Microbiome Test + Prebiotics & Probiotic advice

Yes, probiotics and supplements can support your gut microbiome, but their effectiveness depends on the specific strains used, your health condition, and the dosage. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance, while prebiotics nourish existing good bacteria. However, results vary and may not work for everyone or every condition.

To restore your gut flora, focus on a combination of diet, lifestyle, and supplements. Eat fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and add fermented options like yogurt and kimchi to support healthy bacteria. Include prebiotic-rich foods like garlic and bananas, and take probiotics to help beneficial bacteria thrive. Furthermore, reduce stress, alcohol, and processed foods to maintain balance.

You might notice improvements within 2 to 4 weeks of starting probiotics, prebiotics, or dietary changes. However, this varies based on the severity of the imbalance and your overall health. Some people with more significant gut disruptions may require several months to see optimal results. 

Yes, your gut microbiome is dynamic and influenced by factors like diet, stress, medications, and aging. It can change in response to short-term events, like antibiotics, or long-term habits, such as a consistent diet rich in fiber and fermented foods. Seasonal variations and environmental factors can also play a role. 

The test is simple and involves collecting a stool sample at home using a kit provided by the service. For the most accurate results:

• Take the test when your gut is in its normal state.
• Avoid testing during or immediately after antibiotic use—wait at least 2–4 weeks to allow your microbiome to stabilize.
• Follow all instructions provided with the kit to ensure accurate and reliable results.

When the ratio of good to bad bacteria in your gut is disturbed, it manifests itself in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can be annoying and sometimes even dangerous. Common symptoms include:

• flatulence, 
• diarrhea, 
• constipation, 
• fatigue,
• decreased appetite. 

The consequences of an imbalance in your gut can be major. For example, nutrient absorption may be impaired and vitamin absorption and production may be messed up. Problems digesting food can also result in the production of more gas than you are used to, resulting in flatulence.

If you suffer from the above symptoms, it is wise to do a microbiome test. But even if you are fond of your health and don’t feel sick right away, it can be good to know if your microbiome is in balance. With a microbiome home test, you can easily and without referral find out if the bacteria in your gut are in the right proportions or if you need to take measures to restore the balance in your gut. 

Note: If you are experiencing acute, potentially dangerous, symptoms, you are of course wise to seek medical attention.

To maintain the diversity and health of your microbiome, it is important to eat varied and healthy foods. High-fiber foods are good for your gut flora, and so are fruits and vegetables. Drinking enough water is also important in keeping your gut healthy. In addition, it is good to add natural foods that contain natural probiotics – such as yogurt or uncooked sauerkraut, for example – to your diet. Sugar is best avoided, as fungi and “bad” bacteria love it.

With a varied and healthy diet, you keep the microbiome balanced. Antibiotics can upset the balance because with the “bad” bacteria, they can also clear out some of the “good” bacteria. This gives bacteria that are not good for you the opportunity to take up this space. So be careful about using antibiotics and restore the balance with probiotics if necessary.

Finally, reducing stress and getting enough exercise are also factors in improving your gut health.

As explained above, you can address an imbalance in your gut with modifications to your diet and eating probiotics. Severe intestinal problems, which are the result of a disorder of the intestines, will require treatment by a doctor.