Get your microbiome tested – A guide to your gut health

Do you often feel tired, struggle with bloating, or is your skin acting up? The key to these problems could actually lie in your gut. Getting your microbiome tested is the first, crucial step to understanding what's really going on in your body and taking targeted steps to improve your well-being.

What your gut reveals about your health

Perhaps you know the feeling: despite eating healthily and getting enough sleep, you just don't feel well. Your stomach is often bloated after eating, your energy is low, or your skin shows inexplicable reactions. Such nonspecific symptoms can be incredibly frustrating, especially when conventional tests don't provide clear answers.

The cause often lies deeper – more precisely, in your gut. This is where your microbiome lives, a unique ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Imagine it as a vibrant rainforest, where each species plays a vital role.

This complex system is far more than just a digestive aid. It plays a key role in your overall health and influences:

• Your immune system: Approximately 70% to 80% of your immune cells reside in the gut. Your microbiome trains them and helps them distinguish between friend and foe.
• Your mood: The gut isn't called the "second brain" for nothing. Via the gut-brain axis, it produces important neurotransmitters like serotonin, which directly influences your mood.
• Your skin condition: Problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea are often directly related to an imbalance in the gut – this is referred to as the gut-skin axis.
• Your body weight: Certain families of bacteria influence how efficiently you extract and store calories from food. An imbalance can noticeably hinder weight loss.

An imbalance can be the trigger: If this finely tuned ecosystem becomes unbalanced – a condition known as dysbiosis – harmful bacteria can proliferate and displace the beneficial ones. This is precisely where many everyday ailments originate.

When the intestines get out of rhythm

Gut dysbiosis is not uncommon and is often the silent cause behind symptoms that we mistakenly dismiss as "normal." You're not alone. A study by the German Society for Gastroenterology, which also addresses digestive problems, suggests that an imbalanced microbiome could play a role in around 70 percent of Germans with digestive issues . Personalized recommendations based on tests can help improve this. In fact, over 80 percent of users report an improvement in their well-being after a personalized recommendation, as you can read in the findings on gut health trends at: Learn more about the study results at boerse-social.com .

An imbalance can manifest in many ways. Perhaps you suddenly become sensitive to foods you previously tolerated without any problems. Or you constantly feel tired, even though your blood test results are perfectly normal. A microbiome test from mybody-x can finally give you clarity.

Instead of continuing to grope in the dark, you'll receive a detailed snapshot of your gut ecosystem. You'll learn which bacterial strains are predominant, whether your bacterial diversity is sufficient, and whether there are any signs of inflammation or a weakened intestinal barrier. If you'd like to delve deeper into the basics, you can learn more about what the microbiome actually is in our article .

Find the right microbiome test for you

So you've decided to get to the bottom of things with your gut – great! But now you're facing the next hurdle: Which test is the right one? The market is flooded with offers, but the quality and reliability of the analyses vary enormously. Making the right choice is key to gaining truly valuable insights and not just scratching the surface.

Many simple tests often only give you a rough overview of a few bacterial groups. But to truly understand the complex interactions in your gut and make changes, you need more. A high-quality test goes much deeper and also looks at specific health markers. Only these give you a truly clear picture of your gut health.

What really matters when making a selection

A comprehensive test should not only measure bacterial diversity. It must also detect crucial biomarkers that reveal the condition of your intestinal lining and whether there are any hidden inflammatory processes.

The following are particularly important:

• Zonulin : This value is a crucial indicator of the permeability of your intestinal barrier, also known as leaky gut.
• Calprotectin : A key marker indicating inflammatory processes in the intestine.
• The analysis of fungi and yeasts such as Candida albicans, which can also disrupt the delicate balance.

These markers are often the missing piece of the puzzle for correctly interpreting symptoms such as persistent bloating, unclear food intolerances, or chronic fatigue. Without them, a microbiome analysis often remains incomplete and provides no concrete starting points.

My advice, based on experience: A trustworthy provider will always be transparent about their analysis methods, laboratory standards, and data protection practices. If you can't find clear information on these points, that should raise a red flag.

