As
technology advances, so does the role of DNA testing and analysis
play in healthcare delivery system, crime and justice system, genetic
engineering for diseases prevention, pharmacology and drug
manufacturing, and improving agricultural yields.

DNA
technologies are revolutionizing the way crime is being fought. The
adoption of DNA testing in forensic
science has opened up new frontiers in how law enforcement
agencies investigate and solve crimes. Today, genetic testing is
largely trusted as reliable evidence in the law court.

Early
disease detection and prevention has received a big boost as genetic
testing becomes more sophisticated. It is a lot easier now to
identify potential disease-causing genes through genetic sequencing
so individuals can take measures to prevent future health issues. 

And,
our world is on a path to agricultural, and food security as DNA
testing finds new ways to develop disease-resistant seeds and crops
that require a little amount of resource input for improved farm
yields. 

As
scientists and geneticists probe our genes to discover new ways of
enhancing the quality of life, one advancement in DNA testing that is
gradually taking center stage is microbiome
testing.

What
is microbiome testing?

But,
before we even begin to talk about microbiome testing and how it is
good for your health, let’s first explain what a microbiome is.

The
human body, both inside and out, is covered with microorganisms. They
are on the skin, in the nose, in the guts and other parts of the
body. The total population of these microorganisms is called
microbiota.

Microbiome,
on the other hand, refers to the combine genetic snapshot of all the
microscopic organisms living in and on your body. The term is often
generally used to refer to the gut microbiome.

These
microorganisms think: bacteria, viruses, yeasts, are essential for
our wellbeing. They help us develop immunity against diseases,
produce vitamins,
and also help absorb nutrients. 

Although
these microscopic organisms are found in several parts of the body,
the gut’s microbiome appears to have attracted the most attention.

While
there are gut microbes that can potentially harm us like invasive E
Coli and Salmonella, which are some of the well-known gut pathogens,
others are actively involved in helping the body synthesize vitamins,
protect against pathogens and generate essential metabolites. Still,
others are neither harmful nor helpful – they co-exist with other
microbes in the body.

Microbiome
testing is the analysis of gut microbiome using a method known as the
16s RNA ribosomal sequencing. Scientists use fecal (poop) sample sent
in by an individual to analyze the microbiome of the person. Usually,
during the test, your
DNA is sequenced and only the part that comes from bacteria
isolated and analyzed. 

The
result from the test is then compared with the microbiome of a
healthy person from which you can learn about how diverse the
microbiota on the sample is and to identify the different bacteria
species in the gut.

Why
should you get a microbiome test?

While
gut microbiome testing is relatively new, it is a great way to learn
about how the body works and how different microbiomes affect our
general wellbeing. And, yes, if you are wondering, the microbiome
test is scientifically sound. 

Learn
about your gut health

Individuals
interested in their gut health can take the microbiome test to
understand how their diet and eating habits affect their health. The
result can help you modify your eating habits to encourage the growth
of beneficial gut microorganisms.

There
is an increasing body of research that link microbiome imbalance to
chronic fungal infections, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome,
bloating, chronic indigestion and fatigue. So by having your gut
bacteria DNA sequenced, you learn about eating habits that would make
your microbiome healthier, which in theory should also make you
healthier too.

Manage
weight and boost metabolism

Certain
types of bacteria in the gut like Firmicutes boost the digestion and
release of calories from food, that should be a good thing. But the
more they are found in the gut, the easier it is to gain weight. As a
result of this, high levels of Firmicutes is usually associated with
obesity.

Another
microbe which plays a crucial role in weight management is the
Bacteroidetes. However, the presence of Bacteroidetes inhibits the
growth of Firmicutes. 

A
microbiome testing can help you understand the levels of these
microbes in your gut. So you can potentially lose weight by lowering
the Firmicutes count in your gut by upping the Bacteroidetes count.

Prevent
disease and medication side-effects

While
autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia are
detectable with microbiome testing, the results when combined with
gene sequencing can help people understand how their body reacts to
certain medications.

A
2015 study found that when a person’s microbiome result is combined
with blood tests and their diet, one can predict how the person’s
glucose levels will respond to specific meals.

The
implication is that analyzing someone’s gut microbiome can help
create a personalized meal plan to keep their blood sugar under
control.