Thorne

Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
First, let’s talk about digestion. When you eat, your stomach breaks down food into smaller components. The small intestine then absorbs nutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which your body needs to function. If your gut isn’t healthy, this process can go awry, leading to poor nutrient absorption and digestive discomfort like bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements (Mayer, 2011).

Immune Function
Did you know that about 70% of your immune system lives in your gut? Your gut microbiome—a community of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes—plays a key role in protecting you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. A balanced microbiome helps your immune system recognize threats and fight off infections (Zhang et al., 2020). When your gut microbiome is off balance, it can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system.

Mood and Mental Health
Your gut is often called the “second brain” because it produces neurotransmitters that regulate mood, including serotonin, which is known as the “feel-good” hormone. In fact, around 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut (Carabotti et al., 2015). That’s why gut health is so closely linked to mental health. An unhealthy gut can contribute to issues like anxiety, depression, and even stress-related disorders (Kelly et al., 2016). If your gut is out of balance, it might be affecting how you feel emotionally.

Stress and Gut Health
There’s a strong connection between gut health and how we handle stress. Chronic stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive problems like bloating or diarrhea (Bercik et al., 2011). On the flip side, an imbalanced gut can make you more susceptible to stress and anxiety. The good news is that by improving gut health, you can improve your body’s ability to manage stress.

Systemic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. The gut plays a central role in regulating inflammation. A balanced microbiome helps keep inflammation in check, while an imbalance can increase it, leading to health issues over time (Sharma et al., 2019). When your gut is healthy, it helps prevent systemic inflammation and supports your overall health.

1. Tailored Dietary Changes
If your results show an imbalance in your gut, the first step is usually dietary changes. For instance, if you have a lack of beneficial bacteria, you may be advised to eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If harmful bacteria are present, you might be encouraged to eat more fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or kimchi, which contain beneficial probiotics that support gut health (Mack et al., 2018).

2. Supplements
Based on your test results, the Thorne Gut Health Test may recommend specific probiotics, prebiotics, or other supplements to support gut balance. For example, if you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast, you might benefit from antimicrobial or antifungal supplements to restore balance.

3. Immune System Support
Because a healthy gut supports a strong immune system, improving your gut health can help you better fight off infections and reduce inflammation throughout your body. The Thorne Gut Health Test can give you insights into how to best support your immune function through dietary and lifestyle changes.

4. Stress and Mood Management
Improving your gut health can also help improve your body’s ability to handle stress. A balanced gut can support the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, making it easier to manage stress and feel emotionally balanced. If the test shows a disruption in the gut-brain axis, it could be the first step in improving your mental health (Rea et al., 2016).