To help you keep track of the many providers, I've summarized the most important quality criteria. This table shows at a glance how to distinguish a good test from a questionable one.

What matters in a high-quality microbiome test

This table shows the key quality characteristics that distinguish a reliable test from a questionable one.

feature	Standard test (often uncertified)	Certified test (e.g. mybody-x)
Laboratory standard	Often no information is provided or the certification is unclear.	Medical laboratory in Germany certified according to ISO 15189 .
Analysis method	Often outdated or non-standardized procedures.	Modern 16S rRNA sequencing , standardized for reliable results.
Data protection	Unclear or missing information regarding GDPR compliance.	Strict GDPR compliance with pseudonymization and secure data transfer.
Scope of analysis	It usually only measures a limited number of bacteria.	Analyzes a broad spectrum of bacteria as well as important health markers ( zonulin, calprotectin ).
Results report	Often only raw data or difficult-to-understand diagrams.	Easy-to-understand report with graphics, explanations and personalized recommendations for action .
Support	Usually no or only limited customer service.	Comprehensive support, often including free coaching for questions about the results.

A test is only ever as good as the lab and the methodology behind it. Pay attention to these characteristics to ensure that your investment truly benefits you.

The checklist for a reputable provider

To make it even more concrete, here's a checklist. If a provider meets these criteria, you're on the safe side. Providers like mybody-x rely precisely on these standards to deliver accurate and actionable results.

1. Certified Laboratory Standards: The most important thing. The laboratory analyzing your sample must be certified according to international standards. Look for ISO 15189 certification – this is the gold standard for medical laboratories. It ensures that all processes are validated, standardized, and quality-assured.

2. Scientifically Sound Analysis Methods A modern and precise method for analyzing the microbiome is 16S rRNA sequencing . It enables the accurate identification and quantification of a wide variety of bacterial species. While the German market for microbiome tests is growing rapidly, many commercial tests deliver questionable results because there is often no consensus on the definition of a "healthy" microbiome. Providers like mybody-x therefore exclusively use laboratories in Germany that analyze stool samples for over 300 bacterial species using standardized 16S PCR and probe hybridization. This method is crucial for reliable results, as current market developments demonstrate .

3. Strict Data Protection Compliance (GDPR) Your health data is extremely sensitive. A reputable provider must strictly adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) . This means: Your personal data is stored separately from your sample data (pseudonymization), and the results are transmitted exclusively via a securely encrypted customer portal.

4. Clear and understandable results reports. What good is complex data if you don't understand it? A good provider delivers not only raw data but also a clearly presented report. This includes charts, simple explanations, and—most importantly— concrete, personalized recommendations for action .

5. Transparency and Support: The provider should clearly communicate exactly what is being tested and what the costs are. Good customer service that is available to answer your questions, or even free coaching, as offered by mybody-x, is another strong indicator of quality.

By paying attention to these points, you can easily identify dubious offers and ensure you receive an analysis that truly helps you. If you're still unsure which test is right for you, you can find further guidance in our comprehensive microbiome test comparison .

Ultimately, a microbiome test is an investment in your health – and it's worth taking a close look.

It's that easy to get your microbiome tested.

You've decided to take a closer look at your microbiome and are wondering what happens next? Great, because this step is much simpler than most people think. We'll take away any uncertainty and guide you through the entire process – from ordering your mybody-x test kit to receiving your personal results report. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect.

The entire process is designed to offer you maximum discretion and simplicity. After you order your test, a compact package will arrive directly at your home. Inside you will find everything you need for hygienic and easy sample collection.

Preparation is crucial for an honest result.

Before you begin collecting samples, there's one crucial point: Don't change anything about your diet or lifestyle in the days leading up to the test. The goal is to obtain an authentic picture of your everyday microbiome. A sudden dietary change would only distort the results and fail to provide a realistic picture of your gut flora.

So just continue eating and living normally. Only then can the analysis reveal the actual strengths and weaknesses of your gut and which long-term adjustments will truly help you.

