DISCLAIMER - This post is sponsored as part of a collaboration with Atlas Biomed. The information within the post regarding the test was provided by Atlas Biomed themselves and all opinions remain my own.

I have always been an advocate for bespoke nutrition and maintained that each of us as individuals process foods and drinks in our own unique way! I was excited and very curious to be given a chance to try out the Atlas Biomed microbiome test to explore the current health of my gut. I have always been very active and whilst playing elite sport, I would've said led a very healthy lifestyle. However, in recent years I have fallen off the wagon resulting in consistent weight gain. Although there have been other mitigating factors I am convinced that the results of this test will enable me to give my microbiome the added support it inevitably needs in order to improve my individual health.

When looking at the amount of tests which claim to show your intolerance and gut health, it is very difficult to the unknowing eye to choose which one will give you the most valid results. I always look for the test

Another thing I say to clients and friends who ask….If it says it's all singing and dancing it's probably not. The thing I found out about the Atlas Biomed Microbiome test is that it has been certified by The Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency or the MHRA. This not only means that the development of this test process from beginning to end was done by highly skilled and knowledgeable research scientists, supported by empirical evidence, but also that the research and experimental processes are to the highest standard- leaving you thinking less about the chance of cross contamination and mixed up results (which happens more than many of you may know!).

First Step: Sample taking

The test arrived by post in quick succession to me ordering it and to my great pleasure there was an uncomplicated step-by-step process which was not only quick, but also easy to undertake. The instructions were very clear and outlined that you needed to take 2 minutes to register your sample online and activate your pack before you collect your sample; it then went on to explain what each part of the kit is for as well as how it worked. The pack included the following items:

A paper hammock that sticks to the toilet seat and you can flush down the toilet after use, this is to collect the stool sample
A plastic spatula to decant the sample into the top of the sample collection tube (saves )
A plastic bag to store the sample in

The sample I needed was tiny which was a far cry from the idea I had emboldened in my mind's eye through reminiscing back to yesteryear and the show “You are what you eat”. After screwing my sample tightly in the tube and shaking to form a suspension, all that needed to be done was to pop my sample back into the box it came in (prepaid postage) and to post it to the lab. Simple, Quick and oh so easy!

The Results

The Results were ready within a couple of weeks of me sending back my sample.

This is what the categorical breakdown of my results looked like:

My results were obtainable in 3 different mediums: Via the Atlas Biomed web platform, via the incredibly user friendly app and also a PDF version was sent to me via email with a comprehensive breakdown of my microbiome health. I thought this accessibility was incredibly diligent from Atlas.

On each platform my results were formulated in a bright traffic light-esque wagon wheel displaying the results in an easily digestible format (pardon the pun) with nuggets of specific evidence based recommendations

Disease protection

On reflection of my diet over the recent months, as well as the amount of stress that I have been under, I was actually quite relieved on the most part that the results of my tests did not flag up any risks of the of the following diseases: Diabetes type 2, Atherosclerosis, Obesity and Crohn’s. The composition of my microbiome showed that I had a normal chance of developing the previously mentioned diseases but also a very low chance of developing Ulcerative colitis. In an ideal world all of these would be very low but I am glad I now know not only how much at risk I am but also how to decrease the risk of developing any of these diseases in the future.

The protection of risk level for each is on an easily interpreted scale of 1-10- the lower the number displaying, the lower level of protection from disease and vice versa.

Probiotics and the beneficial bacteria

My results display that I had a low or a lack of beneficial bacteria and probiotics. This lack of the above can regularly impact my whole health, leaving me susceptible to Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.

This knowledge has enabled me to research evidence in order to make a change that will not only promote the presence of beneficial bacteria but also support the current population of bacteria.

Nationality of my microbiome

Having expected this to come back as a high percentage African (based on my Afro-Caribbean background) I was really surprised to find that my microbiomd displayed a nationality similar to Western Europe.

According to my microbiome test I have a microbiome similar to that of a Danish citizen living in cities, reflected through my diet which consists of a high intake of flour-based foods, meats and fish. This similarity and diet is apparent throughout the examination.

Dietary Recommendations

The Atlas Biomed team not only makes it remarkably easy to see your results, but they also follow up weekly with you in a non-intrusive way. Every week I am emailed a bespoke list of ten different recommended foods to include in my weekly diet. The recommended foods not only add variety to my meals and cookery choice but also promote and help stimulate the growth of probiotic enzymes and good bacteria in my gut which will intern aid in the protection against disease and help my body to function as efficiently as possible.

Many of the foods on the list are easily accessible however, thanks to the Consistent reminders, I have managed to incorporate them a lot more often. Here is a breakfast recipe I created including several of my recommended foods. ( this will be hyperlinked to the recipe IG post).

On reflection, I was very happy with the convenience and access ability of the Atlas Biomed microbiome test and I am interested in checking out the DNA test as well to get an even clearer idea or picture with my gut health. I would certainly recommend it and look forward to speaking to clients and friends about it.

After your results arrive the Atlas Biomed team also follow up with you in the form with an online consultation for as little as £20 with a nutritional therapist. Atlas Biomed have also just recently introduced the food diary which enables you to keep track of your diet.

If you want to know more about the tests that Atlas Biomed offer please click here.

Atlas Microbiome Test Review