Gut Microbiome Tests: What They Reveal About Your Health

What is a gut microbiome test?

A gut microbiome test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that analyses the composition and diversity of microorganisms present in your digestive system. It utilises and examines your stool sample to provide insights into the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gut. This helps your doctor identify potential issues and provide personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

What can a gut microbiome test tell me about my health?

A gut microbiome test can tell you a lot about your digestion and gut health by detecting conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at an early stage and identifying the causes of your digestive issues, such as bloating or diarrhoea. However, it will not be able to diagnose diseases.  

There are many types of gut health tests available that provide different insights. Some tests can tell the overall diversity of your gut bacteria, while other types will look for specific bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

What is a gut microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in your digestive tract. This diverse ecosystem plays a key role within your body to support essential functions such as digestion, vitamin production, and immune regulation. Having a balanced gut microbiome is essential for your overall well-being.

Imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, IBS, IBD, and allergies by disrupting immune function. It can also negatively impact your mood.

In Singapore, around 1 out of 10 people suffer from IBS. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases of IBD, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and increases the risk of colorectal cancer. 

Imbalances in the gut microbiome can also contribute to the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is important for preventing such diseases and ensuring long-term health.

What does the gut microbiome do?

Your gut microbiome interacts with many of your body systems and assists with many body functions. It plays such an active role in your body that some healthcare providers have described it as being almost like an organ itself. These involve interactions with your digestive system, immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system (a network in charge of creating and releasing hormones to maintain countless bodily functions).

Digestive system

The bacteria in your guts help break down complex carbohydrates and dietary fibres that your body cannot digest on its own. In turn, they also produce an important nutrient known as short-chain fatty acids as byproducts. They will also provide the enzymes necessary to synthesise certain vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B9, B12, and K.

Micronutrient deficiencies can have a big impact on your health. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia, while vitamin K deficiency can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Short-chain fatty acids also feed the cells in your gut lining and help keep your overall gut environment healthy.

The bacteria in your gut also help to produce bile in your intestines. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps your body digest fats. When you eat, your liver sends bile to your intestines to break down the fats in your food. Once the bile has done its job, most of it doesn't go to waste.

Instead, your intestines' bacteria break it down so your liver can reuse it. This recycling process is called enterohepatic circulation.

If this recycling didn't happen, your body wouldn't have enough bile to digest fats properly. This could lead to problems absorbing fats from food, and the cholesterol in the bile could build up in your blood.

Immune system

Microbes in your gut teach your immune system to identify which bacteria are helpful and which are harmful. Your gut is actually the biggest immune organ in your body, holding up to 80% of your immune cells. These cells work hard to remove the many germs and bugs that pass through your digestive system every day.

Helpful gut microbes fight the harmful gut microbes for space and food in your gut, stopping the bad types from spreading too much. If you have a diminished gut microbiome, meaning you do not have enough good bacteria, you are more likely to get infections in your digestive system from bad bacteria such as clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) or helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Short-chain fatty acids also do important jobs for your immune system, such as keeping your gut lining strong so that bacteria and their toxins do not leak into your blood. These short-chain fatty acids also help calm down inflammation in your gut.

While inflammation is a normal part of your immune system, sometimes it goes wrong and becomes too active. This is called chronic inflammation, which is common in many different autoimmune diseases and may play a part in other illnesses, including cancer. Short-chain fatty acids seem to help reduce this kind of harmful inflammation.

Nervous system

Gut microbes can affect your nervous system through the gut-brain axis. This axis is a network of nerves and chemicals that connects your gut to your brain. Some gut bacteria can produce or help make neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a crucial role in various functions, including mood regulation, appetite, sleep, and digestion.

Endocrine system

Gut microbes also interact with special hormone-producing cells in the lining of your gut. These cells, called enteroendocrine cells, make your gut the largest hormone-producing organ in your body. They release hormones that help control important functions like blood sugar levels, hunger, and feeling full. 

It is still unclear how your gut microbiome might be connected to metabolic problems such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and fat buildup in the liver. While certain gut bacteria appear to contribute to these conditions, their precise impact remains unclear.

What affects my gut microbiome?

Several factors can influence the composition and health of your gut microbiome:

• Diet:

  • High-fibre, plant-based foods support a diverse microbiome, while excessive processed foods, sugar, alcohol and unhealthy fats can be harmful to it.

• Antibiotics and medications:

  • These can reduce microbial diversity and allow harmful bacteria to flourish.

• Stress:

  • Chronic stress may alter gut bacteria and increase inflammation.

• Age, genetics, and environment:

  • These factors also shape your unique microbiome profile.

• Lifestyle:

  • Lack of sleep and lack of exercise can negatively affect gut health.

When should I get a gut microbiome test?

You may consider a gut microbiome test if you:

• Experience persistent digestive symptoms (e.g., bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort).

• Want early detection for conditions such as IBS and IBD.

• Have a family history or risk factors for gut-related or autoimmune conditions.

• Suspect a link between your gut and other health problems like fatigue, anxiety, or mood changes.

• Want to monitor changes after dietary or lifestyle interventions.

If you are experiencing any of these concerns, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

How is a gut microbiome test conducted?

A gut microbiome is a type of stool test and follows the following sequence:

• Sample collection:

  • You will receive a kit to collect a small stool sample at home or at the clinic.

• Submission:

  • The sample is returned to the clinic or sent directly to the laboratory.

• Analysis:

  • Advanced DNA sequencing or other molecular techniques are used to identify and quantify the microbes present.

• Results:

  • Reports are typically available within 10–15 working days, though some labs may take up to 3–4 weeks.

How do I interpret my results?

Once your results are ready, you can schedule a follow-up consultation with your doctor, who will guide you through the findings and recommend next steps to help improve your wellness.

Overall, the results can provide insights into your brain (mental/mood), organ health (heart, liver, intestine, skin), and metabolic functions (food digestion and absorption). It can also offer a glimpse into the health of your gut lining, indicating whether unhealthy bacteria might be seeping into your bloodstream and potentially leading to conditions like inflammation or eczema.

Your test results can also reveal more than 20 reports of biomarkers and serve as a preventative test, possibly picking up on similar microbiome patterns seen in colorectal cancer patients. Your doctor can also provide personalised recommendations for dietary, probiotics, and lifestyle changes that can help support a healthier microbiome.

How much is a gut microbiome test?

In Singapore, the cost of a gut microbiome test typically ranges from $200 to $500, including initial consultation, testing, and a follow-up review. Some clinics may also offer a gut microbiome test as part of a comprehensive health screening package. Hence, prices may vary depending on the provider and the comprehensiveness of the test.

For detailed fee information and payment options, request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical today.

FAQ

How can I test my gut microbiome?

You can test your gut microbiome by purchasing a kit from a clinic or online provider. The process involves collecting a stool sample at home and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually provided in a detailed report.

Are gut microbiome tests worth it?

Gut microbiome tests offer valuable insights into your digestive health and can guide dietary and lifestyle changes. However, the science is still evolving, and results should be used as a guide rather than a definitive diagnosis. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for interpretation and next steps.

Is it true that 70% of your immune system is in your gut?

Yes, it is estimated that up to 70–80% of your immune system resides in your gut, making a healthy microbiome essential for immune regulation and defence against pathogens.

How do I know if my gut microbiome is unhealthy?

How do I fix my gut microbiome?

Is Yakult beneficial for gut health?

Yakult contains Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, a probiotic strain that may help promote gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. However, its effects are modest and should be part of a balanced, varied diet for best results.

What foods are good for the gut microbiome?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.