It’s no secret that here at Activated Nutrients we love us some good scientific research. As proponents and producers of scientifically formulated supplements, we are all over the latest studies and clinical trials that put the spotlight on nutrition-based health.

So you can probably imagine how interested we are when we learn of new technologies that help people get a grasp on their own health and introduce them to new ways of understanding how their body can function at its best.  That’s why we thought we’d give you the lowdown on getting to know your microbiome testing and whether you need it to tell if it (and you!) are healthy.

Now, you’ve probably already heard a heap about the microbiome, but in case you haven’t here’s a quick overview:

Your microbiome is the word used to describe the trillions of bacteria that live in your intestinal tract. We need these bacteria to help our bodies fight off germs, release energy from our food and help us to absorb vitamins and nutrients.  Everybody’s microbiome is different, comprising a bacteria ‘profile’ that is as unique as your fingerprint.

Studying the microbiome is just about the hottest thing to be doing in health right now. That’s because research is showing that the health of an individual’s microbiome can have major indications for their short and long-term well-being. An imbalance in healthy bacteria has been linked to metabolic disorders, IBD, immunity disorders and is increasingly indicated as a factor in developing some mental health issues as well.

With the microbiome proving to be such a powerful factor in determining your health, you may be keen to know how to figure out if yours is in balance. Companies promising to analyse your microbiome are flourishing and with them comes the promise of unlocking your health problems. While these tests can make for interesting reading for those who know their bacteria (there are at least a thousand different species), they are costly and not always necessary for establishing how healthy your microbiome really is.

The fact is that these tests are still in their infancy and the results they offer can be close to indecipherable to the average person. And given the unique composition of an individual’s microbiome, there is no ‘normal’ with which to compare one to another. Without the benefit of scientific knowledge, these tests can leave you more confused than anything else.

The simplest and easiest way to boost your gut health is simple: deliver gut friendly prebiotics and probiotics to your body via your mouth! Yep, all you have to do is pump up your intake of fresh fruit and veg to give your good bacteria they need to survive and thrive. And if you still think your falling short? Try a probiotic or a supplement that can help give your good bacteria a boost!

Pssst…we’ve got loads to choose from!