Have you been feeling off lately but can’t quite put your finger on why? Or noticed you’ve been struggling with low energy, bloating, brain fog or even unexplained weight gain? What if we told you the secret to feeling better overall actually starts in your gut?
Your gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria! And they all play a huge role in nearly every aspect of your overall well-being. From digestion and immunity to metabolism and even your mood!
To help you start feeling better, we’re breaking down all the ways your gut health is connected to (and impacting!) your overall wellness. And if you want to dive deeper into your gut microbiome, we’re also highlighting some of the key bacteria you’ll want to focus on to start improving specific symptoms.
Ready to start improving your gut and overall health? Keep reading!
What is the Gut Microbiome (And Why Should You Test Yours?)
Your gut microbiome is basically its own mini ecosystem made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes. When this ecosystem is balanced it helps your body to run smoothly and support digestion, energy levels, immune function and so much more. But when it's out of balance (aka dysbiosis), it can lead to inflammation, digestive issues, weight struggles and even mental health struggles.
So Why Should You Test Your Gut?
Your gut microbiome is totally unique to you! So health strategies that work for someone else might not work for you. By taking a gut microbiome test like Injoy, you can:
🔬 Identify your gut bacteria: Which good bacteria do you have? Are any missing?
🥗 Get personalized food & supplement recommendations: No more guessing which foods to avoid, eat more of or supplements to add.
🦠 Understand your inflammation levels: See if your gut inflammation levels are high and whether your gut microbiome is supporting (or hurting!) your overall wellbeing.
⚡ Uncover your gut’s metabolic functions – Learn if your gut is helping break down fiber and lactose, producing essential vitamins or impacting energy metabolism.
Microbiome testing can tell you exactly what’s happening inside your gut and the specific things it needs to thrive! Learn more about gut microbiome testing here.
1. The Connection Between Gut Health & Digestion
If you’ve ever experienced bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that your gut health is usually the root of the issue. Your digestive system is an intricate ecosystem and the different bacteria in your gut all play a role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and ensuring smooth digestion. When these bacteria are well balanced, we experience fewer digestive issues and better nutrient absorption. But when those same gut bacteria are out of sync? That’s when we start to struggle with poor digestion, inflammation or even food sensitivities!
Bacteria That Affects Digestion
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Faecalibacterium → Produces butyrate, a compound that strengthens the gut lining and reduces inflammation.
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Bacteroides → Breaks down complex plant polysaccharides, aiding in fiber digestion.
How To Improve Digestion
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Eat fiber-rich foods like flaxseed and oats to feed your good gut bacteria.
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Add fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi) for a natural probiotic boost.
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Consider targeted probiotics like Lactobacillus, often recommended in the Injoy gut health test report.
2. How Gut Health Impacts Immunity
Did you know that 70% of your immune system lives in your gut? Your gut microbiome is constantly interacting with your immune cells by helping them distinguish harmful invaders vs beneficial microbes. When your gut is balanced, it strengthens your immune system and helps you be less prone to colds, infections and inflammation-related diseases. But when your gut microbiome isn’t balanced, your immune system can become under or over-active – both of which can lead to frequent illnesses, allergies or even autoimmune conditions.
Bacteria That Influences Immunity
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Faecalibacterium → Low levels are linked to increased inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
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Bacteroides → Plays a role in immune system development and modulation.
How to Boost Gut-Immune Function
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Eat foods rich in prebiotics like garlic, onions, bananas to fuel beneficial bacteria.
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Minimize processed foods and sugar, which can promote harmful bacteria growth and inflammation.
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If your microbiome test shows an imbalance, supplementing with probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04 could help.
3. The Impact of the Gut on Heart Health
Many people are surprised to hear that your gut health can also play a role in things like your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Studies suggest there are specific bacteria that can help regulate cholesterol, while others may contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. Looking to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease? Focusing on your gut health can help keep inflammation in check.
Gut Bacteria That Influence Heart Health
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Roseburia → Helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar.
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Bifidobacterium → May lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Heart-Healthy Gut Tips
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Eat more fermented dairy (kefir, yogurt) to boost heart-supporting bacteria.
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Avoid processed meats and excess sugar, which can promote harmful bacteria.
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If your test reveals a high TMAO-producing bacteria, you might want to limit your red meat intake.
4. The Connection of Gut Health & Metabolism
Sick of struggling with weight gain, low energy, or blood sugar crashes? Your gut microbiome might be playing a bigger role in how you’re feeling than you realize! We already talked about how specific gut bacteria helps break down food but did you know bacteria can even help balance your blood sugar and regulate how your body stores fat? If your gut microbiome isn’t well balanced, it’s possible to store more fat, experience intenser cravings or struggle with energy crashes despite eating “healthy.”
Bacteria That Impact Metabolism
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Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron → Breaks down complex carbs and influences calorie absorption.
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Akkermansia muciniphila → Supports metabolism and helps prevent fat storage.
How to Support a Healthy Metabolism
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Eat a diet high in fiber and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) to fuel your microbiome.
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Limit ultra-processed foods that promote inflammation and gut imbalances.
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If your gut test reveals low Akkermansia, consider polyphenol-rich foods like cranberries, green tea, and pomegranates.
5. How Gut Health Impacts Mental Health
Ever felt anxious or moody without a specific reason? Your gut and brain are directly connected through something called the gut-brain axis which means the bacteria in our gut can literally influence our mental health. Research has shown that gut microbes help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine which directly impact happiness, focus and stress levels.
Bacteria That Impacts Mental Health
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Bifidobacterium longum → Helps regulate serotonin aka the "happy hormone".
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG → Supports stress resilience and reduces anxiety.
How to Improve Gut-Brain Health
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Nourish brain-boosting bacteria by eating foods rich in polyphenols like blueberries, dark chocolate and green tea.
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Prioritize stress management — chronic stress can quickly deplete beneficial gut bacteria.
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If your gut test shows low GABA-producing bacteria, consider a probiotic with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
How to Start Caring For Your Gut Today to Improve Overall Health Tomorrow
Now that you know your gut microbiome plays a huge role in your overall health, here’s how you can get started to take back control of your gut health:
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Test Your Gut: Get an Injoy Gut Health Test to check in on your gut microbiome and see which bacteria need some support.
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Feed Your Microbiome: Your gut microbiome is highly unique to you! Find out exactly which foods to eat more of, which to avoid and even which supplements are best for you in your detailed Injoy report.
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Limit Gut Disruptors: Cut back on ultra-processed foods, alcohol and only take antibiotics when necessary.
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Manage Stress & Sleep: When your nervous system is calm, your gut can thrive.
Ready to take control of your gut health?
Your gut holds so many answers to your health struggles. Why keep guessing what your body needs when you can take a test to find out? Join Injoy today to get personalized recommendations and finally start feeling better from the inside out!
