28/05/2024
Every year on May 29th, the World Gastroenterology Organisation shines a spotlight on digestive health through World Digestive Health Day (WDHD). This year, we’re rallying behind the theme “Your Digestive Health: Make It a Priority.” At Randox Health, we believe in this mission, offering you cutting-edge testing packages to manage and improve your digestive well-being effectively.
World Digestive Health Day: Why Our Gut Matters
Your digestive health is a cornerstone of your overall well-being. It encompasses the efficient function of organs that handle food processing, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. Disruptions in this system can lead to discomfort and various health issues, impacting your quality of life. Moreover, robust digestive health supports immune function, mood stability, and energy vitality.
A Closer Look at Common Digestive Problems
Digestive health issues are widespread in the UK, impacting a large portion of the population with various symptoms that can affect everyday life and overall well-being. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are particularly common.
Irritible Bowel Syndrome
IBS affects up to 20% of people in the UK at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders encountered by GPs. It is characterised by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, which can significantly impact the quality of life1.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is reported by approximately 25% of the UK population, manifesting as heartburn and acid reflux, particularly following meals or during the night2.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
IBD’s affect more than 300,000 people in the UK. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two main forms of IBD, involve chronic inflammation of the gut and can cause severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss3.
These conditions underscore the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management to prevent serious health issues and enhance life quality for those affected.
Digestive Health Testing at Randox Health
At Randox Health, we delve deep into the science of digestive health with our tailored testing packages. Our Digestive-Bowel Health Test measures key biomarkers to give you a clear picture of your gut health, empowering you with data to manage and prevent potential issues. Let’s look at the biomarkers included in this test:
Pepsinogens I & II are precursors to pepsin, the main digestive enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins. The ratio of Pepsinogen I to II can provide insights into the health of the stomach lining and help detect atrophic gastritis, often a precursor to stomach cancer. Lower levels of pepsinogen can suggest decreased stomach acid production, which may impact digestion and nutrient absorption. Studies have emphasised the importance of pepsinogen levels in the early diagnosis of gastric diseases, aiding in the detection and management of conditions before they progress to more serious stages4.
Gastrin-17 is a hormone primarily produced in the stomach that plays a critical role in regulating gastric acid secretion. It is vital for the digestive process, influencing both the volume and the acidity of stomach secretions. Elevated levels of Gastrin-17 are commonly associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition characterised by excessive gastric acid production that can lead to severe peptic ulcers. Conversely, low levels of Gastrin-17 can indicate atrophic gastritis, a condition marked by a reduction in gastric acid output due to stomach lining damage. Accurately measuring Gastrin-17 is also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of acid-suppressing therapy in conditions like GERD and to ensure optimal management of these conditions5.
H.pylori antibody tests detect antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and lead to ulcers, chronic gastritis, and even stomach cancer. Identifying H. pylori infection is crucial as it is a treatable risk factor for these conditions, and eradication of the bacteria can prevent disease progression and improve symptoms6.
Tissue Transglutaminase IgA (tTg-IgA) is the primary screening test for coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. High levels of tTg-IgA are strongly indicative of coeliac disease, and this test is commonly used in conjunction with endoscopic biopsy to confirm the diagnosis7. If you’d like to learn more about coeliac disease, you can read our blog – Grain Gambles and Toaster Trials.
Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells and is a marker of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful for distinguishing between inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and less serious causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as IBS. Elevated calprotectin levels indicate an active inflammation that may necessitate further diagnostic investigation or treatment adjustment8.
Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) tests are used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer and other digestive disorders, including ulcers and polyps. Regular screening with FOB tests is recommended for adults at average risk for colorectal cancer as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes9.
Exploring the Microbiome’s Influence
The At-Home Microbiome Test by Randox Health offers a deep dive into the complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing within your gut. Utilising advanced shotgun metagenomics, this test analyses a simple stool sample to provide a comprehensive profile of your gut microbiome, helping you understand the balance of microbes that influence your overall health.
