The Gut Microbiome Test: A Personalised Roadmap to Better Gut Health

Interest in understanding the gut microbiome has surged recently. Searching for terms like “gut microbiome” or “gut microbiota” yields  1 and 2.2 million results. This part of our digestive system, once overlooked, is now recognised as crucial for overall health. The food industry has capitalised on this, flooding the market with “probiotic” and “fermented” foods. Amidst this trend, Decode Biome stands out with its advanced gut microbiome test in India. Their detailed analysis helps you grasp your gut health, enabling improved digestion and informed health choices. It’s like having a personalised guide to a healthier gut, especially in a world of confusing options.

Let's understand what the gut microbiome is and why it's so significant.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract, consisting of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. These tiny beings play a vital role in your health, ranging from digestion and immune function to mental well-being and the risk of chronic diseases. 

The journey of microbial colonisation in the human gut begins at birth. Initially sterile, the infant's intestines quickly populate during and after delivery, influenced significantly by exposure to the mother's vaginal microbiota during birth. This early colonisation sets the stage for the infant's gut microbiota, with delivery methods impacting initial microbial numbers, although these differences often diminish by six months of age. Throughout the first year of life, the gut microbiota evolves with changes in feeding habits from breast or formula to solid food. While there are similarities between maternal and offspring gut microbiota, external factors such as diet and environment and internal factors like pH levels and immune responses also shape microbial succession.

Composed mainly of strict anaerobes, which vastly outnumber facultative anaerobes and aerobes, the gut microbiota is dominated by two phyla: Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. While over 50 bacterial species have been identified in the human gut, these two reign supreme. Interestingly, individuals carry more than 1000 microbial species-level phylotypes, showcasing the vast diversity within this ecosystem. Despite external and internal influences, the gut microbiota maintains stability at the phylum level, primarily with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. 

This stability, however, does not limit variations in species-level composition due to functional redundancy within the microbiota. This redundancy ensures essential functions within the gastrointestinal tract are maintained even with variations in microbial composition between individuals. The distribution of bacterial cells varies along the gastrointestinal tract, with different species enriched in the small intestine and colon. Additionally, microenvironments within the intestine, such as the luminal community and the epithelial layer, host distinct microbial compositions, emphasising the complexity and diversity of the gut microbiome.

Understanding the intricacies of the gut microbiome highlights its importance in human health. It furthers the ongoing research into how these microbial communities impact various aspects of our well-being, from infancy through adulthood.

Why is the Gut Microbiome Significant?

The gut microbiome is a community of microorganisms crucial to our overall health. While its primary function is to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, its influence extends beyond the digestive system, impacting various aspects of our physiology. Here’s why the gut microbiome is significant:

Metabolism

The gut microbiota possesses a vast array of genes, enabling them to perform metabolic functions beyond human capabilities. They produce vitamins, synthesise amino acids, transform bile, and metabolise carbohydrates. This process not only provides energy and nutrients for bacterial growth but also aids in energy recovery and substrate absorption for the host.

Host Protection and Immune-system Development

Intestinal bacteria play crucial roles by producing antimicrobial compounds, competing for nutrients, and hindering pathogen colonization. They engage with the gut mucosal immune system, supporting immune development and response. This dynamic interaction is pivotal in allergy prevention and ensuring a well-balanced immune response to various challenges.

Gut-Brain Axis

The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain significantly influences stress reactivity and overall brain function. This stress-induced response alters gut physiology, impacting microbial composition and metabolism. This intricate connection highlights the profound influence of our mental state on gut health and, conversely, how gut health can affect our psychological well-being.

Disease Prevention

The gut microbiota is closely tied to several diseases. For instance, in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microbial imbalances exacerbate symptoms and contribute to inflammation. Additionally, changes in gut microbiota composition are associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, affecting metabolic processes and inflammation levels.

Atopic Eczema and Allergic Diseases

Reduced microbial exposure in early life has been associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases like atopic eczema, asthma, and rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, caused by a virus infection or allergic reaction). Differences in gut microbiota composition, particularly reduced diversity, have been observed in individuals with these conditions, suggesting a role in immune system development and response.

Why Test Your Gut Microbiome?

A gut health test can offer invaluable insights into overall health and well-being. Here are some compelling reasons why it’s beneficial to test and understand your gut microbiome:

Imbalances or Deficiencies

Testing can reveal imbalances or deficiencies in specific microbial communities within your gut. This information is crucial because an imbalance in the gut flora and gut bacteria can lead to various health issues, such as digestive problems, immune system dysfunction, and even mental health disorders.

Identifying Potential Pathogens

Testing can also detect potential pathogenic bacteria or overgrowths in your gut. Identifying these harmful microbes early on can help in taking proactive measures to restore balance and prevent the development of gut-related illnesses.

