Digestive health
what is your GUT Microbiome?
Our microbiome refers to a community of microorganisms living together within the same environment.
These microorganisms are made up of fungi, bacteria and viruses and are extremely small, being visible to humans, only through a microscope.
The highest proportion of these little microorganisms are made up of bacteria, and these are present on our skin, in our mouth and throughout our gut.
The majority of these bacteria are located within our large intestine (the last part of our gut) and referred to as the “Gut Microbiome”.
Why has the gut microbiome gained so much attention in recent years?
Scientists have discovered numerous correlations between the gut microbiome and various health conditions located in our gut (Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon cancer) and Diseases that occur outside of our gut (Neurodegenerative Diseases, Mental Disorders, Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Disease).
If you would like to know more about your gut microbiome, book in a consultation here.
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what is GUT MICROBIOME ANALYSIS?
There are many different types of diagnostic stool tests that exist in the medical world.
Some of these stool tests are used to investigate blood (Faecal Occult Blood Test) or inflammatory markers (Faecal Calprotectin). These tests play a very important part in screening and diagnosing different diseases such as Bowel Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Other stool tests are used to investigate specific bacteria, viruses or parasites that may be causing gastrointestinal infections within the gut include culture based methods (e.g. Faecal M/C&S) or faecal Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing.
What stool tests are best to analyse my gut Microbiome?
Additional stool tests can investigate the community of microorganisms living within the gut and are performed through DNA sequencing technology. The best method available to analyse the gut microbiome is called Metagenomic Sequencing.
Metagenomic Sequencing technology allows you to get the highest resolution view of your gut microbiome including, the types of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi etc.) as well as information on their metabolic function. As we know, the microorganisms within your gut perform a wide range of metabolic functions that have strong links with our health and wellbeing.
To find out more how you can analyse your gut microbiome through Australia’s leading Microbiome analysis biotech company, click here.
