Microbiome Testing & Analysis (Super Gut Microbiome Health Test)
About the Gut Microbiome Testing & Analysis
Your gut microbiome is unique, varying depending on geography, gender, culture and demographics, genetics (of your own and that of the race), diet, age and many environmental factors. But, it also follows certain larger patterns and understanding these patterns provide you with an opportunity to maintain and/or modulate your microbiome towards better health benefits.
Method Used
16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing to profile the bacterial gut microbiome and provide comprehensive understanding of the gut ecology.
Things you should know about Microbiome
Human Microbiome
- Estimated 100 trillion microbes
- On and inside the body
- Together, can weigh up to ~2 KG [~4-5lb] of the body weight
Gut Microbiome
- >95% of this resides in the gut or the GI tract
- With most dense abundance on the large intestine
- Defined by 4 major groups of microorganisms - Bacteria, Archaea, Virus and Eukaryota [Fungi, Protozoa and Metazoa]
- Bacteria is the most abundant group within the gut [>95%]
- >10,000 species have been identified till date
- Individual can have anywhere between 1000-2500 species
Microbiome and Diseases
- Most of the microbes are benevolent or even beneficial
- <5% of all microbes in gut can cause disease but has been associated with > 90% of human diseases (directly on indirectly)
- Low or loss of microbial diversity is the most common reason of intestinal dysbiosis [disruption in the balance of microorganisms]
The key areas that our microbiome impacts are
- Obesity & Weight Loss (Management)
- Sports Performance (Nutrient Absorption & Metabolism)
- Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety etc)
- Metabolic Disease (Diabetes, Cardiac etc)
- Auto-immune Conditions (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis etc)
Gut Microbiome as a very important organ
The gut microbiome plays so many important roles throughout the body and belongs to many different systems,
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Immunological – Immune system
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Gastrointestinal – Digestion
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Endocrine – Hormones
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Neurological – Cognitive function
How this works
See the section below
What's included in Microbiome Gut Test
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Super Gut Report, Analysis and Recommendations by Microbiome experts
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1 Personal Consult & Report Analysis
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Prebiotics & Probiotics Recommendations
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Turn Around Time: 4-5 weeks from the sample collection date
Common GI Conditions
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
IBD basically refers to any condition in which the gut tissue is chronically inflamed. With IBD, symptoms often include severe diarrhoea, pain, fatigue and weight loss. Weirdly, the exact cause of IBD is unknown. Thankfully though, we do have a good understanding of what aggravates symptoms, so with some food and lifestyle tweaks, people find they can really keep their IBD in check.
Celiac Disease
You hear a lot about gluten these days. It’s a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is basically an extreme reaction to gluten. When someone has Celiac, eating gluten triggers an immune system response that wreaks havoc on the digestive system, really interfering with nutrient absorption. In addition to awful symptoms like persistent diarrhoea, pain, mouth sores and heartburn, Celiac can lead to iron deficiency, skin disorders, and severe malnutrition, which can be life threatening. The only way to manage Celiac disease is to stick to a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Crohn’s Disease
This is one type of IBD. Crohn’s can be excruciatingly painful and have potentially life-threatening complications. With Crohn’s, the inflammation can spread really deep into intestinal tissue, causing major issues like bowel blockage from scar tissue, malnutrition from poor nutrient absorption, and debilitating pain and diarrhoea. The precise causes of Crohn’s are unknown, and there is no official cure, BUT medication and nutrition therapy can be very effective in achieving remission and keeping symptoms to a minimum.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is another condition you hear a lot about these days. It’s becoming more and more commonly diagnosed. One reason may be that IBS is related to an improper balance of good/bad bacteria in the gut which is caused by poor diets, stress, medications and modern lifestyle factors. There are other causes of IBS, and symptoms vary from person to person, but most with IBS have some combination of the following: diarrhea, constipation, pain, severe gas, vomiting. The good news is, with some food and lifestyle tweaks, IBS can be very well-controlled.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
This is a form of IBD that usually comes on over time and involves ulcers and severe inflammation of the GI tract. UC can be incredibly painful and disrupt life because of extreme and unpredictable symptoms. There’s no definitive cause or cure, but some medications and nutrition therapies have been shown to significantly help people with UC get relief and even achieve long-term remission.
GERD (Acid Reflux)
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, that tube that connects the stomach to the throat. Symptoms include heartburn, pain in the chest area, a feeling like there’s a knot in the throat, and food or liquid coming back up. If it’s really severe and frequent, GERD can cause major damage which increases risk of esophageal cancer.
What is the gut?
The gut is referred to as the digestive system, including the organs and the gut microbiota present within the body. The gastrointestinal tract health is also associated with the study of the person's gut.
What is meant by gut health?
