WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?
When we think of bacteria we often think of disease associated with bacteria, or bacteria making us sick (think any bacterial infection). What we don’t think of is how much of an integral part our bacteria plays in our daily lives.
Your microbiome is your own unique ecosystem made up of literally trillions of microbes (primarily bacteria but also fungus, archae, protozoa and viruses) and is highly linked with your health and wellbeing. These microbes play a huge role in various functions of both your digestive system as well as your overall health. They are involved with digestion, metabolism, detoxification, the immune system – and are highly linked with many digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, SIBO and fatty liver disease. But did you also know that the microbiome can be linked with non-digestive conditions such as mood disorders, asthma, skin conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and autoimmune conditions?
If you find this suprising, let me just share a few facts about the microbiome that you may not have realised:
You have way more live
bacterial cells than human cells
You have approximately 1000
different microbial species all living together in its own ecosystem
This ecosystem exists in a
mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with the host (that’s you!) to
either promote health or initiate disease, all depending on which microbes are
there and in what numbers
We have approximately 150
times more genes in our microbiome than the rest of our human body
If you were to weigh the total
amount of microbes you have in and on your body – it would be close to the
weight of your brain.
The microbiome participates in
more metabolic reactions than even our liver!
You have way more live
bacterial cells than human cells
You have approximately 1000
different microbial species all living together in its own ecosystem
This ecosystem exists in a
mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with the host (that’s you!) to
either promote health or initiate disease, all depending on which microbes are
there and in what numbers
We have approximately 150
times more genes in our microbiome than the rest of our human body
If you were to weigh the total
amount of microbes you have in and on your body – it would be close to the
weight of your brain.
The microbiome participates in
more metabolic reactions than even our liver!
Luckily today, there is now the DNA technology
available to test exactly what bacteria is living in our gut and to what
percentage! The microbiome repair program involves an initial consultation to
have a thorough look at your specific symptoms, diet, lifestyle and medical history
alongside getting your microbiome tested which will be analysed in combination
with your current symptoms and diet to implement a fully extensive treatment
plan to help repair your microbiome to a healthier status. If this sounds like
something you'd be keen to do - see below for more details!
WHICH TESTING COMPANIES ARE USED?
There are quite a few companies which offer microbiome testing. At Aster Nutritional Therapy the main company suggested is Microba (~$350 AUD - located in Brisbane, Australia). However, for a more detailed exploration it can combined with one/all of the following: SIBO Breath Testing, Intestinal Permeability Testing, Food Antibody Testing - all of which can vary in cost. The best option is to discuss which of these may be needed during your initial appointment.
MICROBA
Microba offers one of the most comprehensive microbiome testing available in Australia today - as seen here on ABC Cataylst - and is based right here in Brisbane, Australia. It sequences microbes (bacteria, fungus, parasites) as well as the potential of your microbiome to produce key metabolites & vitamins. I became a Microba Informed Practitioner after completing the Microba Insights Health Professionals Training which enabled me to better understand and analyse Microba results.
DOCTOR'S DATA GI360
THOSE WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM MICROBIOME TESTING:
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Autoimmune Disease
- IBD/IBS
- Inflammation
- Food Sensitivies
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Joint Pain
- Chronic or acute diarrhea
- Bloody Stool
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever & Vomiting
- Brain Fog
- Anxiety & Depression
- Skin Conditions
- SIBO
- Fatty Liver Disease