In recent years, one of the hottest topic’s in natural medicine has been the explosion of research into the gut microbiota and its impact on health & disease.
The Gut is the ‘centre’
The traditional naturopathic approach to treatment is to treat the whole person and improve gut health for optimal nutrient absorption and elimination of waste products. As a naturopathic student over 30 years ago, this was a cornerstone approach for improving general health and well-being. At that time, there was a lack of scientific research to support these traditional naturopathic claims.
Scientific research may be starting to validate traditional naturopathic viewpoint.
I remember sitting in a lecture in the 80’s with an experienced herbalist who said “if you have a child with an autoimmune disease, always improve the gut health and worm them, this will improve or lessen the autoimmunity” Back in 1980’s this advice appeared unfounded and unsupported but seen as the ‘traditional’ view of naturopaths and herbalist. Today researchers are finding up to 70% of the immune function comes from the gut and by improving gut health it may improve autoimmune diseases.
Today scientific researchers are finding connections between your gut health and many different health conditions and diseases. This research is in its early stages but at the rate that it has been progressing over recent years, many more connections are still yet to be discovered.
How to Test your gut health
It is now possible to test your stool to show levels of the many different types of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. This test can be a start to improving your general health and may even help in the treatment of health diseases and conditions both physical and mental/emotional.
For every day Australians access to these tests have been limited. But we now have access to an easy at home test. The test is a private test and is not under Medicare. Ask your naturopath about the Metagenic MetaBiome Microbiome Test.
Why would you do a MetaBiome Test?
The MetaBiome™ Test provides metagenomic (or whole genome) sequencing of the gut microbiome. The MetaBiome™ Microbiome Report provides a complete picture of gut microorganisms that are present, including metabolites, species and function, sorted into body systems for easy interpretation.
What does this MetaBiome test give you?
• MetaBiome™ Score: this score provides a numerical value on microbiome health, based upon 11 different criteria that can promote or reduce health.
• Functional Insights: this provides an overview of the function of the microbes within the gut, and their impacts on general gut health, gut mucosal health, gut motility, metabolic, nervous system, immune, inflammatory and detoxification functional status. Within each section, metabolites with potential to promote, and also reduce health will be detailed.
• Microbiome diversity: this will outline the diversity of the microbiome, using the Shannon Diversity Index.
• Microbiome Composition: this section includes a full list of microbes in order of abundance. Any microbes detected that have health implications include a detailed description.
• Microbiome Fuel: This section includes recommended prebiotics based on the sample, and food sources. Hence it shows which foods are important to include in your diet to support your good gut bacteria. Different microbes need different foods to grow.
How much does a MetaBiome test cost?
The cost of the MetaBiome Test is $398. My regular clients or those on a health package receive a 10% discount off this price.
How do a book my gut health test (MetaBiome Test)?
For my regular clients; Ring the clinic or send me an email and we can book your test today.
For non clients please text/ring/email for an appointment.
Contact Tracey Lee Morley