Assessing Gut Health with Comprehensive Microbiome Tests

Defining the Microbiome

The term “microbiome” is often used to describe the diverse population of microbes in the human body. What it actually defines is the collection of microbial genes, while the collection of microbial organisms living in a specific environment is termed “microbiota.” (Allaband 2018) Microbiota can be found in various locations of the body, including the skin, oral cavity, and lungs. 

The most well-known microbiota is that of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly in the large and small intestines, which is what popular media often refers to when talking about the microbiome and microbiome testing. Commensal species of microbes present in the GI tract include bacteria as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites. In a healthy individual, these microorganisms coexist harmoniously, starting in the oral cavity and with the highest concentrations located in the small and large intestines. The impact of the microbiome is so intertwined with the body’s daily physiological function that it’s often referred to as the “hidden organ.” (Hou 2022)