FAQs
FAQs
The microbiome is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, primarily residing in the gut. Often referred to as a "virtual organ," it plays a critical role in digestion, immune support, nutrient production, and mental health. Disruptions to the microbiome have been linked to conditions such as IBS, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety, as well as autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s and everyday nuisance symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhoea. Western lifestyles—characterized by processed foods, refined sugars, and stress—undermine microbiome balance, making its care vital for holistic health.
Anyone can benefit from taking The Microbiome Shop's Diarrhoea or Constipation Probiotics to reduce the impact of these symptoms on your life, or simply improve your health through strengthening the gut lining.
- Suffer from IBS or SIBO? — We recommend taking the Gut Microbiome Test, SIBO Breath Test and Gut Repair-4™ Program as a means to achieve sustainable, long-term, positive outcomes for your health.
Repair-4™ fundamentally changes your Gut Microbiome – killing off bad bacteria, promoting normal digestive function, feeding the healthy bacteria (probiotics) and supplementing your existing microbiome with more beneficial strains of bacteria.
The Gut Microbiome Test is the first step to understanding the root cause of your gut health issues.
- Most digestive problems are caused by imbalances in the gut microbiome, where the levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria are disrupted. This comprehensive test analyzes your gut flora, helping identify microbial imbalances that could be contributing to symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or IBS.
- In addition to assessing your microbiome, our stool test also screens for parasites and yeast infections, which can further aggravate gut issues. By uncovering these hidden factors, the test provides a clear and accurate picture of your gut health.
With these insights, you’ll receive a personalized plan to address the underlying causes of your symptoms, whether through rebalancing your microbiome with probiotics, targeting specific pathogens, or following dietary and lifestyle recommendations. The Gut Microbiome Test empowers you to take control of your gut health and achieve long-lasting relief.
Results will be emailed to the address you provide at checkout. In addition, the referring practitioner (you specify when ordering) will also be emailed your results.
From the day you mail your test sample (in the provided express return slip), it takes approximately 7-10 business days to receive results. Once The Microbiome Shop™ receive your results, they are sent to both you and your practitioner.
- Microbiome Tests take 2-4 business days
- Repair-4™ and other products take 3-5 days
After completing one of our Microbiome Tests, you’ll receive your results within 7-10 business days. These results will provide a detailed analysis of your microbiome health, including microbial imbalances, parasites, or yeast overgrowth that may be contributing to your symptoms. Based on your results, you’ll be guided into one of two personalised programs:
- The Comprehensive Program:
This program combines our clinically formulated Repair-4™ Program with antibiotics prescribed by your GP. The antibiotics will be selected by your GP based on the microbiome test findings and your specific symptoms, targeting harmful bacteria or pathogens identified in the test. This program offers the most effective approach for severe or complex cases. - The Natural Program:
For self-referred patients or cases where antibiotics aren’t necessary/able to be prescribed, patients solely focus on our Repair-4™ Program to restore gut balance naturally. It’s a gentler, yet highly effective option for rebalancing your microbiome.
Your healthcare practitioner or GP will guide you through the next steps to ensure the program is tailored to your unique needs. With either option, you’ll be equipped to address the root cause of your health issues and take control of your well-being.
Our probiotics are designed with a clinical-grade approach, prioritising quality, research, and targeted health benefits. Unlike generic probiotics, we use well-documented strains backed by scientific research to address specific health concerns such as IBS, immune support, and women’s health. Our formulations include hypoallergenic ingredients, enhanced delivery systems for optimal survivability, and therapeutic dosages to ensure efficacy.
Additionally, our products undergo rigorous testing for purity, potency, and safety, adhering to the highest manufacturing standards. These probiotics are often available exclusively through healthcare practitioners, ensuring they are used appropriately for your unique health needs.
Probiotics can support a wide range of conditions, including digestive issues like IBS, diarrhoea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease. They enhance immune health, help with allergies, and support women’s health by maintaining vaginal and urinary tract health. Probiotics can also improve mental health through the gut-brain axis, aid in weight management, and promote healthier skin by reducing inflammation. Additionally, they help restore balance to the gut microbiome after antibiotic use or dietary imbalances, contributing to overall well-being.
Yes, probiotics are generally safe for long-term use for most people. Studies have shown that regular use of probiotics can support gut health, immune function, and overall well-being without adverse effects. Probiotics are naturally occurring beneficial bacteria, and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is essential for long-term health.
However, individuals with weakened immune systems, critical illnesses, or specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before starting probiotics. Choosing high-quality, clinically validated probiotics tailored to your health needs is also important for safety and effectiveness.
The probiotic strains we use, including Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus species, are supported by extensive clinical research demonstrating their safety and effectiveness for various health conditions:
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This beneficial yeast has been shown in multiple studies to reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) and lower recurrence rates of Clostridium difficile infections. It’s also effective in managing traveler’s diarrhoea and improving symptoms in IBS and mild inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Bifidobacterium strains
- Bifidobacterium infantis has been proven to alleviate bloating, abdominal pain, and irregularity in IBS patients.
- Bifidobacterium lactis improves stool frequency and consistency in individuals with chronic constipation.
- Bifidobacterium longum supports immune function and reduces inflammation, particularly in individuals with allergies or inflammatory conditions.
Lactobacillus strains
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is highly effective in preventing and treating diarrhoea caused by antibiotics and rotavirus infections.
- Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus crispatus promote vaginal flora balance, reducing the risk of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
- Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have been linked to improvements in mental health by reducing anxiety and depression through the gut-brain axis.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus aids in breaking down lactose, supporting those with lactose intolerance.
Our probiotics are formulated using strains with clinically validated benefits, ensuring they are effective for supporting gut health, immunity, mental well-being, and more. Each strain is chosen for its specific, research-backed ability to address key health concerns.