Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is likely the master control center of overall human health.

In recent years, stool testing has become a popular method to evaluate the status of an individual’s gut microbiome (1). Peering into these microbial ecosystems can offer insight into disease susceptibility and potential root causes of illness. In fact, many diseases have a unique ‘microbial signature’ or enterotype, which means that specific bacterial patterns can be consistently linked to a particular disease. Fecal sampling can help clinicians and patients understand how their gut bacteria may be contributing to their ailments and how they can improve their gut microbiomes (2). However, common methods of stool analysis are often inaccurate, and many reports offered to consumers are confusing, ambiguous, and not actually based upon scientific evidence.

The most commonly used analysis techniques include 16S rRNA gene sequencing (16S) and quantified polymerase chain rWeactions (QPCR). Essentially, 16S rRNA is a region of DNA present in all bacteria and archaea, but not necessarily in other microbes, such as fungi or viruses. The 16S gene contains 9 hypervariable regions that can be thought of as a barcode, encoding many bacterial taxa (2). This area of DNA is then amplified using QPCR techniques to predict the full DNA sequence. However, due to its imprecise predictive nature, QPCR offers vague and often inaccurate results.

Similarly, researchers have found that 16S genome sequencing has less than 50% accuracy in identifying microbial species (3). It offers insight into phyla and genera, but due to its use of low-resolution images, it does not offer enough precise detail about bacteria at the species level, which can be very important! For example, the bacteria Escheria coli has many strains. Some of these are pathogenic, while others strains of E. coli are protective. Furthermore, 16S is unable to distinguish between living or dead cells, or offer insight into their metabolic activity.

A NEW WAY TO TEST

Instead of 16S rRNA and QPCR, BiomeFxTM uses whole genome sequencing. Instead of targeting one specific gene region, such as the 16S region, this thorough approach gathers a more complete picture by using multiple, overlapping gene primers. A recent study found that whole genome sequencing identified nearly twice as many bacterial species compared to 16S methods, providing more information on microbial richness and diversity (4). This is a stunning finding as individuals using 16S methods may receive faulty dietary and lifestyle advice in response to these testing methods.

Whole genome sequencing is far superior and allows clinicians to more accurately provide interventions to heal and balance the gut.

Moreover, BiomeFxTM is distinct from other stool tests because of its unique coring method, which increases the accuracy of samples. Rather than taking a sample from the surface of the stool, this approach gathers data from the core of the sample and presents the findings into a functional report. This functional report will look at microbial trends and patterns to understand what the gut microbiome is doing rather than presenting the data in a meaningless range of high to low. These common reports are confusing, unhelpful, and not backed by scientific research. BiomeFxTM is the superior stool test on the market because of its coring method stool sampling, highly accurate whole-genome analysis and practical, user-friendly reporting.

1 Knights D, Parfrey LW, Zaneveld J, Lozupone C, Knight R. Human-associated microbial signatures: examining their predictive value. Cell Host Microbe. 2011;10(4):292–296. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2011.09.003
2 Allaband C, McDonald D, Vázquez-Baeza Y, et al. Microbiome 101: Studying, Analyzing, and Interpreting Gut Microbiome Data for Clinicians. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;17(2):218–230. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2018.09.017
3 Edgar RC. Accuracy of taxonomy prediction for 16S rRNA and fungal ITS sequences. PeerJ. 2018;6:e4652. Published 2018 Apr 18. doi:10.7717/peerj.4652
4 Patel A, Harris KA, Fitzgerald F. What is broad-range 16S rDNA PCR? Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice. 2017;102:261-264
5 Ranjan R, Rani A, Metwally A, McGee HS, Perkins DL. Analysis of the microbiome: Advantages of whole genome shotgun versus 16S amplicon sequencing. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2016;469(4):967–977. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.12.083

• Orthomolecular—Right or correct molecule
• Science-based medicine
• Supports the biochemical and physiological processes and pathways of the human body

• 90% of the cells in the body are microbes and bacteria—the Microbiome—genetic material of our Microbiome vastly outnumbers our own DNA (150 to 1)
• Greatly impacts our genes (DNA) through epigenetics
• Major player in immunity and inflammatory responses to our internal and external environments
• Facilitates nutrition absorption through a balanced ecological environment and so much more…

• Releases chemicals and hormones to maintain balance between relaxation and flight-or-fight responses by the body
• One of the primary players in stimulating the release of Cortisol (hormone) from the adrenal glands during stress
• Involved in a constant feedback loop influencing digestion, gut microbiome and immunity

• Questionnaire findings
• Complexity of health challenges
• Current intake of prescription medications

• Journaling of all food/beverages/supplements for three days
• Information entered in nutritional analysis software
• Tables and graphs provide valuable nutrient information with vitamin, mineral, amino acid, protein, fat, carbohydrate intake and relative deficiencies (see example of Nutritional Analysis Report)

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• Sign the Pre-Appointment Health Assessment Agreement and upload payment (card) information
• Complete and Submit Pre-Appointment Health Assessment (questionnaires, forms, labs, and any uploaded patient information
• Payment ($30) for the Pre-Appointment Health Assessment will NOT be processed until Questionnaires and information is submitted
• The Pre-Appointment Health Assessment charge ($30) WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM the total cost of the INITIAL APPOINTMENT
• The questionnaires and uploaded information are utilized to build the foundation of your individualistic health protocol prior to initial appointment.
• Once the Pre-Appointment Health Assessment is completed, You Will Be Contacted to Schedule an Appointment

• No, the goal of H3U Family Fitness & Nutrition is to support you through the protocol in as few visits as possible and resolve health challenges or to be consistently moving toward goals, while at the same time offering services and individualistic health protocols in a realistic and affordable manner to more individuals and families

• All of us respond differently based on current health status, current dietary preferences, and differences in our microbiome and biochemical nature
• Some patients may notice a difference in a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months—these factors can be influenced by a positive outlook concerning health goals, relationships with food, relationships with people and your environment

• Specific protocols for weight loss or weight gain are not utilized because weight loss or weight gain is a side effect or byproduct of the current balance of the body
• Sports Nutrition protocols are for those who do not view current health status needing a specific health protocol, but have a desire to improve upon current nutritional intake, to break through plateaus, and increase athletic performance