Recent scientific research and studies have helped us to understand that 80% of pathologies have a digestive origin, so we are starting to realise that the secret to wellbeing lies in our gut. Evidence shows that a balanced gut flora is a key factor for good physical and mental health, for a strong immunity, for good mood, and for weight control.
Our understanding of the link between the human microbiome and diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and autism, is rapidly expanding. In recent years, huge progress has been made in DNA sequencing of the genomes of microbial communities found in human intestines, and the future of applied clinical microbiome research looks promising.
There is much more to be discovered when it comes to gut bacteria, but reasonably comprehensive and reliable microbiome tests are already available. These tests are designed to examine the community of commensal, symbiotic, microorganisms that inhabit the human gut.
GniomCheck Analysis
At the clinic, I work with GniomCheck, an innovative self-test of the intestinal flora based on the DNA of bacteria in the gut.
The test requires a tiny stool sample, easily taken at home, that is then sent to a lab in Belgium. A stool sample as small as a pinhead contains enough microbial DNA to represent the entire gut bacteria genome and will reveal your gut flora profile.
Due to the complexity of the analysis, the laboratory procedures take approximately two to four weeks. The results are available online, on a particularly secure and private site, and they are also sent to my practice so that we can discuss them together. Note that the GniomCheck Test is not suitable for children under 14 years old.
The results of the GniomCheck test give an indication of the intestinal flora profile, of the strains are present, of their quality and quantity. This is followed by personalized food and lifestyle recommendations. Only a balanced and varied ecosystem of intestinal bacteria can fulfill its functions in the body and contribute to the efficiency of your immune system, your mental strength and your well-being.
The intestinal microbiota, by exercising a natural barrier function, prevents the passage of foreign elements through the intestinal mucosa and thus avoids the spread of inflammatory and oxidising mechanisms in the body. By promoting the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, the microbiota strengthens the cohesion of all our tissues.
The intestinal microbiota is also an actor in metabolic work, increasing the bioavailability of micronutrients that are essential to us. It helps digestive work and the extraction of minerals, trace elements, vitamins and essential fatty acids from the food we eat.
Today, our intestinal flora is often unbalanced due to inappropriate food intake (processed food, too many carbs and sugar), to stress, to antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs, to pollution. The western diet is poor in diversity: we constantly eat the same foods when we should eat at least 100 different ingredients per week.
What you get from a GniomCheck
The GniomCheck analysis is spread over about 20 pages that provide information about the following:
Digestion efficiency
Degree of intestinal mucosa permeability
Contributing factors to inflammation and constipation
The immune system and vitamin synthesis
Tendency to lactose and fructose intolerance
Calorie absorption and weight control
Gut bacteria diversity
Here’s a small example:
When to make a GniomCheck analysis?
A GniomCheck analysis can be used as a preventive tool to stay in good health, or as a way to bring light on the root cause of certain conditions, physical and mental such as:
- Weight excess, obesity
- Insomnia, sleeping problems
- Anxiety, depression, mood swings, autism
- Skin problems
- Digestive problems (IBD or IBS -> irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease
- Headaches, migraines
Why I chose to use GniomCheck
I have worked with a few tests, and decided to focus on GniomCheck for three reasons.
- The results are very complete, clear, and they include precise food and probiotics advice
- Best quality/price ratio on the market and rather quick results (169€)
- I have been working with the parent company that also owns SoCheck for 5 years and I know how serious and supportive they are. They help practitioners get more input and advice when it comes to complicated or difficult cases.
Contact Clinica Alostase by phone (934 363 040) to book an appointment, or myself via email if you want more information.
