Jérôme Maheux, PhD
Associate Scientific Director,
Biron Health Group
Mark Driscoll, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer & Co-Founder,
Intus Bio
From digestion and immune system function to metabolism and mental health, there are so many reasons why your gut microbiome matters.
Your gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, or microbiota, that reside in the intestinal tract. “There are about 100 trillion of these microorganisms in your gut, which include bacteria, viruses, and fungi,” says Jérôme Maheux, PhD, Associate Scientific Director at Biron Health Group, a Quebec-based medical services and diagnostics firm.
The microbiome is responsible for numerous essential functions, including digestion, metabolism, nutrient absorption, immune system support, hormone balance, and regulating neurotransmitters. “Researchers are also studying the connection between the microbiome and mental health and well-being, known as the gut-brain axis, though this is still an emerging area of science and medicine,” says Maheux.
Like an ecosystem, your microbiome needs species diversity
The key to good health is a balanced gut microbiome characterized by a diversity of species and strains of microbiota. “It’s similar to a rainforest, so you want an even distribution of gut flora without one species taking over another,” says Mark Driscoll, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Intus Bio, a U.S. biotech company specializing in microbiome diagnostic technology.
A varied diet that includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as probiotics like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, can help you achieve that diversity. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods and refined sugars can upset your gut microbiome diversity and allow opportunistic harmful bacteria to overtake the good bacteria. “This condition is known as dysbiosis, and it can increase inflammation and lower the effectiveness of the intestinal barrier, which is believed to lead to a host of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease,” says Maheux. Imbalances in normal gut flora have also been linked to gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)1 and, more recently, antibiotic-resistant infections.2
Find out how well your microbiome is performing
Understanding the state of your microbiome and monitoring it over time can help you identify the necessary diet and lifestyle adjustments for optimal health. But how do you find out this information? “Hippocrates said all disease starts in the gut, but the gut is dark, full of bacteria and, until recently, has been really hard to see,” says Driscoll.
Hippocrates said all disease starts in the gut, but the gut is dark, full of bacteria and, until recently, has been really hard to see.
The new Biron Microbiome Test, which uses long-read DNA sequencing technology, provides an accurate, comprehensive, and reliable method to assess the health of your microbiome. “One of the challenges with the older testing technologies is the limited ability to see the ecosystem and identify the bacterial overgrowths that are throwing it out of balance,” says Driscoll, whose company developed this new technology. “This new method that we developed can identify all the bacteria within the gut and give a true picture of your gut diversity and where you should take action,” he says.
Biron’s new Microbiome Test can provide personalized insights into your gut health. “We often think we’re eating healthy, but most of us miss the mark. Most people fall short of the recommended daily intake of fibre, and ultra-processed foods sneak in more sugar and fat than we realize. These habits quietly harm our gut health. This test provides concrete data about your unique gut composition, reveals how your habits may be impacting your gut health, and helps guide better choices.,” says Maheux. The test results include overall health scores, detailed but easy-to-understand data about your gut microbiome, and actionable recommendations on how to improve its balance. In addition to identifying bacterial imbalances, the test can also pinpoint specific areas of concern. “Knowing in advance that there might be some imbalance in your gut allows you to be proactive and adjust your lifestyle and diet to improve that balance and avoid getting to the chronic disease stage,” says Maheux. Regular testing enables you to track your progress over time, ensuring any interventions are effective.
“With more patients and even clinicians expressing interest in integrative medicine and looking at the whole picture, we think this is going to be an important test for people interested in being proactive about their health,” says Maheux.
Get a true picture of how well your microbiome is performing by taking the test. Learn more at biron.com/microbiome-test
Biron’s Microbiome Test Includes:
- Complete analysis of your gut microbiome using a single stool sample self-collected at home
- Detailed report on your gut and digestive health
- Personalized consultation with a nutritionist
Order a test. Learn more at biron.com/microbiome-test
