Has anyone had their gut microbiome tested?
Blue Horizon are promoting such a test, which analyses the following (the info in brackets is what the result scores are indicating.):
- Metabolic score (the tendency of an individual to lose or gain weight)
- Macronutrient Metabolism (the amount and activity of key microorganisms involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolisms)
- Vitamin Synthesis (the number of vitamin-synthesizing bacteria in a person’s gut )
- Lactose and Gluten Sensitivity (the bacteria that are known to contribute to a body’s ability to process lactose and gluten)
- Sugar Index (he amount activity of bacteria widely known to be associated with sugar metabolism)
- Processed Food Index (the bacteria directly related to a body’s ability to metabolize processed foods)
- Bowel Mobility (the intestinal motility and highlights the proneness to constipation or diarrhea)
- Antibiotic Damage (the antibiotic damage that has occurred recently or has not improved since last usage)
- Autoimmune Index (the bacterial groups associated with autoimmune diseases)
- Sleep Quality (the microbiome affects sleep)
It also assesses propensity to certain conditions, such as autoimmune disease and thyroid-related disorders, and provides a nutrient score and a list of foods that are best fit to you specific microbiome, foods that can be tolerated and those to avoid.
This seems a very useful test, especially for those whose thyroid status has been dismissed by the medical establishment.
It's also useful in that it provides a personalised list of foods and advice about improving gut health.
Any thoughts?