I recently had the opportunity to take the Viome Gut Health Test, and I was genuinely impressed by the insights it provided. For context, I’ve been on a significant weight loss journey, shedding over 30 pounds using a GLP-1 medication. While I’ve maintained my weight for a few months through healthy lifestyle changes, my high-protein diet, which I relied on for weight maintenance, began to pose some unexpected challenges. Specifically, I was consuming roughly 100 grams of protein daily, but I started experiencing GI discomfort several nights a week. With guidance from the Viome test, I adjusted my diet, and I’ve been feeling noticeably better. Here’s my detailed experience with the test and how it changed my approach to nutrition.
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How the Viome Gut Health Test Works
The Viome Gut Health Test is user-friendly and accessible. Here’s how it works:
- Ordering the Test: I ordered the kit directly from Viome’s website. One convenient perk is that you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover the cost.
- Sample Collection: Once I received the kit, the process was straightforward. I provided a stool sample and mailed it back for analysis.
- Analysis: Viome uses advanced technology to evaluate over 20 different gut health factors, including inflammation levels, digestive efficiency, and other critical markers.
- Viewing Results: The results were available online and through Viome’s app. Not only did I receive a comprehensive analysis of my gut health, but I also received personalized nutrition and supplement recommendations.
My Viome Gut Health Test Results
The Viome analysis assessed 19 factors, and most of my scores fell within the average range. However, three areas were flagged as “not optimal,” revealing valuable insights into my gut health:
1. Protein Fermentation
- Score: 36 out of 100
- Explanation: This score indicated that I was not digesting proteins effectively. Improper protein breakdown can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, causing GI discomfort and potentially contributing to bowel diseases.
- Takeaway: Given my high-protein diet, it wasn’t surprising to see this issue highlighted. Poor protein fermentation could be a root cause of the GI distress I’d been experiencing.
2. Putrescine Production Pathways
- What it is: Putrescine is a byproduct of protein fermentation. Elevated levels can compromise the intestinal barrier and exacerbate gut health issues.
- Cause for Concern: This score suggested that I might be overconsuming protein, potentially harming my gut lining.
- Plan of Action: I began to reconsider my protein intake, aiming to balance my diet better.
3. TMA (Trimethylamine) Production Pathways
- Issue: My results showed not optimal levels of TMA, a compound formed in the gut when choline and carnitine are present. This can lead to elevated TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide) levels when metabolized in the liver and bloodstream.
- Health Implications: High TMAO levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and metabolic issues.
- Dietary Changes: Since eggs (with yolks) are a major source of choline in my diet, I decided to reduce my egg yolk intake and substitute with egg whites where possible. I also plan to monitor and limit red meat consumption, even though it’s not a staple in my diet.
My Reaction to the Results
The test results shed light on how my high-protein diet, especially with significant animal protein intake, might be affecting my gut and overall health. While I still need sufficient protein to maintain weight and build muscle, moderation is clearly key. The dietary changes I’ve made so far have already led to noticeable improvements, including a significant reduction in GI upset.
Factors I Scored Average On
The following factors were categorized as “average” in my Viome report, indicating no pressing issues but still providing helpful information on my gut health:
- Functional Scores: Inflammatory Activity, Metabolic Fitness, Digestive Efficiency, Gut Lining Health, Gas Production, Gut Active Microbial Diversity, Microbiome-Induced Stress.
- Pathway Activities: Ammonia Production Pathways, Butyrate Production Pathways, LPS Biosynthesis Pathways, Methane Gas Production Pathways, Sulfide Gas Production Pathways, Flagellar Assembly Pathways, Oxalate Metabolism Pathways, Uric Acid Production Pathways, Salt Stress Pathways, Biofilm, Chemotaxis, and Virulence Pathways, Bile Acid Metabolism Pathways.
While these factors weren’t flagged as problematic, they provide a fuller picture of my gut’s health and functionality, helping me to better understand the intricate balance of gut bacteria and pathways.
My Personalized Nutrition Recommendations
Viome’s analysis didn’t stop at telling me what was wrong; it offered personalized recommendations based on my unique gut profile. Here’s what it suggested:
- Superfoods for Me: Bananas, Ginger, Kale, Sunflower seeds. These foods are particularly beneficial for my gut health and can help address some of the flagged concerns.
- Foods to Enjoy: Almonds, Bell Pepper, Broccoli. These foods support my overall gut health and metabolic fitness.
- Foods to Minimize: Coconut milk (high in saturated fats), MCT oil (also high in fat), and white rice (due to an increased likelihood of a blood sugar spike).
- Foods to Avoid: Viome flagged my self-reported food allergy foods, along with beef, egg yolk, pork, and watermelon (due to its impact on the putrescine production pathway).
My Thoughts on the Viome Gut Health Test
In summary, I’m glad I took the Viome Gut Health Test. It provided actionable insights that I’ve already started implementing to improve my gut health and overall well-being. Over the past week, I’ve been consciously reducing my protein intake from around 100 grams to roughly 80 grams daily. I’ve also decreased my consumption of egg yolks and adjusted my intake of animal proteins. As a result, I’ve experienced less GI discomfort in the evenings, making me feel more balanced and comfortable overall.
For anyone focusing on optimizing their health—whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or simply feeling better—understanding your gut health is crucial. Viome’s personalized approach made it easy for me to understand the link between my diet and my health. If you’re considering taking the plunge, I highly recommend giving it a try.