The following infographic clearly illustrates how the process of a certified, high-quality test differs from dubious offers. Every single step, from sample collection to analysis, is designed for quality and precision.

As you can see, standardized procedures in certified laboratories ensure the reliability of your results. Unclear processes, on the other hand, often lead to inaccurate and unhelpful results.

Discreet and hygienic: take the sample at home

The stool sample is the heart of your test. The mybody-x kit contains everything you need for clean and easy collection. This includes a stool collection aid that you simply hang in the toilet, the sample tube with an integrated spoon, and a leak-proof transport container.

The process is really quick and discreet:

• Preparation: Gather all the materials from the kit.
• Sample collection: Use the stool collection aid and take a tiny amount of stool with the spoon. The exact amount is described in the instructions – only a very small amount is needed.
• Packaging: Place the sample in the tube, seal it tightly and put it in the enclosed, prepaid return envelope.

That completes your part of the work. You can also find detailed visual instructions and further tips in our guide, which shows you how to correctly collect a stool sample .

My tip: Don't stress about taking the sample. The kit is designed so that everything is completely hygienic and easy. Just set aside a few minutes and you're done.

What happens to your sample in the lab

Once you've sent your sample, the scientific part begins. Your package goes directly to our ISO-certified partner laboratory in Germany . There, your sample is pseudonymized, meaning the lab staff have no access to your personal data and work only with an anonymous number.

In the lab, the DNA is then isolated from the microorganisms in your sample. Using state-of-the-art 16S rRNA sequencing , experts analyze which types of bacteria are present and in what quantities. Depending on the test, important markers such as calprotectin (for inflammation) or zonulin (for the intestinal barrier) are also determined.

This precise raw data is then analyzed by our team of experts and translated into a clear, graphically presented report for you. This way, you receive not just raw numbers, but concrete, personalized recommendations that you can implement immediately.

Turning your test results into concrete steps

It's finally here: your very own results report. A document full of charts, figures, and scientific terms. The feeling upon receiving it is often a mixture of curiosity and slight overwhelm. But don't worry, this report is your personal guide to greater well-being. We'll help you decipher the data and translate it into concrete, practical steps for everyday life.

A microbiome test from mybody-x provides you with far more than just a list of bacteria. It gives you a solid foundation for understanding why you might often feel tired, struggle with digestive problems, or have skin issues. It's about recognizing the connections and specifically addressing where your body needs support.

Understanding the key values ​​of your findings

Your mybody-x results are presented in a way that allows you to grasp the most important information at a glance. Graphs show you how your values ​​compare to the healthy reference range. Let's take a closer look at the key metrics and what they mean for you.

Bacterial diversity: Imagine your microbiome as a biodiverse rainforest. The more different types of bacteria are present (high diversity), the more stable and resilient your gut ecosystem is. Low diversity can indicate that your gut is more susceptible to disruption. This can manifest as digestive problems or increased susceptibility to infections.

The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is one of the best-known markers when it comes to metabolism. These two major bacterial strains influence how efficiently your body extracts energy from food. An imbalanced ratio, often with a predominance of Firmicutes, is frequently observed in people who have difficulty losing weight.

The protective flora (e.g., Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium): These beneficial bacteria are the guardians of your gut health. Akkermansia muciniphila, for example, strengthens the intestinal lining, while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii produces anti-inflammatory substances. If these "good" bacteria are lacking, your intestinal barrier can be weakened.

Fungi and yeasts (e.g., Candida albicans): In small amounts, fungi like Candida are normal. However, if they multiply uncontrollably, they can disrupt the balance and lead to symptoms such as cravings for sweets, bloating, or skin problems.

From knowledge to action – a practical example

Let's consider an anonymized example finding: A 35-year-old woman complains of constant fatigue, bloating, and difficulty maintaining her weight. Her mybody-x test shows:

• Low bacterial diversity .
• An increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio .
• A marked lack of Akkermansia muciniphila .

Clear, personalized recommendations can now be derived from this data. Instead of simply trying probiotics indiscriminately, she can now take targeted action.

