GUT MICROBIOME CHECK-UP

The gut microbiome, or gut flora, often simply called the microbiome, covers all the microorganisms living in the human gut. They are mainly bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and archaea. Here are some important aspects of the gut microbiome:

Composition and function of the gut microbiome

Bacteria: number and diversity: around 100 trillion bacterial cells live in the human gut, which makes the microbiome one of the largest microbial communities in the body.

Main groups: the most important bacterial phyla in the gut are Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria.

Functions of the gut microbiome

Digestion and nutrient uptake:

Fermentation: bacteria ferment indigestible food components (such as fibre) and in doing so produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, acetate and propionate, which serve as an energy source for the gut lining and other tissues.

Synthesis of vitamins: some bacteria in the gut are able to synthesise vitamins such as vitamin K and some B vitamins.

Immune system: immune modulation: the microbiome plays an important part in the development and function of the immune system. It helps fend off pathogens and is involved in regulating inflammatory processes.

Barrier function: the microorganisms support the integrity of the gut barrier and prevent harmful substances from getting through.

Metabolism and weight control: metabolism: the microbiome influences metabolism, including how energy is drawn from food and how body weight is regulated.

Hormone production: some gut bacteria produce hormones and neurotransmitters that can influence appetite and metabolism.

Protection against pathogens

Competition: the microbiome competes with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients and attachment sites in the gut, which makes colonisation by pathogens harder.

Production of antimicrobial substances: some bacteria produce substances that kill pathogenic organisms or inhibit their growth.

Factors that influence the microbiome

Diet: a fibre-rich diet: promotes the growth of useful bacteria that ferment fibre.

Sugar and fat: a diet high in sugar and fat can lead to dysbiosis (an imbalance of the microflora).

Taking antibiotics:

This can change the microbiome considerably and reduce useful bacteria, which can lead to temporary or long-term dysbiosis.

Lifestyle and environment:

Stress: chronic stress can affect the microbiome adversely.

Hygiene: excessive hygiene and disinfection can reduce exposure to useful microbes.

What the microbiome means for health

A healthy gut microbiome matters for general wellbeing. Disturbances in the microbiome are associated with a range of health problems, among them:

Digestive disorders: such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Metabolic disorders: such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Mental health: there are indications that the microbiome influences brain function and mood (the gut–brain axis).

Microbiome research is a fast-moving field that keeps producing new findings about the complex interplay between microorganisms and human health.

Several methods are available for assessing the state of the gut flora, giving information about the composition and balance of the microorganisms in the gut. One of the most common and most informative is the stool test. The stool sample is examined for a range of parameters. Below are the most important aspects for assessing gut health:

1. Stool test (microbiome analysis)
A comprehensive stool test provides valuable information about the diversity and balance of the gut bacteria. It typically covers the following points:

• Bacterial diversity: number and types of microorganisms present

• Dominant bacterial groups: the ratio of useful to potentially harmful bacteria

• Pathogenic organisms: detection of disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites

• Inflammatory markers: values such as calprotectin, which can point to inflammatory processes in the gut

• Digestive residues: signs of incompletely digested food components

• Stool pH value: an important indicator of the gut environment

2. Gut flora analysis through our specialised laboratories
Specialised microbiome laboratories offer in-depth analyses that go beyond standard stool tests. They allow the microbial composition to be captured precisely and give well-founded insight into the diversity and balance of the gut flora.

Leaky gut syndrome (a “permeable bowel”) can be picked up by particular laboratory tests. The following markers say the most:

Central markers:

• Zonulin: A raised zonulin value in stool points directly to increased permeability of the gut lining.

• Calprotectin: An inflammation marker that indicates silent or active inflammation in the bowel.
Further pointers to a disturbed gut barrier:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin: Can be raised where there is inflammatory activity and a permeable bowel wall.

• Histamine in stool: Can point to disturbed regulation, inflammation or bacterial imbalance.
Further tendencies where gut function is disturbed:

• Microbiome imbalance: An imbalance between useful and harmful bacteria

• Clostridium overgrowth: Can go together with inflammation and increased gut permeability

• Digestive residues and a shift in pH: Pointers to disturbed digestion and gut environment. Our ORY stool analysis is set up specifically for the diagnosis of leaky gut syndrome and gives precise values for assessing your gut barrier and microbiome balance. Our experts will accompany you individually through the evaluation and the next steps.

