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.