Gut microbiome
Examinations for the proper functioning of the whole organism
The gut microbiota represents all the microorganisms that reside in our large intestine. The collection of all the genes carried by these microorganisms is the gut microbiome. The best studied are the bacteria, which produce many active substances and interact and cooperate.
The range of substances produced by gut bacteria is very diverse, so the gut microbiome affects virtually the entire body, from nutrient digestion and energy absorption to immune system activity, liver function and disease risk, to the psyche.
By genetically analysing a small stool sample in the laboratory, the types and amounts of bacteria that live in your colon can be determined. Together with an analysis of dietary habits, it is then possible to deduce what substances in the intestines are produced by the activity of the bacteria and how this affects the body. In addition, if we know what these bacteria need to multiply or what is not good for them, we can adjust the amount of bacteria in our gut through our diet.
In this way, we can influence their impact on our body - and on our physical and mental health.
TESTING OF THE GUT MICROBIOME - WHY US?
CERTIFIED LABORATORY
Everything is analysed by our experts in laboratories in the Czech Republic.
ANALYSIS AND FINAL REPORT
You get personalized summaries and recommendations.
CONSULTATION WITH A SPECIALIST
The examination includes a personal consultation.
In what situations is it appropriate to take the test?
Digestive disorders
Bloating, abdominal pain, trouble defecating? The composition of the bacteria influences the rate at which digestion passes through the gut, but also what substances and nutrients are produced and how they are absorbed.
Decreased immunity
Susceptibility to infections or allergic reactions? The gut is home to 70% of the immune system. The bacteria living in the gut stimulate our immunity, influencing the development of inflammation and the body's response to infection.
Obesity
Are you still gaining weight? Certain bacteria specialise in the use of proteins, carbohydrates or fats, thus influencing the process of their absorption and thus the body weight of each of us individually.
Inflammatory diseases
Intestinal bacteria directly form or destroy the protective layer of the intestine. If this is disrupted, harmful substances from the external environment or pro-inflammatory substances enter the body, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation.
Mental health problems
Up to 95% of serotonin - the "happiness hormone" - and 50% of dopamine are produced in the gut. Colonic bacteria and their products stimulate their production, so they directly influence the production of these substances.
Cardiometabolic diseases
Intestinal bacteria produce substances that affect our metabolism, such as the conversion of cholesterol or the use of glucose in the body, and thus directly affect the risk of certain cardiometabolic diseases.
DETAILED INFORMATION
The main output of the analysis is an assessment of what bacteria live in your colon and in what proportions, and whether or not your microbiome can be considered sufficiently balanced and diverse.
From this information it is then possible to find out much more: what nutrients your gut bacteria make the best use of or whether they are producing enough vitamins. If your body is protected from the penetration of pollutants from your diet or chemicals through the blood lining. How your gut bacteria affect your psyche, the effects of medications, and even your body weight (and what to eat to keep you from gaining weight). Whether you have bacteria that increase your risk of civilization diseases and what to do about it. Last but not least, what is the representation of friendly and harmful bacteria in you, and how to help your body get rid of the hostile ones and promote the growth of the missing species.
We can use information about the abundance of certain bacteria to give practical advice and recommendations. The composition of the gut microbiota is dynamic and can be influenced by what we consume - from major nutrients to various bioflavonoids (active substances from plants with beneficial effects on the body), but also negatively by alcohol or antibiotics.
In general, the goal of influencing the gut microbiome can be said to be to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of bacteria that are known to be harmful to us.
It is therefore necessary to:
- eliminate the action of harmful mechanisms - gut microbiome analysis along with consultation will help identify them,
- supply regular nutrition to the beneficial bacteria to support their growth (directly through diet, not just probiotics, for example),
- support the growth of beneficial bacteria with specific fibres or herbal extracts.
All of these recommendations can be discussed specifically based on the results of a personal consultation.
HOW DOES THE WHOLE PROCESS WORK?
- Order your examination in our e-shop and register. After payment, you will receive a collection kit by post.
- Follow the instructions to take a stool sample and fill out a questionnaire regarding your health and dietary habits.
- You will send everything back to our lab in a prepaid envelope.
- After analyzing the sample, we will send you the resulting report to your profile on ghcgenetics.cz.
- Book an appointment for a final consultation with our expert.
Why is consultation with an expert so important?
Intestinal bacteria produce numerous active compounds, the formation of which is dependent on dietary habits, lifestyle, as well as the presence of illness or medications.
Our expert will elucidate important findings in your final report and, based on a targeted discussion with you, propose specific adjustments to your diet or lifestyle:
- Identify harmful factors and assist you in eliminating them.
- If any essential nutrients are lacking in your diet, suggest how to supplement them.
- May also recommend targeted dietary supplements to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria or limit the growth of risky ones.
This individualized approach to your dietary habits will significantly facilitate the implementation of specific recommendations into practice, allowing you to fully leverage the potential of intestinal microbiome analysis.
Cutting-edge analysis and diagnostics form the backbone of our laboratory.
Sample testing is exclusively conducted in our certified molecular genetics and microbiology laboratory, ensuring full control over the entire analysis process and guaranteeing the quality of delivered results.