Viome

Viome testing was introduced about five years ago as a map to the microbiome. (The microbiome is defined as the collective genomes of the microbes (composed of bacteria, bacteriophage, fungi, protozoa and viruses) that live inside and on the human body). At that time, the test cost over $400. It offered an in-depth look at your good and bad bacteria, and advised on what foods to eat to optimize your gut. Since then, the price has dropped dramatically ($99-$199 on sale), and the information provided has increased. For a low price and relatively easy collection process, Viome offers amazing insights into your digestive system and overall health. It also provides a list of “superfoods,” foods to avoid and foods to minimize based on your gut bacteria. If you are struggling with GI issues, this information can be used as a guide to help bring your gut back online.

Some things that will show up in your Viome results include:

  • Methane/sulfide gas production, which may indicate Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

  • LPS Biosynthesis pathways, which may point to inflammation.

  • Intestinal barrier health, which may show leaky gut.

  • Protein fermentation, which indicates that you may need digestive enzymes to process protein.

  • Oxalate metabolism. Oxalates play a role in the formation of kidney stones and in gout.

  • Uric Acid pathways. Uric acid is known as a cause of gout.

  • Metabolic fitness, which may indicate insulin resistance.

A coaching session to review the test and recommendations is $75.

To take the test:

Go to https://my.viome.com/ and order a test kit. You will receive it in about five days. You will need to go on the website to register your kit and fill out questionnaires related to your diet, symptoms and lifestyle. Once this is completed, you can collect your sample. For the Gut Intelligence Test, this involves gathering a very small sample of stool; the Health Intelligence Test requires stool collection as well as a fasting blood sample, which you collect. These can be packed up into the envelope provided and shipped to Viome. Results will arrive in about 3-4 weeks. Use the “Send my Report” option to forward results to kate@heretohelpcoaching.com.

It is recommended that you download the Viome app, so your recommendations are available on your phone anytime. (It is also easier to read this way.)

Any questions? Email me at kate@heretohelpcoaching.com