Gut health focuses on the function and balance of the gut microbiome present in our GI tract. A good gut health includes freedom from abdominal and rectal symptoms like gas, bloating etc
What affects gut microbiome?
The human gut microbiome is influenced by diet, antibiotics and age. Some diseases may also negatively impact gut health.
What are the symptoms of an unhealthy gut microbiome?
There are several symptoms that are indicative of poor gut microbiota and overall digestive performance. The human microbiome can be impacted negatively with the wrong lifestyle and dietary patterns. It is important to perform comprehensive testing of gut microbiota regularly as a part of a systematic review and meta analysis of key indicators and risk factors for disease. You should track the following symptoms as they indicate issues in the microbiota.
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Chronic stomach discomfort - The microbiome of the human body can immediately share signs of digestive issues through chronic discomfort. This is a preliminary symptom in patients with diseases related to poor digestive health.
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Consistent feeling of fatigue - Regardless of how much sleep you're getting and how nutritious your meals are, if you are chronically feeling tired then you may need a gut microbiome test. An imbalance of the microbiome can immediately decrease metabolic performance in the body.
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Skin irritations and inflammation - A secondary stage symptom, skin irritations in a person's body can be a warning sign of gut microbiome issues.
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Autoimmune issues - Developing food intolerances, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammation are important signs to track when understanding the presence of good bacteria in the body.
Is eczema a gut issue?
There may or may not be a definitive connection between the gut and eczema. However, recent studies have found evidence promoting microbiome and gut health as a factor in cause and treatment of eczema.
What is a microbiome?
A microbiome is a collection of different microbes present in our body. It is composed of a variety of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
What is the good bacteria in your stomach called?
The good bacteria that reside in our gut are called probiotics. They are live bacteria that are also called good bacteria as they promote good gut health.
How to improve good bacteria in the stomach?
To improve gut bacteria we must have a healthy diet incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, fermented food and prebiotic foods.
The microbiome is related to several health and disease conditions, and can significantly improve or negate the feeling of balance in the body. You should also focus on the role of exercise and adequate sleep as it can significantly improve the presence of good gut microbiota in the human body.
How do I rebuild my gut microbiome?
There are several strategies that individuals can opt for to improve good bacterial in the stomach. Gut issues should be identified early on, and a clear strategy should be driven to improve the quality of gut microbiota in the body. In fact, research from Antonella Gagliardi et al suggests that the introduction of probiotics can help improve gut microbiome significantly.
It is important to consult with your doctor about the best ways to improve gut microbiome health, especially if you are experiencing chronic symptoms lasting several weeks.
The following strategies can help improve the gut microbiota in the body -
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Consuming prebiotic fibre.
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Focusing on the right combination of probiotics.
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Reducing stress in everyday life.
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Improving sleep quality and exercise levels.
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Enhancing quality of diet, focusing on micro and macronutrients.
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Taking the right medication to resolve microbiome issues.
How can I find a gut microbiome test in India?
Gut microbiome testing can be easily done online through the Super Gut Health test by MyDiagnostics. The instructions are available within the testing kit, and the sample collection is also significantly streamlined.
What is the price of a gut microbiome test online?
The current price of the gut microbiota test available via MyDiagnostics.in is INR 9499 after discount. Reach out to us if you have any questions about the test, or check out the guide below to review the test details.
The Super Gut microbiome test is an at home stool test that provides deep insight into the health of your digestive system. Key indicators of the gut microbiota will be tested, along with risk factors for specific diseases such as Crohn's disease, IBS, Kidney disease, etc.
The test includes a super gut report, with consultation on gut microbiome health with a qualified expert. Recommendations for the right combination of prebiotics and probiotics, as well as a comprehensive profile of indicators and risk factors will be provided as well.
The following indicators and risk factors will be provided within the test -
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Key indicators, such as actinobacteria, proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, etc.
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Known pathogens, including Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, etc.
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Disease risk indicators, such as Crohn's disease, constipation, hypertension, colitis, fatty liver disease, etc.
An at home stool sample is required for the test, and the results are processed at the NABL lab. The results will be shared within 4-5 weeks, providing you comprehensive information on the digestive health of the person.
While the test is designed to test for a comprehensive list of indicators and risk factors, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should immediately take the test -
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Sudden weight loss or weight gain in the body
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Issues with digestion, food allergies, and bowel movement problems
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Hypertension and anxiety issues
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Irritable bowel symptoms, constipation, and chronic lack of energy.
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Skin issues or inflammation issues.
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Nutritional issues
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Please follow all instructions mentioned in the testing kit for the collection of a stool sample.
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There is no fasting required for the test protocols and sample collection.
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Consult with your doctor when receiving the results of the test.
SUPERGUT PLUS SAMPLE REPORT
