Why is everyone trusting their Gut? Introducing the Gut Microbiome Test!
DID YOU KNOW? 95% of human microbes are found in your gut and each person's Gut Microbiome is as unique as fingerprints. Even identical twins do not have identical microbiomes! In fact, science has evolved to prove that gut microbes impact insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic diseases, mental health and even COVID. So now you can understand why The Gut Microbiome has been one of the most extensively researched areas in the last few years.
In a country where 600 million people (1 in every family) suffer from gut issues, it's time we brought forth advanced testing and science-backed solutions, keeping bio-individuality at the core of the treatment. That's exactly what we aim to achieve with Sova GutHeal120 which begins with a Gut Microbiome Test.
First, what is a Gut Microbiome?
The microorganisms living inside the gastrointestinal tract amount to around 4 pounds of biomass.
These bacteria live in your digestive system and play a key role in digesting the food you eat, and in absorbing and synthesizing nutrients. Gut bugs are involved in many other important processes that extend beyond your gut, including your metabolism, body weight, and immune regulation, as well as your brain functions and mood. Many factors influence the type and amount of bacteria we host, and although most of us belong to a certain ‘enterotype’– similar to having a certain blood type – each person has a unique bacterial footprint.
What is a Gut Microbiome Test?
A gut microbiome test can tell you what types of microbes live in your gut and their links with better or worse health outcomes. Your gut microbiome affects many parts of the body, including digestion, immunity, and your nervous system. The uniqueness of the biome can partly explain why a diet that is “healthy” for one person can sometimes be harmful (or at least not ideal) for another.
We know that having good gut bacteria is key to our overall health. The links between an unbalanced microbiome and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and diabetes are well-established.
How does the testing process work?
Gut microbiome testing uses a stool sample to find out which microbes live in your gut. This includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If you are taking Sova’s at-home gut microbiome test, you will receive detailed instructions on how to collect the stool sample. You will likely receive a special container to put the sample in, which you’ll then send to the lab for testing.
How does knowing your gut composition help?
The microbes in your gut help to digest your food and use food components from what you eat for their own metabolism. Hence, the food you eat determines the composition of microbes in your gut.
This means the foods you eat help determine what types of microbes live in this system. There are multiple learnings one can take away from a Gut Test. Here is a non-exhaustive list to give you an idea:
- Types and amount of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi in your gut
- Potential imbalances in your GI system
- Potential food intolerances and triggers.
- A profile of your body’s response to fat and sugar
- Potential inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Celiac disease.
Once you know the composition of your Gut, you can change your diet to feed the good microbes and encourage their growth while preventing the bad ones from taking over. Sova’s in-house nutritionists offer 1-1 coaching with personalized dietary advice and health plans based on the findings from the test.
