What interventions are recommended to restore balance to the gut microbiome based on Thorne stool test results?

Analysis and Recommendations Based on Thorne Stool Test Results

Based on your Thorne stool test results, I recommend targeted probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium species to restore gut microbiome balance, as these strains have shown efficacy in reducing dysbiosis and improving gut health. 1

Key Findings in Your Stool Test Results

Your microbiome analysis shows several notable patterns:

1. Low Bifidobacterium levels:

   • Bifidobacterium animalis subsp animalis at 0% (14th percentile)
   • Several other Bifidobacterium species at lower percentiles

2. Elevated Streptococcus species:

   • Multiple Streptococcus strains at 95-99th percentiles
   • Streptococcus mutans at 99th percentile

3. High Methanobrevibacter smithii:

   • At 0.2552% (100th percentile) - associated with constipation

4. Elevated oral bacteria:

   • Rothia mucilaginosa at 100th percentile
   • Actinomyces sp. oral taxon at 100th percentile

5. Presence of bacteriophages:

   • Multiple phages at high percentiles (90-100th)

Recommended Interventions

1. Probiotic Supplementation

• Primary recommendation: Multi-strain probiotic containing:
  • Lactobacillus plantarum (shown superior efficacy in restoring gut balance) 1
  • Bifidobacterium species (especially B. lactis, which is deficient in your results)
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus

The combination of these strains has demonstrated better efficacy than single strains in restoring gut microbiome balance 2.

2. Dietary Modifications

• Increase prebiotic fiber intake:

  • Gradually increase soluble fiber from sources like oats, flaxseeds, and legumes
  • Include resistant starch (cooled potatoes, green bananas)
  • These support growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria 1

• Reduce animal protein and fat intake:

  • High animal protein can promote growth of pathogenic bacteria 1
  • Consider plant-based protein alternatives

3. Address Potential Methane-Dominant SIBO

Your high Methanobrevibacter smithii levels (100th percentile) suggest possible methane-dominant SIBO, which is associated with constipation 1.

• Consider antimicrobial herbs or prescription medications if symptoms persist after probiotic intervention
• Prokinetic agents may help with gut motility

4. Consider Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) if Severe

If dysbiosis symptoms are severe and resistant to other interventions, FMT may be considered as a more aggressive approach 1. However, this should only be pursued under medical supervision and after other interventions have failed.

Implementation Timeline

1. Weeks 1-4:

   • Begin multi-strain probiotic supplementation
   • Implement dietary changes gradually
   • Monitor symptoms (bloating, bowel movements, digestive comfort)

2. Weeks 5-8:

   • Assess response to initial interventions
   • Adjust probiotic strains if needed
   • Consider additional testing for SIBO if symptoms persist

3. Weeks 9-12:

   • Evaluate overall progress
   • Consider more targeted interventions based on response

Monitoring Progress

• Track bowel movement frequency and consistency
• Note changes in bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort
• Consider follow-up stool testing after 3-6 months to assess microbiome changes

Important Considerations

• Antibiotic history: Recent antibiotic use may have contributed to your current dysbiosis 1
• Gradual introduction: Introduce probiotics gradually to minimize potential die-off reactions
• Quality matters: Choose high-quality, clinically-studied probiotic strains with guaranteed potency

The restoration of beneficial bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, should help rebalance your gut ecosystem and potentially improve digestive symptoms, immune function, and overall health 3.