Akkermansia muciniphila is a useful gut bacterium that lives in the large bowel, where it breaks down and renews the protective mucus layer (mucin) of the gut lining. It is regarded as an important helper for gut health and is a focus of current microbiome research.

Why does Akkermansia muciniphila matter?

• Strengthens the gut barrier: Supports the renewal of the protective lining and keeps harmful substances from getting through.

• Anti-inflammatory: Promotes anti-inflammatory processes in the gut.

• Good for the metabolism: Associated with better insulin sensitivity and a healthier body weight.

• Immune-regulating: Contributes to a balanced immune response.
How can Akkermansia be encouraged?

• Prebiotics: Fibres such as acacia fibre or oligofructose

• Polyphenols: From berries, green tea or red wine, for example

• A healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise

• An option for the future: Taking it directly as a probiotic is still being researched

To diagnose a gut fungus (candidiasis) reliably, specific examinations are usually carried out, in particular a stool test. These are the main steps and methods used to diagnose a gut fungus:

Stool test

Stool culture: The stool is examined in the laboratory to identify fungi such as Candida spp. This is done by setting up a culture in which fungal growth is encouraged under particular conditions.

Microscopic examination: The culture is then viewed under the microscope to identify fungal spores and hyphae.

Quantitative analysis: Besides mere presence, the amount of Candida is often determined as well, in order to judge whether this is a pathogenic colonisation.

Fungal infections in the body can cause various complaints – depending on where they occur. A targeted stool test is a sensible, non-invasive way to pick up a possible gut fungus (from Candida, for example) early.

Why is stool diagnostics useful?
A stool analysis can give pointers to a fungus in the gut – often the starting point for further complaints in the body. Overgrowth with yeasts such as Candida albicans can disturb the microbiome and promote inflammation.

Typical symptoms with gut fungus:

• Bloating, abdominal pain

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Cravings for sugar

• Tiredness, trouble concentrating
Besides fungi, stool diagnostics also checks other relevant parameters such as microbiome balance, inflammation markers (calprotectin, for example) and digestive residues – a whole picture for targeted therapy.

Other possible fungal infections in the body
1. Skin fungus:
Itching, redness, flaking – often on the feet, hands or groin

2. Nail fungus:
Thickened, discoloured, brittle nails (usually toenails)

3. Oral thrush:
White coatings, burning, difficulty swallowing

4. Vaginal thrush:
Itching, burning, whitish discharge, pain when passing water. In summary:
A stool test is a sensible first step to clarify a fungus in the gut – particularly with unclear complaints or recurring infections.

Our ORY stool analysis is set up for exactly that and gives valuable insight into gut and fungal health.

In a healthy gut, histamine taken in with food or formed by bacteria is broken down by DAO. If that function is disturbed, histamine builds up, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain

• Heartburn, nausea, cramps

• Cravings for sweet things, a feeling of fullness
A raised histamine value in stool points to disturbed handling of histamine and a possible microbial imbalance – particularly where unfavourable gut bacteria are releasing histamine at the same time.

Causes of histamine intolerance

• DAO deficiency (inherited or acquired)

• Microbiome imbalance with histamine-forming organisms

• A diet rich in histamine (mature cheese or alcohol, for example)

Our ORY stool analysis measures histamine in stool specifically, along with important accompanying markers such as DAO activity, microbial balance, inflammation values (calprotectin, for example) and tendencies towards dysbiosis.

That gives us a clear picture of the state of your gut and of the possible causes of your complaints.

What helps with histamine intolerance?

• A low-histamine diet: avoiding foods that are rich in histamine or release it

• DAO preparations: an enzyme supplement to support the breakdown of histamine before eating

• Pro- and prebiotics: building up a healthy gut flora

• Fibre and digestive enzymes: promoting gut health and better use of nutrients

Histamine intolerance (HIT) arises when the body cannot break down surplus histamine well enough – usually because of reduced activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) in the gut. Histamine is a natural messenger substance, but in excess it plays a part in inflammation, digestive complaints and food intolerances.

Histamine intolerance often has its origin in the gut. A targeted stool analysis with histamine measurement – as in the ORY analysis – gives important pointers to the causes and makes individual treatment possible. Our experts will be glad to advise you on this.