Gut microbiome testing
“All diseases begin in the gut.” It is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, 300 years before Christ. He was not far off. Every time we eat or drink something, we expose ourselves to the outside world; to nutrients but also to microbes, pesticides, heavy metals, chemicals, hormones, etc. Our gut has a hard time these days.
With every bite we are feeding or fighting disease. When your gut is healthy, there is a good chance that you are healthy!
Our microbiome
The millions of microbes that inhabit our intestines are collectively called our (gut) microbiome. Our microbiome has been in the spotlight in recent years. And for good reason: a balanced microbiome is essential for our health. We have about 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells! That says a lot.
Our microbiome helps us digest food, produce energy, absorb and produce important vitamins, and the neurotransmitters Serotonin (happiness) and GABA (relaxation) are produced in your intestines. Our intestines are therefore in close contact with our brain.
The intestine is a versatile system, but also very vulnerable. 70-80% of our immune system is located in the intestine. Everyone has both good and bad bacteria and fungi in their intestines. The good bacterial flora forms a first defense against unwanted intruders. As long as it is well represented, there is no room for intruders. In the absence of sufficient good intestinal bacteria, the bad guys can start to proliferate. Disruptions in the intestines can put pressure on our immune system and cause a wide range of complaints. A disturbed intestinal environment is also very bad for the liver.
A disturbance in your intestines can be caused by many factors, such as the use of antibiotics, pesticides, alcohol, stress, eating too much and too fast, too little exercise, too little stomach acid, but also excessive use of sugar, gluten, lactose or casein can cause problems.
Then you can be dedicated to taking your probiotic supplement daily, but if your intestinal mucosa is not in order, it is of not much use. You quickly poop it out again and that is a waste of your money. A step-by-step gut recovery plan will have to be designed to address all aspects. This is why treating the intestines plays an important role in optimizing health.
Gut microbiome testing is not only valuable for people who suffer from diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, inflammation or other gut complaints. Even when there are no gut complaints (or seem to be), gut testing can be most valuable. It’s a great start of your health journey.
For which complaints is a gut test advised?
What can be examined in a gut (flora) examination?
Valeo Life uses advanced microbiological and genetic research that carefully maps the health of the intestines and the entire intestinal flora. All that is needed for this examination is a small sample of stool. In the past, this was cultured, but now the analysis is carried out by means of DNA sequencing (next-generation sequencing).
This method has revolutionised diagnostics, as it allows the detection of almost all bacteria known to date. In this molecular biological test method, anaerobic bacteria are also detected at the highest technical level, which cannot be demonstrated by means of a bacterial culture (cultivation).
What do you discover with a gut examination?
Molecular genetic research includes, among other things, an analysis of the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiome (diversity), frequency distribution of the main bacterial strains, assessment of the mucosal protective flora and an analysis of risk factors for diseases associated with dysbiosis.
The microbiological examination includes, among other things, the quantities of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, yeasts (Candida albicans and Candida spp.), quantitative examination of digestive residues, bile acids, inflammation values in the intestines (α-1 Antitrypsin, Calprotectin, Zonulin), enzymes (Pancreas elastase), Beta-defensin 2 and sIgA (defense reaction). We can also examine the histamine values in stool.
In addition, the PCR method can be used to examine the presence of the following human parasites: Protozoa, Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium spp.
By means of a stool examination, we gain a lot of insight into the imbalance in the intestine and what the likely causes are.
We discover:
- To what extent the intestinal environment is disturbed (dysbiosis)
- Which specific bacteria, fungi or parasites are disrupting things
- The amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut
- The condition of the intestinal mucosa
- To what extent there is a hyperpermeable intestine, allowing foreign substances to enter your body
- The efficiency of digestion and absorption of carbohydrates/proteins/fats
- To what extent there is inflammation in the intestines
- To what extent toxins (putrefaction metabolites, such as LPS) are produced by the microbiome
Through a gut microbiome test, we gain a lot of insight into the influences of your lifestyle on your body, digestion and immune system. The results ensure that we no longer have to guess where the complaints are coming from and serve as a basis for an individual therapeutic plan with advice on nutrition, lifestyle and possibly supplements.
This study is suitable for people aged 8 and older.
We will receive the results within 2-3 weeks after you have sent your stool to our lab.
What are the costs of the intestinal flora studies?
Below prices are including an extensive report from our lab, but without our consultation, advice, protocols and coaching. We can only help you when you are in one of our programs, as we want to ensure your best outcome. Thriving health.
- Intestinal Microbiome Basic € 220
- Intestinal Microbiome Plus (recommended) € 360
- Intestinal Microbiome Premium (including parasites) € 400
Would you like to know more or do you have questions?
We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities without obligation.
“Our microbiome has been one of the hottest topics in health in recent years. More and more is being discovered about the role our gut bacteria play in our overall health. Every week, new connections are made between the creatures in our stomach and various complaints or diseases. You may have heard of the gut-brain-axis, but our gut is connected to ALL our organs: skin, liver, thyroid, you name it.
With the help of stool tests, we can gain a lot of insight into the proportions of bacteria in the intestines, the strength of digestion and the health of the body. With this insight, we can create a targeted treatment plan using the 9 pillars of Optimal health, supplements and other important interventions.”
Hayo Venema
