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Gut Microbiome Tests: What They Do (& Don't) Tell You
Manage episode 517701842 series 3392025
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What if there were tests that could determine which foods to add or subtract from your diet for optimal health? That’s just one of many overarching claims of the various gut microbiome tests now available and gaining popularity online. But can an over-the-counter test really tell you how healthy (or unhealthy) your gut microbiome is? A gastroenterologist breaks down what you should know about these expensive consumer health tests.
Expert: Dr. Christopher Fan, gastroenterologist
Notable topics:
- The differences between tests gastroenterologists use and at-home tests
- Is there a true definition of a healthy gut microbiome?
- Do we actually know which microbes are “good" or “bad?”
- Can you address constipation, bloating and other symptoms through these tests?
- Leaky gut: The truth about this term making the rounds online
- Who (if anyone) might benefit from gut microbiome testing
- Actions you can take to promote a healthy, happy gut microbiome
If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.
Chapters
1. Host introduction (00:00:00)
2. What is the gut microbiome? (00:03:27)
3. How gastroenterologists use microbiome tests (00:04:17)
4. How consumer gut microbiome tests are different than those used by doctors (00:06:06)
5. Is there a definition of a “healthy” gut microbiome? (00:07:59)
6. Do we know which microbes are “good” or “bad” for the microbiome? (00:11:04)
7. Can we hack our gut microbiome to get rid of issues such as constipation? (00:12:59)
8. Leaky gut: Is it a real condition? (00:15:50)
9. Can diet affect functional symptoms such as brain fog? (00:17:55)
10. Who would benefit from one of these at-home gut microbiome tests? (00:19:47)
11. What you can do to improve your gut health (00:21:43)
12. How much fiber should you get in a day? (00:23:59)
13. How quickly you can see improvements in your GI health (00:26:07)
14. Why you should speak with your doctor before buying a gut microbiome test (00:27:35)
15. 29:30: Host wrap-up (00:29:30)
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