What are commensal bacteria? Are they pathogenic or non-pathogenic? Could they be the cause of gut problems or inflammation? Believe it or not - commensal bacteria are somewhat symbiotic and are in a relatively normal amount in most people’s GI tract, but how do they impact our digestion and gut health?

Today, we discuss what commensal bacteria is and why they should not be considered as pathogens. We discuss the various definitions of dysbiosis and why this term can often lead to confusion. We discuss the different factors that contribute to changes in the microbiome and how Genova chose 24 specific organisms to assess in the GI Effects test. We also share how Genova is upgrading the GI Effects test and how the upgrade will take the clinical utility of the test to a whole new level.

Fellow Genovian, Christine Stubbe, also joins us to discuss how she assesses the 24 commensal bacteria when reviewing GI Effects test reports and the overarching concepts clinicians should focus on when thinking about commensal bacteria and the microbiome. At Genova, Christine is known as the “Queen of All Things Poop and Bugs.” She is a Medical Education Specialist and the Product Line Specialist for GI Effects. Prior to joining the Genova family, she received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University and completed a 3-year residency at Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic and Frontier Cancer Center in Billings, Montana.

 

“The microbiome is all inter-related, so you have to take a step back and look at the patterning.” - Michael Chapman

 

This week on The Lab Report Podcast:

• What are commensal bacteria and the difference between commensal bacteria and other bugs in the gut
• The various definitions of dysbiosis and why it is often a broadly used and confusing term
• The various factors that contribute to changes in your microbiome
• How Genova chose the 24 microbiome organisms they assess in the GI Effects test
• Common discrepancies in research articles regarding microbiome research
• How Genova uses commensal bacteria
• Introducing Genovian, Christine Stubbe, Genova’s Medical Education Specialist
• The overarching concepts clinicians should focus on when considering the microbiome and commensal bacteria
• Why the microbiome should be filled with a wide variety of bacteria organisms
• The seriousness of a probiotic and how to properly recommend a probiotic to your patients
• The best way to encourage microbiome diversity after using antibiotics
• Our favorite commensal bacterias
• How the upgraded version of the GI Effects test will take the clinical utility of the test to exciting new levels

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Understanding the Clinical Significance of the Commensal Bacteria Webinar

 

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

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