Gut Health with Smartgut
The gastrointestinal tract harbors a tremendous diversity of microbial life. These microbes, known collectively as the “microbiome,” are directly involved in digestion and immune function, and appear to also play a role in multiple additional human biologic processes. Intestinal dysbiosis refers to an abnormality of the gut microbiota, either due to low microbial diversity, sub-optimal levels of commensal microbes, or an abundance of pathogenic microbes. Alterations to the microbiome have been linked to a variety of disorders, including gastrointestinal disease, obesity, diabetes, and even kidney stones.
Presenting symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Bloating
Presenting signs may include:
- Obesity
- Abdominal tenderness
Related diagnoses may include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis
- Type II Diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Kidney stones
SmartGut Testing
The SmartGut™ clinical test extracts microbial DNA from a stool swab sample and identifies microorganisms associated and inversely associated with health conditions and symptoms. The test yields information about overall microbial diversity and the presence of individual microorganisms.
Individuals Suitable for Testing:
- Individuals with chronic gut conditions (e.g., IBD, IBS)
- Individuals experiencing chronic gut symptoms (e.g., gas, bloating, diarrhea)
- Individuals experiencing no symptoms who seek to monitor their gut microbiome in collaboration with their physician (screening test)
Test Results:
SmartGut results enable a better understanding of:
- If there are specific pathogens present that might be causing illness.
- The balance of commensal and beneficial bacteria that may contribute to symptoms.
- Risk factors relating to the microbiome (e.g., diabetes, obesity)