Insights into Diet-Gut Interactions

Your diet plays a significant role in shaping your gut flora and gut bacteria. By analysing your gut microbiome, you can gain insights into how your diet influences the composition of your gut bacteria. This knowledge allows for personalised dietary recommendations to promote a healthy gut environment.

Personalised Recommendations

Personalised recommendations can be provided to enhance gut health and overall well-being based on an in-depth analysis of your gut microbiome. These recommendations may include dietary modifications, probiotic supplementation, lifestyle changes, or targeted therapies to address specific microbial imbalances.

Optimised Digestion and Weight Control

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. By optimising your gut flora, you can improve digestive health, enhance nutrient uptake, and support healthy weight management.

Boosted Mental Well-Being

The gut-brain axis highlights the connection between gut health and mental well-being. Imbalances in the gut flora have been linked to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. A balanced gut microbiome can contribute to improved mental health and cognitive function.

Enhanced Energy Levels and Sleep Quality

Gut health influences energy metabolism and sleep patterns. A healthy gut microbiome can help regulate energy levels, promote restful sleep, and reduce fatigue.

Reduced Inflammation

Imbalances in gut flora can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to various diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. By promoting a balanced gut microbiome, you can help reduce systemic inflammation and support overall health.

How Does Decode Biome Work?

Decode Biome (Test for Gut Health) utilises advanced technology and cutting-edge methodologies to analyse and interpret the complex ecosystem of your gut microbiome. 

Here's an overview of how Decode Biome works:

1) Sample Collection

Click here to know about the sample collection. 

2) DNA Sequencing

DNA Sequencing for Decode Biome test involves extracting DNA from stool samples, representing gut microorganisms. High-throughput sequencing generates vast genetic data, detailing gut microbiome composition.

Data Analysis

Once the microorganisms and their genes are identified, the sample undergoes advanced ML/AI algorithms for post-identification of microorganisms and genes. It discerns correlations between microbes, metabolism, and disease risks. Recommendations for personalised probiotics and food profiles stem from this intricate analysis, optimising health outcomes.

Personalised Report

Your personalised report offers a comprehensive view of your gut health, metabolite levels, and neurotransmitter production. It includes insights such as your Biome Score for overall gut health, detailed microbiome composition, diversity metrics, keystone species identification, and the presence of beneficial and harmful microbes. Additionally, you gain knowledge about essential metabolites crucial for gut health maintenance, nutrient metabolism, and neurotransmitter production affecting mood regulation. Tailored recommendations for lifestyle changes and supplement choices empower you to optimise your gut health effectively.

FollowUp

Your results will be conveniently delivered to your WhatsApp, the Decode Age App, and email within 3-4 weeks. Prepare for a consultation with our Nutrigenomic Specialist to gain a detailed understanding of your report, helping you make informed decisions for your health journey. 

What makes Decode Biome the Most Advanced gut microbiome test in India:

Parameters	Decode Biome	Traditional Tests
Analysis	Analyses the entire genomic material of the sample	Selects and targets 16S RNA found in the bacteria
Microorganism testing	Can detect bacteria, archaea, and fungi	Only bacteria
Role of microbes in your gut	Based on the abundance of genes detected, we predict the role of the microbe in your body	Does not provide information about the functional role of the microbe

 

Future Areas of Research

Research in the past decade has prioritised exploring the microbiome's role in disease classification, diagnosis, and prognosis. Particularly, the gut microbiome has garnered significant attention. Gut microbiome tests in India like Decode Biome exemplify this focus, employing gut microbiome analysis for diagnosing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes progression, and irritable bowel syndrome. Statistical techniques like random forests and penalised regression analyse the microbiome's compositional data. Additionally, metagenomic data combines reference-based microbial abundance characterisation with assembly binning for improved disease prediction.

References:

Gut Microbiome
(Cresci, G. A., & Bawden, E. (2015). Gut Microbiome. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 30(6), 734-746.)

Part 1: The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. 
(Bull, M. J., & Plummer, N. T. (2014). Part 1: The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 13(6), 17-22.)

FAQs

1) What is a gut microbiome test, and how does it work?
A gut microbiome test, like Decode Biome, uses advanced metagenomics to analyse bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea in your gut, offering personalised insights for improved digestion, immunity, weight management, and wellness.

2) What are the benefits of taking a microbiome test for gut health?
A microbiome test like Decode Biome offers personalised health insights, detects health conditions, aids weight management, enhances mental health, improves sleep, and reduces inflammation.

3) How can a gut test help in understanding gut bacteria?
A gut microbiome test analyses gut bacteria types and their impact on health. It checks for microbes like bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, helping understand their role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.

4) Are there specific gut microbiome tests available in India?
Yes, in India, Decode Biome offers the most advanced gut microbiome tests for personalised insights into gut health. 

5) What are some indicators that suggest the need for a test for gut health?
Indicators suggesting the need for a gut health test include digestive symptoms (gas, bloating), sleep issues, mood changes, and frequent infections, influenced by stress, diet, sleep, and lifestyle factors.