Last summer we posted a couple articles about the microbiome and Biome Rx, a stool test offered by Microbiome Labs. Stool tests can be useful for evaluating the state of our individual gut microbiome, and the Biome Rx stool test specifically analyzes:
- Keystone species
- Dysbiosis ratios and pathogens
- Bile salts (bile acids)
Keystone Species
A Keystone species is a species that exerts a large, stabilizing influence throughout an ecological community, despite its relatively small numerical abundance.
In the context of the microbiome, keystone species are those that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of the gut ecosystem. These key microbes help regulate microbial diversity, support gut barrier function, and contribute to important metabolic processes, which are essential for overall health. When out of balance, important digestive functions are compromised and inflammatory conditions result.
Dysbiosis Ratios
A diverse microbiome is a healthy microbiome and includes bacteria, protists, and fungi. Many things can negatively impact the diversity of our microbiome, the most common being antibiotic usage, poor diet (especially those high in ultra-processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables), lack of sleep, high stress levels, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Dysbiosis ratios refer to the balance of different types of microorganisms in the gut microbiome. An imbalance, indicated by a higher ratio of harmful bacteria (pathogens) to beneficial ones, can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems and inflammation, the root of a whole host of chronic illnesses.
Bile Salts
Measuring bile salts (acids) is essential for assessing gut microbiome function, diagnosing digestive disorders, and evaluating metabolic health. They act as crucial signaling molecules that regulate metabolism, control gut microbial composition, and influence gut motility, with high levels often indicating diarrhea and low levels indicating constipation.
In our next article, we’ll talk about leaky gut and its connection to the microbiome and our health, and my personal experience with Biome Fx.
If you are interested in some research about this topic, you can check out these two articles: