Gut Health
Gut health is trending — big time — and for good reason. Gut health affects your mental health, weight, mood, immune system, blood sugar, liver, and even impacts cancer rates. This popularity isn’t just a flash in the pan, more research and data is revealing that gut health is associated with much larger health outcomes than just gastrointestinal issues.
Your gut is a microbiome, an environment made up of trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. The key to a healthy gut microbiome is balance. When you have more good than bad or more bad than good bacteria in your gut, chances are you will get sick.
Each person’s gut microbiome is unique, just like a fingerprint. The mix of bacteria in your body is determined partly by your mother’s microbiome (genes) and partly by your lifestyle and diet. Testing your gut health to understand how your good and bad bacteria stack up is a wise choice if you want to reach your wellness goals.
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
While testing your gut is a surefire way of finding out the state of your gut health, there are some signs that indicate an unhealthy gut. However, not everyone who has an unhealthy gut experiences these symptoms. Signs that your gut health may be suffering include:
- Upset stomach: This includes gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. A gut that is imbalanced has a hard time getting rid of toxins and waste which can lead to any of these issues.
- Unintentional weight changes: Gaining or losing weight without changing your diet or exercise habits may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. An imbalanced gut can impair your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, and store fat.
- Skin irritation: Any imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to an increased risk of inflammatory responses that can exacerbate acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and even the worsening of vitiligo.
- Autoimmune conditions: An unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system. This may lead to autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks itself mistaking its cells and organs for harmful invaders.
If you are enduring any of these symptoms, having your gut health tested is a must. Even if you’re not experiencing any of these inconvenient and oftentimes painful symptoms, testing your gut health can lead to improving your overall well-being and feeling like the best version of yourself.
Types of Gut Health Tests
All gut health (gut microbiome) tests measure the different levels of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract, and different tests offer different levels of analysis. Some tests may give a general idea of the gut bacteria present, while others offer a deeper analysis, including differentiating between different subtypes of bacteria.
An at-home gut health test will rely on a stool sample to be sent in for analysis. You order a kit, submit your sample, and send it back to the testing company for analysis. Once the lab affiliated with the company is done analyzing your sample, they send you the results. This usually takes a few weeks.
The two main types of at-home gut microbiome tests available are:
Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing (DNA Sequencing)
Commercial at-home tests are likely to use DNA analysis when testing. This includes extracting DNA from your sample to find out the types and numbers of the bacteria present. Gut health tests use this information to provide insight into your risk of certain gut-related conditions related to microbiome imbalances, digestive health, leaky gut, and inflammation.
Metatranscriptomics (RNA Sequencing)
RNA is a molecule in organisms and viruses that helps carry genetic information, or “instructions,” needed for cells to function. Identifying RNA molecules can help show the functional activity of microbes in your microbiome. If your microbiome is imbalanced, RNA can show potential harmful activities of microbes, and identify which microbes are negatively impacting your gut health.
At-home tests are not diagnostic tests; they provide a rundown of the bacteria present in your gut and what may be missing. If you believe you’re experiencing a health issue related to gut health, you should always see your doctor.
Also, remember that gut health is partially dependent on your genes. Understanding how your genes are functioning can also shed light on gut health. 10X Health’s Precision Genetic Test gives you a comprehensive look at your current overall well-being. In addition to this information, the expert medical team offers recommendations and advice on what you can do to improve and optimize your wellness, including in your gut.
How to Choose an At-Home Gut Test
When choosing an at-home gut test, you should consider the following factors:
Time: How long will it take to get your results back? The standard wait time is usually 2-6 weeks, but some tests offer a smartphone app that may give you faster results.
Cost: Most at-home gut tests are not covered by insurance and range in cost from $100-$200, but depending on what you’re testing and the depth of testing, they could be much more expensive.
Ease of Use: Depending on how the sample is collected may influence which test you choose. Some tests use a scoop or swab to elicit the sample, others use a wipe method.
Results: Some companies offer comprehensive results that tell you the specific nutrients, bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your stool. Other tests give you a vague overview of the imbalances of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Based on your results, many tests suggest ways to improve your gut health.
A gut health test can reveal so much about your overall health. If you’re interested in improving your wellness, a gut health test can get you started.
Interested in learning more about your overall health, and specifically your gut health? Reach out to 10X Health today for more information or to order your Precision Genetic Test!
