What gut microbiome testing can achieve for patients

In regard to gut microbiome testing, some studies have even connected gut microbiome make-up with mental health

Diagnostic testing and assessment are an important part of the chiropractic process as their findings dictate treatment recommendations. Generally, this involves asking questions about the patient’s medical history, conducting a comprehensive physical exam, and taking x-rays. Another type of test, gut microbiome testing, can be beneficial for better understanding patient health is one that analyzes their gut microbiome.

Gut microbiome and health

It’s no secret that the foods we eat either contribute to or detract from our health. Though, we are constantly learning about the specific effects that these foods—and other ingested substances, such as nutritional supplements and drugs—have on the health of the gut, ultimately influencing health as a whole.

Research explains that the human gastrointestinal tract contains around 100 trillion micro-organisms. A majority of these micro-organisms are bacteria. The rest are viruses, fungi, and protozoa. All these tiny organisms work together to support the digestion process and supply the body with the nutrients needed for optimal health.

What scientists are beginning to learn is that people with chronic health conditions often have a low level of diversity in their gut bacteria. This includes individuals with gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s. Lower bacterial diversity has also been noted in people diagnosed with diabetes, atopic eczema, and cardiovascular disease.

Based on these findings, researchers suggest that having a more diverse gut microbiome helps protect against illness and disease. One way to assess this diversity is with gut microbiome testing.

Gut microbiome testing: the basics

A gut microbiome test involves taking a stool sample or fecal swab, then analyzing it to learn which micro-organisms are present. This gives a better understanding of the level of diversity that exists. It also helps identify specific micro-organisms that may be negatively impacting health, either by being present or due to their lack of presence.

For example, a 2019 article published in BMC Biology explains that if the gut contains a higher amount of bacteria in the Christensenellaceae family, this can reduce one’s risk of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. Research published in Frontiers in Immunology in 2020 adds that bacteria from the genus Alistipes may protect against cardiovascular disease, colitis, and liver fibrosis.

Gut microbiome testing can differ in the number of micro-organisms they are able to identify. They also differ in the depth of their analysis. Some provide only a broad-level view of gut health while others break each type of bacteria down, identifying them individually.

Patients who might benefit from a gut microbiome test

Patients experiencing gastrointestinal issues may benefit from learning the makeup of their gut microbiome. This includes those with regular bouts of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.

If these symptoms are major or problematic, seeing a medical professional can help either confirm or rule out a medical diagnosis. However, it is also possible that making dietary adjustments can offer relief. The adjustments needed would depend on that individual’s gut microbiome and the bacteria that need to be increased or decreased.

Patients might also want to get a gut microbiome test even without any signs of gastrointestinal distress. Gut health doesn’t just impact the digestive tract. It impacts other areas of the body as well. Some studies have even connected gut microbiome make-up with mental health.

One such study was published in Nature Reviews Microbiology in 2019. It noted that Faecalibacterium and Coprococcus spp. are indicators of a higher quality of life. Additionally, people with depression tend to have depleted levels of Coprococcus spp. and Dialister spp.

Selecting a gut microbiome test

Gut microbiome tests can be conducted in a doctor’s office or at home. The sample is then sent to a lab to be analyzed.

When selecting a test, look at customer ratings and whether the test is backed by any research-based studies and discuss with your doctor. Also, look at what it measures and to what extent. Some testing sites also deliver results via an app, providing convenience and speed in learning more about the gut microbiome.