Key Features Of The Test
The test examines crucial aspects such as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which is significant for understanding conditions related to weight gain. It identifies butyric acid-producing bacteria, which are vital for maintaining gut lining health, and bacteria that break down fibre, supporting regular bowel movements. The presence of bacteria with probiotic properties, pathogenic bacteria, hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria, and oxalate-degrading bacteria are also reported, each providing insights into various health implications.
Beyond bacteria, the test profiles bacteriophages, which can influence bacterial balance by infecting and regulating specific bacterial populations. It also examines the fungal and archaeal components of your microbiome, which, though less abundant, can significantly impact your gut’s health and overall ecosystem stability.
This detailed analysis allows for tailored recommendations to optimise your gut health based on your unique microbiome profile. By understanding the specific microbes present and their functions, you can make informed decisions about diet, lifestyle, and possibly supplements to foster a healthier gut environment. This proactive approach can help mitigate the risk of obesity, autoimmune diseases, digestive issues, and systemic inflammation, leading to improved health and wellbeing
With Randox Health’s At-Home Microbiome Test, taking control of your gut health has never been more accessible or insightful. This test empowers you to make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle to support a balanced and healthy microbiome.
Nutrition and Lifestyle DNA
The Nutrition and Lifestyle DNA test by Randox Health uses nutrigenomics to explore how genes interact with diet and lifestyle factors, affecting everything from nutrient metabolism to health risks. By analysing 40 genes from a simple blood sample, this test reveals how your body responds to different foods, your susceptibility to certain nutritional diseases, and how your DNA influences weight management, physical activity, injury risk, mental health, and sleep patterns.
Understanding your genetic predispositions can help address issues like difficulty in losing weight, low energy levels, and food intolerances. The test provides insights into your responses to saturated fats, lactose, and gluten, and assesses risks for deficiencies in vital nutrients like vitamins A, B12, C, D, folate, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. It also evaluates genetic factors related to athletic performance such as muscle mass and recovery, and health and wellbeing, including risks for obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
With personalised results, you’re empowered to tailor your diet and exercise regimens to optimise your health based on your unique genetic blueprint, making informed choices that enhance your wellbeing.
Celebrating World Digestive Health Day with Randox Health
Proactive monitoring through regular check-ups and tests can detect potential problems early, often before they become serious. This approach not only helps in managing health but also significantly cuts long-term healthcare costs.
Join us this World Digestive Health Day in making your digestive health a priority. Participate in our webinars, engage with our community, and take advantage of our promotional offers on health tests.
Your digestive health plays a pivotal role in your life, and this World Digestive Health Day, it’s time to prioritize it. With Randox Health’s comprehensive tests and personalized care, you are empowered to take control of your health journey. Explore our health packages and let us help you lead a healthier, happier life.
FAQ's
- NHS. What is IBS? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/.
- NHS. Heartburn and acid reflux. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/.
- Crohn’s and Colitis UK. All information about Crohn’s and Colitis. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis?parent=4107&page=1&tags=&category=&sort=.
- Agréus L, Kuipers EJ, Kupcinskas L, et al. Rationale in diagnosis and screening of atrophic gastritis with stomach-specific plasma biomarkers. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2012;47(2):136-147. doi:10.3109/00365521.2011.645501
- Sipponen P, Maaroos HI. Chronic gastritis. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2015;50(6):657-667. doi:10.3109/00365521.2015.1019918
- Chey WD, Leontiadis GI, Howden CW, Moss SF. ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2017;112(2):212-239. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.563
- Sollid LM, Jabri B. Triggers and drivers of autoimmunity: lessons from coeliac disease. Nat Rev Immunol. 2013;13(4):294-302. doi:10.1038/nri3407
- Walsham N, Sherwood R. Fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. Published online January 2016:21. doi:10.2147/CEG.S51902
- Robertson DJ, Lee JK, Boland CR, et al. Recommendations on Fecal Immunochemical Testing to Screen for Colorectal Neoplasia: A Consensus Statement by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(5):1217-1237.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.08.053