When uBiome closed their lab doors and packed up shop, it took away one of my favorite tools for taking a peek into the microbiomes of my health coaching clients. With a sad heart, I wondered if I would ever find another microbiome sequencing test I would love. I tried another (Thryve) and didn't love it. Viome (click for current Viome discount) is great for people who want to go it alone, but does not show measurements that I need to see to "manually" steer the gut (nor does it show disease risk). I sat on a couple others tests, then finally (after much procrastinating) ordered the Gut Zoomer 3.0 to try on myself.
I had read about the Gut Zoomer before and heard it mentioned by a speaker at the 2019 Microbiome Labs Symposium. After being approved for an account, I met with the local rep and was intrigued by the information she gave me about the test. Here's some information from their website and literature:
The Gut Zoomer report provides you with actionable recommendations that include potential risks for:
Intestinal permeability (SCFA producing bacteria and tight junction integrity)
Intestinal disorders (IBS and IBD related bacteria)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)- related bacteria
Cardiovascular health (inflammation influencing and TMAO-related bacteria)
Autoimmune health (celiac, Crohn’s, rheumatoid arthritis, etc)
Neurological health (MS, Parkinson’s, and more)
Liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholangitis, and more)
Metabolic health (Obesity, diabetes, etc)
Nutrition (Vitamin production, oxalate metabolism)
Microbiome and hormone connections (Beta-glucuronidase and Beta-glucosidase)
67 pathogenic bacteria
24 Intestinal parasites
8 viruses
5 Fungal or yeast species
5 worm species
6 antibiotic resistance genes measured
and newly added additional markers of functional digestive status:
Calprotectin
Pancreatic elastase 1
Bile acids
Cholic acid
Chenodeoxycholic acid
Deoxycholic acid
Lithocholic acid
Acetic acid
Butyric acid
Propionic acid
Valeric acid
Total SCFAs
ß-glucuronidase
The test performs the most comprehensive analysis available of your intestinal microbiome ecosystem from a simple one-time stool collection. This test examines the complex and intricate relative abundance of each species or genus measured, in relation to the rest of the ecosystem, to provide a unique perspective on the gut microbiome and its connection to disease and inflammation.
The functional digestive analytes aid healthcare providers in determining if deficiencies in digestive enzymes, bile, or other critical metabolites are root causes of gastrointestinal inflammatory symptoms.
The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM also provides patients with an actionable report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols.
Well, hello. Lofty claims, much? After receiving my test, I donned my skeptic's hat and sent in my sample. A couple weeks later, I received my results. Nothing stood out microbially; I was pleased with how my microbes looked, especially being a non-secretor (we are genetically prone to gut imbalance). However, one item stood out for a moment (before I placed it aside). It was this:
Had a client's results come back with this, I would have asked them to please take this to their physician. When it comes to myself, however, I tend to put things off (note to self: STOP THAT!). Here were results telling me point-blank that I was at risk for colorectal cancer and gallstones.
Fast forward a month, and my gall bladder starts aching. Then, diarrhea, a bit of fatigue and mild nausea that came and went. I talked to my TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner (and dear friend) and made an appointment with my ND. My ND did a thorough exam and found that indeed my gallbladder was wonky - my words, not hers ;) Now I'm on a natural protocol for Cholecystitis and awaiting some blood work. And I'm giving my liver some extra love, because the two are interconnected and often an unhappy liver leads to an unhappy gallbladder.
Thank you, Vibrant Wellness; the Gut Zoomer 3.0 told me what was coming. I give this test 5 stars and feel very glad to be able to add it to the tools I can offer to my clients. The Gut Zoomer 3.0 is available for my current clients. If you are not a client but are interested in the test, email me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit to work together.
What supplements do I love to make the liver and gallbladder happy again? Click here to create a FullScript account to access my discounted supplement dispensary, then click here, here and here (TUDCA, Liver Cleanse and Cod Liver Oil)
In health,
sandi