1. Goal: To increase bacterial diversity

   • Solution: More variety on the plate! Instead of always eating the same salad, she now tries three new vegetables every week, for example, parsnip, salsify, and fennel. Each type of plant feeds different bacteria.

2. Goal: Balance the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio

   • Measure taken: Reduction of simple sugars and white flour products, which Firmicutes bacteria practically "love". Instead, she integrates more complex carbohydrates from whole grain products and legumes into her daily routine.

3. Goal: To promote Akkermansia

   • Action: Consciously eat prebiotic foods containing polyphenols. These include pomegranates, dark berries, green tea, and cranberries. These substances are Akkermansia 's favorite food.

A microbiome test is not a one-off event, but the starting point of a journey. It gives you the map, but you take the steps yourself – with targeted support.

Microbiome diagnostics has developed rapidly in Germany since 2010. As early as 2015, institutes like IMD Berlin introduced standardized profiles to precisely quantify bacterial balance. This was a crucial development, as an estimated 60 percent of Germans exhibit an imbalance . Although the lack of uniform standards is a recurring topic of discussion, leading German laboratories like mybody-x rely on CE-certified kits . These ensure high comparability and provide clear analyses, which is essential, especially for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where up to 70% of cases are associated with dysbiosis . Further insights into the development of diagnostics can be found in the IMD Berlin's specialist information on microbiome diagnostics .

Your personal support along the way

You're not alone in achieving these results. To help you successfully integrate the recommendations into your daily life, mybody-x offers free coaching with trained health experts. In a personal consultation, you can clarify any remaining questions and develop a realistic plan together that truly suits you.

The coaching will help you with this:

• Setting priorities: What is the most important first step for you?
• Get practical tips: How do you incorporate fermented foods if you don't actually like them? What are some quick, gut-friendly recipes?
• Staying motivated: Change takes time. Your coach will support you in staying on track and celebrating even the small successes.

This personalized support makes all the difference between an interesting finding and a real, lasting improvement in your well-being. Take advantage of this opportunity to get the most out of your test results.

When a test does not replace medical advice

A home microbiome test is a fantastic tool. It proactively gives you insights into your body and helps you take control of your health. You receive a wealth of personal data and valuable, personalized recommendations.

But it's absolutely crucial to understand the limitations of such a test. It's a tool for prevention and optimization, but never a substitute for a medical diagnosis or treatment . There are simply situations where you can't hesitate.

Your health and safety are our top priority. If you experience certain warning signs, you must seek medical help immediately, because every minute counts.

If you experience these warning signs, you should see a doctor immediately.

A microbiome test can reveal a lot about subtle imbalances. However, if you experience acute or serious symptoms, a doctor's visit is essential. This is the only way to rule out serious illnesses or treat them in time. Don't hesitate for a second if you notice any of these signs:

• Blood in stool: Whether bright red or dark – visible blood is always a warning sign that must be examined by a doctor immediately.
• Severe and persistent pain: Cramping, sudden, or prolonged abdominal pain is not normal and requires a medical diagnosis.
• Unexplained weight loss: If you lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time without having changed your diet or lifestyle, the cause must be investigated by a doctor.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation: If your digestion changes drastically and for weeks on end, you should have it checked by a doctor.
• Severe, recurring vomiting: This is also a symptom that requires immediate medical examination.
• Fever combined with abdominal pain: This combination may indicate a serious inflammation or infection in the body.

Such symptoms can indicate diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), infections, or other serious conditions. A home test cannot and should not diagnose these.

Your mybody-x test result is a valuable source of information that you can use in discussions with your doctor. It provides objective data about your gut health, offering a sound basis for further diagnostic steps or treatment approaches.

Your test result as a valuable basis for discussion

If you don't have any of the aforementioned acute warning signs, but suffer from vague, chronic symptoms such as bloating, constant fatigue, or skin problems, a microbiome test from mybody-x is an ideal first step. You'll receive a detailed analysis of your gut health, which can help you and your doctor better pinpoint the causes.

Imagine going to the doctor with your mybody-x results. Instead of just describing vague symptoms, you can present very specific data: "My bacterial diversity is low, and I lack anti-inflammatory bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii . Could this be related to my constant fatigue?"

