze a sample of your stool. You order the test kit, answer a few questions online, and send off your sample. A couple of weeks later, you get a report of what’s in your gut and what the company thinks you can do about it. (And what they can sell you.)

Here’s where the problems start.

First, the gut microbiome is complex, and the relationships between different types of bacteria and their effects on health still need to be fully understood. Additionally, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of a “healthy” microbiome, as the composition of the gut microbiome can vary widely between individuals.

Second, it’s important to note that while these tests might be able to provide valuable information, they are not always definitive. A small change in diet can have significant implications for the makeup of your gut microbiome in just a couple of short weeks. That means the sample you sent in might have little in common with the makeup of your gut by the time you get the results.

To understand just how little we know, as of April 2023, about 20 percent of bacterial gene sequences still haven’t been identified. Plus, we don’t know the function of 40 percent of the estimated 10 million bacterial genes.

Third and most importantly, there is a built-in conflict for all these companies. They all sell probiotics and supplements to “enhance” your gut health based on their results. One company, Biohm, sent an email almost immediately after the online questionnaire was completed recommending their Total Probiotic. Remember this was BEFORE they received the stool sample or had any test results.

When a company that sells a supplement also provides the test to see if you need the supplement, that conflict of interest could make them recommend things that may not be necessary.

In part two I’ll share what happened when we sent samples to four companies that offer these tests, Biohm, Floré, Ombre and Viome.

Part 1 2

Call for a FREE Consultation (305) 296-3434
CAUTION: Check with your doctor before
beginning any diet or exercise program.

4/13/2023
Updated 6/6/2023