The 'Aussie Gut' project
The Aussie Gut project is looking at the role of our gut bacteria in health and disease.
The bacteria in our gut are known to outnumber human cells in the body and play important roles in digestion, nutrient production and immune modulation.
New evidence suggests your gut bacteria may influence your body mass, metabolism, allergies and respiratory infections.
Join us as we learn about the way your gut bacteria influences your health!
What is the microbiome
The microbiome consists of all the microorganisms that exist in and on the human body. When we talk about the gut microbiota we are commonly referring to bacteria. Currently there are almost 1,000 bacterial cells in our gut for each cell in our body – in this way we all support a significant bacterial ecosystem whose functions have the ability to impact on the health of their host. The huge numbers of gut bacteria exists along a spectrum of symbiosis (mutual cooperation and benefit), a state that promotes health, and dysbiosis (imbalance or maladaptation), which may promote disease. Research suggests that bacterial diversity and the abundance of particular species are important to promote and maintain health. There is much yet to learn about our gut bacteria and your help is required.
Benefits of profiling your microbiome
It is important to understand how communities of gut bacteria may differ between people and how these differences affect our health.
By profiling your microbiome we will be able to provide you important information on the diversity and composition of your gut bacteria. You will also find out the abundance of bacteria used in common probiotic supplements, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. A trained dietician will be able to assist you alter your diet to promote good bacteria.
Gut Health
You will receive detailed information on the diversity of your gut bacteria, how your gut bacteria compares to other individuals and whether strains used in probiotic supplements can be detected. Overall scores of microbial diversity will be provided. Higher diversity of gut bacterial species have been associated with good health.
Probiotic supplements
Probiotics are micro-organisms that promote health. Our research has shown that probiotic supplementation can reduce the risk of getting a cold and reduce symptoms of allergy.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible starches that our gut bacteria use as fuel. These starches improve the diversity of our bacteria and lead to an increase in enzymes that maintain gut health and immune function.
Nutrition and dietetics
Having an understanding of your microbiome can be used to modify your diet in conjunction with advice from a dietitian.
Exercise and sport performance
By keeping you healthy your gut bacteria can prevent illness negatively impacting sports performance. Exercise can also change your gut bacteria.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Differences have been observed between lean and obese individuals in relation to gut bacteria. Modifying gut bacteria with probiotics and diet is being investigated as a novel strategy in obesity and metabolic disease.
Process
We can provide you with detailed information on the diversity of your gut bacteria, how your gut bacteria compares to other individuals and whether strains used in probiotic supplements can be detected. Overall scores of microbial diversity will be provided. Higher diversity of gut bacterial species have been associated with good health.
1. Book an appointment
Call or enquire online to book an appointment.
2. Collect your sample
We'll post a microbiome sampling kit to you with detailed instructions on how to collect your sample.
It’s easy and totally painless.
3. Attend your appointment
Meet with us to provide your sample for testing.
Appointment and analysis: $330 for Gold Coast | $385 for Interstate (inclusive of GST)
4. Results
We'll email your results to you.
Make an appointment with our Griffth Health Clinic's dietitian or your health professional to discuss how your unique gut microbiota affects your health.
