Why and how you should check your microbiome

All the more attention is given to our little inhabitants in our intestines. And I think it’s about time. Those little suckers have such a huge role in general health, they shouldn’t be underestimated anymore.

What’s the microbiome?

The microbiome is the new term for the microorganisms sitting in the digestive system. There are billions of little helpers managing the digestion process, breaking down nutrients and helping the body to function properly.

What happens when the microbiome is out of balance?

When the microbiome is out of balance, all kinds of unpleasant symptoms arise to begin with. Those symptoms could come in any form. Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, muscle spasms, allergic reactions and so on.

But let’s start at the beginning.

You already know there’s a lot of bacteria in the intestines. That doesn’t mean a lot is also good. Even slight unbalances can have detrimental effects.

Generally bacteria can be categorised into aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.

Aerobic microorganisms are microbes that can utilize oxygen. They are predominantly found in the upper intestine sections.

Toxic metabolic products are produced by harmful gut bacteria during the decomposition of proteins. The pH value in the intestine is increased and the antagonistic acid flora is thereby inhibited and displaced. The result is a reduced resistance to colonization of harmful microorganisms, which makes people vulnerable to infections and foreign-germ deposits.

Enterobacteriaceae belong to the putrefactive germs.
Even in intestines, representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae group are present in small amounts. This is because they are floating in the environment and ingested through food.
However, if they multiply excessively, they can lead to inflammatory mucous membrane irritations of the intestines. The intestinal immune system is consequently weakened immensely.

Some aerobes can also form histamine, which favors allergies. In addition to the normal detoxification process, the kidneys and the liver must now also take care of the additional toxic load.

Anaerobic organisms can only survive in an oxygen-rich environment. That is why they are also the obligate intestinal flora in the colon.

They only split carbohydrates. They form, among other things, short-chain fatty acids for the energy supply of the intestinal mucosa, as well as the acidification of the intestinal milieu and stimulate the intestinal peristalsis. Thus, they carry the important task within the framework of resistance to colonization and against the proliferation of rot.

So much for the essential gut bacteria.

In a healthy gut, all named bacteria is present and crucial in each individual optimal amount. However, what definitely does not belong are yeasts or other parasites, e.g. worms.

The most famous fungus is Candida albicans, which feeds on sugar.

How can you test the microbial constellation?

Great news. It can be determined quite simply trough a stool test. Both doctors and curative practitioners offer this. However, you can buy it online easily as well.

The costs are different. Doctors demand 35-45$ for the consultation talk about the test results. And sorry to say that, it is totally wasted money.

I was told only very roughly what values ​​were increased and decreased. Then, I was told that “I can read it at home, because I can not explain it any better.”

Super, so you can save yourself that time and money. The accompanying laboratory report is incredibly detailed and easy to understand for someone who has dealt with the matter for a long time. If you order it yourself and still want information, you can order a consultation with the test kit or even after receiving the lab results. This is also cheaper than ordering through the doctor.

At this point, however, I would also offer my help, because I do not want other sufferers to be further exploited, for what I believe should be carried by health insurance.

There are also some additional benefits when you order a test online, such as an extra saliva test on candida.

The tests not only reveal the intestinal flora, but also the possible permeability of the intestinal mucosa (Leaky Gut), inflammatory reactions and the histamine content in the intestine.

How the test works

You can get the test kit sent or receive it directly from the doctor.

A stool-catcher is supplied, so that the stool can not be contaminated. Newspaper paper would also be sufficient.

Now you have to extract a stool sample. It is important to take three different parts of the stool. This is filled into the vessel up to the indicated line, or at least half, best 3/4 full.

This is important as the different parts can give better information about the microbiome than just one. The intestinal bacteria are located in different parts of the intestine, so it can be assessed whether the overall amount is correct.

If you send everything well sealed in the shipping bag to the lab, you only need to wait for about 2 weeks until the test result is sent or available at the doctor’s office.

Caution: Most laboratories accept shipping only on Mondays and Tuesdays as the samples must be cooled and tested quickly. Bacteria multiply very fast and would lead to a false result.

It sometimes takes some time to get a sample, especially if you have irregular bowel movements. One’s own organism can be forced to function exactly how that person wants it to.

The good news is that you can store the sample for up to 24h in the refrigerator until you send it away!

What test should you take?

It’s up to you. If you are a person who needs the medical care, ask for the test at your doctor’s office. But if you want to save money, I recommend you order the test online.

And get in touch with me, so I can help with translating or selection of products. Of course, I’ll do it for free. If you are in doubt, you can still book a consultation in the end!

I want to reveal that there is a simple intestinal gut bacteria and an  thorough intestinal gut bacteria test . The latter usually also comprises: analysis of the pH-value, detection of digestive residues: protein, starch and fat residues, inflammation parameters, amount of maldigestion and mucosal immunity and Helicobacter pylori antigen.

Each test is structured differently and you have to set your priorities. I had a test from the laboratory Ganzimmun and one from Verisana. Both are recommended. Please ensure the reliability of other providers.

That was quite a lot now. But it is one of the most important topics! I hope I could help a little more and if you have any questions, please comment!

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**This post is based on research and personal experience. All products (if any mentioned) are bought and tried by myself if not written otherwise.