Bacteria Gut Test: If you’ve experienced having gut issues, whether it’s bloating, acid reflux, constipation, or diarrhea, you know how they can turn into significant problems. Most people don’t take care of their digestive systems as carefully as other parts of their bodies. So, when something goes wrong, it takes people by surprise. Only then do they realize why their guts matter.
If something’s wrong with your digestive system, you might find the information you need from the bacteria in gut test. But will it help in improving your condition? Yes, it may help because Bio-X4 is a probiotic-based nutritional supplement that claims to control appetite, boost metabolism and improve digestive health. Are the inconvenience and the money that you’ll spend be worth it? Here’s everything you need to know about microbiome testing.
Table of Contents
What Is Microbiome Testing And How Does It Work?
The majority of gut microbiome testing focuses on identifying both good and bad bacteria present in the area. But they also look for signs of potentially harmful pathogens, markers for immunity and inflammation, and signs of how your digestive tract is currently functioning.
Compared to a more common blood or saliva test, gut tests are a bit more complicated. Typically, you’ll only need a take-home kit that guides you on how to collect your stool sample for three days. So, you must test for three days uninterruptedly since some parasites and bacteria can’t be detected in just one day.
But if your first thought is about how gross it is, don’t worry since you’re not alone. Still, everyone who wants to get microbiome testing needs to go through this, and the best part is you’re in the privacy of your home.
The Information You Can Get From A Bacteria Gut Test
If your doctor recommends that you take a gut test, you need to learn more about why it’s good for your digestive health. Since the digestive system is a highly complex part of your body, tests like these can look for several biomarkers. The following can be detected using this test:
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Parasites
Most laboratories will examine your samples to look for signs of parasites. They do this by finding the presence of their DNA. You might think that your body is squeaky clean, but a parasite is likely living in your gut. The most common parasitic organisms living in your digestive tract include Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis, which can usually cause stomach pain and nausea.
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Overgrowth Of Yeast
The overwhelming growth of yeast, such as the common yeast (Candida albicans), can cause an extensive range of problems in your gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). Most people could experience weight gain, acne, and brain fog (a feeling of dizziness and confusion).
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Overgrowth Of Bacteria
Bacterial overgrowth could include both pathogenic and ‘potentially pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria that are ‘potentially pathogenic’ are microorganisms that could cause infections if left unchecked and allowed to increase in numbers. So, if you only have them in small numbers, they might not cause any issue yet. But if they multiply rapidly, you might need to consult your doctor.
Pathogenic bacteria are more dangerous since they can cause problems to your digestive system. Some of these bacteria include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella.
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Calprotectin
One of the inflammatory markers that gut tests look for is calprotectin since it’s related to tumors and irritable bowel disease. So, if your levels of this biomarker are significantly higher than usual, you might need to consult a physician to take the necessary steps.
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Immune Markers
Identifying immune markers may help reveal whether your immune system is working correctly or overreacting. Some inflammatory markers like IgA are associated with food allergies or other problems in the gastrointestinal tract. These include the presence of bacteria or fungus, which then cause an immune response. Also, if you have higher than normal levels of eosinophils, it might mean that you have allergies or a parasite has invaded your digestive tract.
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Pancreatic Elastase
This is an enzyme that needs to be maintained at a balanced level. If your body cannot modulate the levels of this hormone correctly, you might have problems with your pancreas. As a result, the food that you eat might not be broken down efficiently.
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Good Bacteria
Gut tests are very effective in detecting the presence of beneficial bacteria. Microbiome tests look for fatty acids like butyrate commonly present in your GI tract if you have a healthy microbiome. So, if you’re not eating healthily, these good bacteria could be found in smaller numbers.
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Protein And Fat
Gut microbiome tests can also detect fat and protein levels in your stool, so your doctor can gauge if your body can properly digest and absorb your food.
Conclusion
By taking the time to gauge the health of your gastrointestinal tract, you can solve your gut problems and keep it functioning properly. Aside from the fact that it’s easy to do yourself, it could also present you with relevant information about what’s inside your digestive system. Doing a gut microbiome test is also very important since your doctor can detect potentially harmful bacteria, undiagnosed digestive ailments, and how your body absorbs the food you eat.
