Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms either supporting your health or damaging it. Having a good balance of bacteria is said to have a significant bearing on your general welfare. But this begs the question, What’s a Gut Bacteria Test?
Knowing the contents of your gut is the first step toward promoting a healthy microbiota. If you’re wondering whether to get a gut test, this article will hopefully help you make up your mind.
A gut bacteria test is when an analysis is made to indicate the types of bacteria in your large intestines. The test is conducted through laboratory analysis of your stool sample. It may comprise of test-tube experiments searching for bacteria bad for you.
Most gut bacteria tests search for the good and harmful microorganisms in your gut. They also explore if there are any signs of possible pathogens and inflammation inducers. Gut bacteria tests also give indications about the functionality of your digestive tract.
How A Gut Bacteria Test Is Done
The assessment is typically a do-it-yourself or take-home examination. The best gut bacteria test will probably consist of a test kit with instructions on how to go about the procedures in the comfort of your home.
Most test kits will require you to collect a stool and saliva sample on three consecutive days. A return label may be included, so you simply drop off the samples with the selected courier once you’re done.
The results of your gut test are typically sent back to you via email within a specified period. And they usually include personal recommendations for corrective action.
Who Needs A Gut Bacteria Test?
If you’ve had problems with stomach-related issues such as bloating, gassiness, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation, then you might want to know what sort of bacteria you’ve got in there. Other conditions warranting a gut bacteria test include gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.
[embedded content]If you’ve had such bowel chronic conditions for a while even after eating a balanced diet, then you may want to consider taking a bacterial test. This may help with pinpointing the root cause of some of them.
Gut bacteria tests may also be pertinent for people with autoimmune conditions. Studies have shown there’s a link between gut activity and the immune system. Some doctors have suggested if you have an autoimmune disorder like dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, chances are there’s a connection between what you eat and what your condition is.
What Does A Gut Bacteria Test Reveal?
The digestive tract is a complex part of the human body. Depending on the type used, a bacteria test could show different aspects of your health, including the following:
1. Parasites
A gut bacteria test can be used to check for parasites in your digestive system. A microscope is used to see if there’s a presence of parasites like Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis. These are known for causing symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.
2. Yeast
A stool and saliva test can also show if there’s yeast overgrowth in your body. Too much yeast could cause conditions such as brain fog, acne, and weight gain. An overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans is quite common.
3. Overgrowth Of Bacteria
A gut bacteria test can be used to check if there are too many bacteria in your digestive system. Remember, there can be good and bad bacteria in your gut. All of these need to be balanced if they’re to coexist. If there’s an overgrowth of one type, there could be some health problems.
There are two types of harmful bacteria: potentially pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria. Potentially pathogenic bacteria may become detrimental to your body if they’re allowed to grow. A pathogenic one will, however, cause harm regardless of its size. Therefore, a bacteria test can reveal if there’s a bacterial imbalance in your system, so doctors may recommend corrective measures.
4. Intestinal Inflammation
Intestinal inflammation is generally a disorder involving the swelling of the digestive tract. This inflammation is also associated with bacterial infections in people with conditions like bowel disease, and it’s said to signify the severity of the condition.
A bacteria test can show if your calprotectin levels, a marker of inflammation, are significantly higher than average. In such a case, you’d need to consult a specialist.
5. Immune System
A bacteria test can show if your immune system is in good shape. The test could also reveal if your immune system is overactive. Specific types of bacteria may be looked at as markers for particular types of an immune response.
6. Proteins And Fats
Gut bacteria tests can be used to check for any signs of fats or protein in your fecal matter. If you have fats in your poop, it may mean you’re not fully digesting your food.
7. Friendly Bacteria
Gut bacterial tests don’t just focus on the bad stuff; they also look at the good ones. The test looks for fatty acids that should be present in your poop if you have a healthy microbiome. These bacteria feed on fiber, and you’ll be guilty of not eating enough foods with fiber if the bacteria are missing in your stool.
Benefits Of Gut Bacteria Tests
Testing your microbiome could give you access to vast knowledge about the functioning of your body. This could help you keep healthy and this could prompt you to avoid foods possibly affecting your well-being.
Through a gut bacteria test, you could learn the following:
- Information about the microorganisms living in your gut
- Your body’s capacity to digest and absorb macronutrients like protein, fiber, sugar, and fats
- Your gut’s potential to produce chemicals associated with good health like folate
- A comprehensive list of all the bacteria in your digestive tract
- A personalized recommendation of all the foods you need to eat for healthy gut activity
- Knowing your microbiome could help prevent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression
In A Nutshell
Getting a gut bacterial test may not end your problems, but it’s the first step toward understanding the functions of your body. Knowing the bacteria in your system could help with improving your diet and metabolism.
