Get your gut health in check.
It’s no secret that your digestive system is intimately intertwined with the rest of your body systems, but how do you know if your gut health is in optimal shape? Newer technology for at-home microbiome testing gives a glance into your gut microbiome, to better understand how it’s impacting the rest of your health.
With nearly 70 million Americans facing some sort of digestive disease, taking charge of your gut health is as imperative as ever. Studies have shown poor gut health does not only affect the digestive system1. It's been linked to skin issues, mood disorders, negative emotions, diabetes, and even cancers2. What we eat and drink, our daily movement, sleep quality, and stress levels all impact our gut microbes and digestion.
Learning about your gut microbiome gives you insight into your overall health and well-being. To help you take your health to the next level, we spoke with experts and analyzed today’s at-home testing options, to find the best microbiome tests available right now.
The best microbiome tests of 2022:
ViomeGo to review
BEST FOLLOW-UP CAREBiohmGo to review
BEST SUBSCRIPTIONFloréGo to review
BEST BUDGETOmbreGo to review
What is the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome is the collective term used to refer to all the microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the intestines—affectionately known as the “gut.” In healthy digestive systems, all the microbes live in harmony, a pretty impressive feat considering there are over 100 trillion types of bacteria in the gut.
However, any disruption to this delicate balance of good and bad bacteria can cause several harmful conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, atherosclerosis, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
Extensive studies show that a healthy microbiome looks different for everyone. Michael Njunge, a health and performance enthusiast and medical doctor in the U.K., compares the gut microbiome to your unique fingerprint.
Each person’s microbiome will have different components to accommodate regional diversity. Further, your unique dynamic gut flora demands will be based on specific environmental forces. What is considered a healthy gut one year may change the next. Njunge encourages consumers to think of the gut microbiome as a pivotal piece of your health, adding that, “If you take care of it, it will take care of you.”
How to test gut microbiome?
Gut microbiomes are tested using fecal matter. Yes, you will need to collect a sample of your poop. However, this non-invasive method allows the best insight into your digestive health. Certain at-home microbiome tests analyze only bacteria, while other, more comprehensive tests include bacteria, fungi, bacteriophages, viruses, parasites, and archaea.
As with all non-diagnostic testing, it's important to discuss results with a healthcare provider, since at-home tests don’t take into account family history, lifestyle, diet, etc to determine the cause of any symptoms.
Who should use an at-home microbiome test?
At-home microbiome tests are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to monitor your gut health. If you have been experiencing any digestive discomfort, testing your gut microbiome from the comfort of your home can have an enlightening impact on your overall health and wellness.
The following are all potential signs of sub-optimal gut health:
Bloating
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Gas
Constipation
Fatigue
Weight fluctuations
Skin issues
Mood disorders
Njunge advises discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider, explaining that there may be helpful clues in your history and physical examination that could lead to the need for more specialized testing. However, for a general overview of your gut health, or if you are simply looking to make better informed diet choices, an at-home microbiome test is a good starting point.
Keep in mind, if you have recently finished a medication known to impact the gut biome, such as antibiotics, Njunge says it is wise to ask your doctor about those potential effects.
Anyone experiencing severe digestive symptoms should consult with a medical professional. At-home tests are not a source of diagnostic testing and are not a replacement for traditional medical care. If you do opt for an at-home test, it's also important to be able to analyze the results with your doctor, to better understand what's going on and how to treat any abnormalities.
How we picked:
Accuracy
To get a clear picture of your gut health, you need an accurate test. We chose tests with high accuracy rates.
Biomarkers tested
There is a vast range of what at-home tests include, so we made sure to point out these differences.
Turnaround time
Stool samples inherently take longer than blood samples, but some brands are much quicker to return results than others. We’ve called this out below.
Value
You get what you pay for. We want to make sure you are spending wisely and getting the most out of your test.
When is the best time to test for microbiomes?
Gut microbiome tests use a sample of stool. Due to these circumstances, it’s unlikely consumers can schedule their collection time. Fortunately, there is no consensus on the best time of day to test your gut microbiome. However, to get the most accurate results possible, Njunge suggests being mindful of the following:
Take the test during a week that your diet is as near to normal as possible. You will not want to perform the test while you are outside your regular schedule as your diet may alter your biome and not be a true representation.
Avoid taking the test when you are also taking medications or supplements that affect your microbiome, such as antibiotics or probiotics, as these will shift your results.
FAQ:
Does insurance cover microbiome testing?
Is there a test to check gut health?
Which microbiome test is best?
The takeaway.
We are learning more and more that gut health is directly related to your overall well-being. Making sure your gut microbiome is in optimal condition can alleviate digestive problems, improve mental health, and defend your body from disease. An at-home gut microbiome test gives a snapshot of how the delicate balance of biomarkers is affecting the rest of your body. To get a full picture of your gut health, we recommend using a test that includes the most amount of biomarkers. While you’re thinking of optimizing your gut health, take these natural practices into consideration.
Nguồn bài viết Du học Đồng Thịnh | (+84) 96 993.7773 | (+84) 96 1660.266 | (+44) 020 753 800 87 | info@dongthinh.co.uk
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