Preparing for a microbiome test: the essentials

The gut microbiota is a fragile ecosystem: its composition is strongly influenced by our lifestyle and, more specifically, our diet.
When undergoing a microbiota test, what you eat or take in the days leading up to your sample collection can have a significant impact on the results.

It is therefore essential to prepare well in order to maximize the quality of the sample and make the analysis as representative as possible. In this article, find out what to do (and what to avoid) before taking your at-home microbiota test with the Nahibu gut microbiota analysis kit. With this guide, you will optimize the reliability of your gut assessment and ensure that the results reflect the true state of your microbiota.

Why preparation matters

Microbiome tests are essentially based on the analysis of a stool sample at a given moment in time: it is a snapshot of your gut flora.
Certain foods, supplements, or medications can alter the composition of the microbiota in the short or long term, or directly interfere with the analysis. For example, probiotics, antibiotics, and laxatives can alter the results.
Therefore, neglecting to prepare properly can affect the accuracy of the test and make the nutritional recommendations less relevant.

What to avoid before the sample is taken

Here are the main pitfalls to avoid in the days (or weeks) leading up to your test:

Antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics

The role of antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitics is to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms responsible for infections. However, by targeting these infectious agents, they inevitably impact the commensal flora.
Taking antimicrobials is therefore a major bias in the analysis of the microbiota. It is therefore preferable to wait a certain amount of time after treatment before taking a sample. It takes about 2 to 3 months for the microbiota to return to complete balance. Nevertheless, to obtain results that are already representative, a period of 4 to 6 weeks after the end of treatment is recommended.

Use of medications

Many non-antimicrobial medications can also disrupt the microbiota. This is the case with certain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antidiabetic drugs (metformin), laxatives, psychotropic drugs, etc.
It is generally recommended to wait 2 to 3 weeks before taking a sample.
For long-term treatments, do not stop your treatment without medical advice. Repeated enemas can also be
aggressive for the microbiota. Again, a delay of at least 4 weeks may be necessary before performing the test.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Biotic substances (probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics) aim to support the balance of the microbiota by optimizing its ecosystem. Consuming them therefore has a natural effect on its composition.
If you want to know the state of your microbiota without the recent influence of these biotic substances, it is recommended that you stop taking them 1 to 2 weeks before the sample is taken.
However, if your goal is to evaluate their effects on the microbiota, you can continue to use them.
Foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, etc.) can also alter the microbial composition, so it is best to avoid consuming them in the days leading up to the sample collection.

Drastic dietary changes

Avoid making drastic changes to your diet just before the test, such as a very cleansing diet or prolonged fasting. It is advisable to maintain your usual diet, even if it is specific (low FODMAP, ketogenic, etc.), for at least one week before the sample is taken.
If you have recently moved, returned from a trip abroad, or changed your eating habits, this may disrupt your microbiota and make the sample less representative.

What to do (good habits) before the test

Maintain your usual habits (as far as possible)

Keep up your eating habits and make sure you drink enough water: staying well hydrated promotes bowel movements and makes the sample collection easier.
Continue taking your medication or supplements if necessary; never stop a regular treatment without medical advice.

Track your symptoms and diet

It may be helpful to note your diet, digestive symptoms, and activities for 1 to 2 weeks prior to the test. This information makes it easier to interpret the results and helps connect certain habits to your microbial profile.

The quality of the sample directly affects the quality of the analysis. Proper preparation ensures an accurate picture of your microbiota, without bias related to diet, supplements, or recent treatments.

Follow the test protocol

Following the collection instructions is essential to ensure that the sample is compliant and, therefore, that the results are reliable.
Carefully read the instructions provided in the kit: use of the tube, stool collector (feces catcher), packaging, shipping time, etc. Nahibu provides all the necessary materials and precise instructions in its gut microbiota test kit.
Choose a quiet moment when you are relaxed to take the sample. A calm environment reduces the risk of error and contamination.
Pack the sample correctly in the items provided (shuttle pouch, prepaid envelope, etc.) to ensure its safety and stability during shipping.
The tube provided in the Nahibu kit contains a DNA stabilizer that allows the sample to be stored at room temperature until it is received by our laboratory. It is essential not to empty the tube.

When should you postpone your test?

Here are some situations in which it is best not to take the sample immediately, but to postpone it:

• You have an acute intestinal infection, diarrhea, or severe digestive symptoms
• You have just undergone medical treatment: wait long enough (e.g., 4–6 weeks for antibiotics) to allow your microbiota to recover.
• You have had a colonoscopy
• You have recently made significant changes to your diet (new diet, fasting, supplementation, etc.): it is best to return to your normal diet for a few days so that the sample is representative.
• You have recently traveled, especially abroad, or undergone significant changes in your routine: your microbiota may be out of its usual routine.

Specific features of the Nahibu kit

The Nahibu gut microbiota analysis kit is designed for home sampling and includes a stool collector (feces catcher), a tube with DNA stabilizer, and a prepaid envelope for shipping.
Nahibu uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, which allows for a very detailed analysis of your microbiota. To ensure reliable results, it is essential that the sample is of good quality.
If you are undergoing treatment or taking supplements, it may be useful to consult a professional or contact the Nahibu team to find out if any adjustments are necessary before the test. You can then enter this information in the online questionnaire.

FAQ

Should I stop taking probiotics before my test?

Yes, usually 1 to 2 weeks before taking the test, but it depends on the protocol. Some laboratories require you to stop, while others tolerate regular intake if it is part of your routine.

How long should you wait after taking antibiotics before taking the test?

It is generally recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks after your last antibiotic, to give your microbiota time to recover.

Can I take the test if I travel or change my diet often?

It is best to postpone the test if you have recently changed your eating habits, returned from a trip, or if your routine has changed significantly: these disruptions can make the sample less representative.

How can I ensure that my sample is not contaminated?

Use the items provided in the kit, follow the instructions carefully (do not let the tube touch the toilet water, pack the sample securely), and return it quickly according to the instructions.

Can my usual medications affect the test results?

Certain medications (anti-inflammatories, laxatives, etc.) can affect the microbiota or the sample. Check the instructions in the kit and, if necessary, ask a professional or the Nahibu team for advice.

Conclusion:

Proper preparation is essential for obtaining a reliable and useful microbiota analysis. By avoiding interferences such as antibiotics, probiotics, or drastic dietary changes, and by following the kit's protocol (collection, packaging, shipping), you can ensure the quality of your sample.
With the Nahibu gut microbiota test, which includes a home collection kit and analysis based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing technology, you get an accurate and comprehensive analysis. 📊
Take action now: carefully prepare your sample, send it in, and then use your report to better understand your microbiota and benefit from Nahibu's personalized nutritional recommendations.

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