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Curious to know some things your microbiome can reveal about you? Spinach isn't a superfood for everyone You've been told to eat your greens and that greens and nuts are anti-inflammatory, but this is not always true. Spinach, bran, rhubarb, beets, nuts, and nut butters all contain oxalates. Oxalate-containing foods can be harmful unless your microbes are producing the chemicals that can metabolize oxalate into non-harmful substances or nutrients. 1/3 of Viome customers are unable to metabolize oxalates properly. For these people, healthy foods like spinach could actually be doing more harm than good. Foods containing antioxidants aren't always good for everyone Polyphenol antioxidants in foods are usually considered very healthy, but unless you have microbes that convert specific polyphenols into nutrients that your body can absorb, you may not get their full benefit. One example is a polyphenol called ellagic acid. Viome can detect if your microbiome is metabolizing ellagic acid and converting it into urolithin A. It is only the urolithin A that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Without the microbes to do this conversion, you will not benefit from the ellagic acid in foods such as walnuts, raspberries, or pomegranate. Only about 50% of Viome customers actually receive the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits from eating foods that contain ellagic acid. Eating too much protein can cause inflammation Protein helps you build muscle and provides energy, but if you eat too much, it can cause some serious inflammation. Viome's technology can see if you are eating too much protein that feeds protein- fermenting bacteria like Alistipes putredinis and Tannerella forsythia. Viome can also see if your gut microbiome is producing harmful substances such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, p-cresol, or putrescine. These substances can damage your gut lining and lead to health issues like leaky gut. Your gut microbiome can reveal if you're depressed Your gut and brain are connected via the vagus nerve. A large majority of neurotransmitters are either produced or consumed by your gut microbiome. In fact, some 90% of all serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) is produced by your gut microbiome and not by your brain. Viome can analyze if your gut microbiome is producing harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide, which causes the lining of your gut to start to deteriorate, resulting in leaky gut. Leaky gut has also been identified as a potential source of depression and higher levels of anxiety, in addition to many other chronic diseases. Carbs can be protein precursors Rejoice! Perhaps carbs aren't as bad as you thought (as long as your gut microbiome is up to the task). Viome can see if you're metabolizing some of the starches you are eating and converting them into amino acids that are precursors to protein. Think about it for a second. Your gut microbiome can convert carbs into amino acids that are precursors to building protein. The microbiome is excellent at adapting and pivoting based on the food you feed it and the environment that it's in. Viome's at-home Gut Intelligence kit and personalized recommendations Once you place your order, Viome will send you an easy to use at-home kit to collect your sample. After you return your sample by mail, Viome analyzes it to determine what organisms are active in your gut are, and what specific nutrients and toxins they produce from the food you're eating. Then they use an advanced artificial intelligence system called Vie, which uses a massive (and continually growing) database of information to generate customized dietary recommendations based on your unique results. These dietary recommendations are designed to: • Increase microbial species associated with overall wellness • Minimize microbial species associated with poor health • Create the ideal ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for your diet • Encourage foods that are most compatible with your metabolism • Help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight • Increase your energy, focus, and well-being With the new year just around the corner, you owe it to yourself to get the customized, designer diet you've been looking for. Order your test kit today at Viome.com. ML