This well-founded approach allows for a conversation on equal footing and can greatly support the diagnostic process. Your doctor can place the results in the overall context of your health and decide whether further tests are useful to complete the picture – such as a mybody-x blood test for nutrient deficiencies or a hormone analysis .

It's about making informed decisions for your health and using the benefits of your test responsibly and safely.

Your microbiome test: The most frequently asked questions at a glance

Are you considering having your microbiome tested, but still have a few questions? That's perfectly normal and even a good thing, because it shows that you're taking your health seriously.

To ensure you are well-informed and can start your analysis with confidence, we have compiled the answers to the questions we encounter most frequently.

How much does a microbiome test really cost me?

The cost of a high-quality microbiome test can vary depending on the provider and the scope of the analysis. At mybody-x, a detailed test starts at around €150 .

This price is more than just a number on a price tag. It's an investment in your health and includes the complete package: the test kit for easy sample collection at home, the scientific analysis in a certified German laboratory, and, most importantly, a detailed, easy-to-understand results report with personalized recommendations.

Statutory health insurance companies generally do not cover the costs of such preventative self-tests. Some private health insurance companies or supplemental insurance plans are sometimes more lenient and may partially reimburse the costs. It's best to view the test as a targeted investment to finally obtain well-founded answers instead of vague assumptions about your well-being.

Is my sensitive health data safe?

Protecting your data is our absolute priority. A reputable provider like mybody-x not only adheres to the strict requirements of the GDPR, but goes a crucial step further.

Your personal data (such as name and address) and your health data are consistently kept separate and stored according to the highest security standards (according to ISO 27001 ).

As soon as your sample arrives at the lab, it is pseudonymized . This means that the lab staff only see an anonymous code number and have no access to your personal information. Your results will then be made available to you via an encrypted customer portal. Only you have the key to your data and decide what happens to it.

Should I have other values ​​checked in addition to the microbiome test?

A microbiome test is a fantastic starting point for uncovering the root cause of many ailments. However, for a truly holistic picture of your health, combining it with other tests can be extremely insightful. After all, your body is a complex system where everything is interconnected.

Symptoms such as chronic fatigue, skin problems, or mood swings often have multiple causes. Here are some helpful additions:

• Nutrient test (blood test): An imbalance in the gut can significantly disrupt the absorption of vitamins and minerals. A nutrient test from mybody-x can reveal whether dysbiosis has already led to a deficiency in vitamin B12 , iron , or vitamin D.
• Hormone test (blood or saliva test): The gut-brain axis and the gut-hormone axis are closely linked. A disrupted gut can influence hormonal imbalances and vice versa. In cases of symptoms such as hormonal acne or menstrual irregularities, a hormone test may be the missing piece of the puzzle.

By looking at your health from different perspectives, you gain a much clearer picture and even more targeted recommendations for action. You understand the connections and can make the right adjustments.

For example, you might discover that your skin problems are not only related to certain bacteria in your gut, but perhaps also to a hormonal imbalance. This combined knowledge allows you to develop a much more effective strategy for your well-being.

How often is a follow-up test advisable?

A single test provides you with a valuable snapshot of your current condition. After you have consistently implemented the personalized recommendations from your results for approximately 3 to 6 months , a follow-up test is extremely useful. It's essentially your personal success check.

A follow-up test will show you objectively and in black and white what positive changes your new eating and lifestyle habits have brought about. You'll see whether the beneficial bacteria have increased or whether inflammatory markers have improved. This confirmation is incredibly motivating and helps you stay on track.

For anyone who wants to optimize their health in the long term and proactively monitor it, an annual test can become routine – similar to a regular check-up with the doctor. This way, you can keep an eye on the state of your microbiome and make adjustments early if necessary.

---

Ready to take the first step and finally gain clarity about your gut health? At mybody-x you'll find the right test that not only provides you with data, but also accompanies you on your journey to greater well-being with understandable results and personal support.

Discover the health self-tests from mybody-x now.