For years, Dr. Brody has relied on using accurate microbiome data as a cornerstone of his treatment plans and diagnostic tools. The company Thryve was able to provide detailed, in-depth data based on information mined from an easy to procure sample and curated by physicians. However, as a part of their company growth, Thryve has decided to rebrand as Ombre.
A microbiome is the collection of bacteria inside a specific location in our body. Our staff physicians like to look at the microbiome located in our gut as a potential root of different health issues. The gut microbiome interacts with multiple key components of our body, such as the immune system and our neurotransmitters. However, it also plays a vital role in our digestion, which is our ability to absorb and utilize nutrients. Because our gut microbiome is so delicately intertwined with so many of our body’s essential functions, we need to take care in how we approach any treatment plans. The billions of bacteria in our intestines have a delicate balance, so any drastic changes could cause significant digestive symptoms. However, not doing enough to alter the microbiome means any issues will continue regardless. So, how do our physicians know how to find the balance?
Ombre’s Diagnostic Ability
Ombre’s approach to the microbiome is big-picture and generalized, as opposed to small-scale tests. Ombre collects quantitative data about every unique species of bacteria it finds and breaks it down into bite-size data points. What the PNM staff physicians appreciate about the wide-spectrum results is that it gives insight into every piece of the microbiome, which helps them create a more personalized – and effective – treatment plan. For starters, knowing the levels of different bacteria can determine which prebiotics and probiotics would be better suited for you. Ombre does offer to sell a probiotic based on the test results, but our staff physicians recommend holding off until after going over the results with a doctor.
This big-picture approach is also useful for tracking the results of treatment. Ombre makes it easy to compare past and current results to check how a specific treatment plan is working. This information can allow for a more effective treatment plan, as well as a faster relief of symptoms. For instance, patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can track their flare-ups based on levels of a specific bacteria. If that bacteria’s levels are decreasing, the odds of a flare-up are increasing.
How It Ties In
Ombre plays a key role during the second phase of treatment. If clearing the body of the microorganisms that cause SIBO and IMO is stage one
DNA and Ombre
One of the greatest strengths of Personalized Natural Medicine is in the name – the ability to personalize a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. To help our staff physicians do so, they can take a patient’s raw DNA and look for specific mutations that suggest different health benefits or concerns. And with new technology, it is possible to combine a patient’s raw DNA with their Ombre results. This will create not just a more detailed insight for our physicians but will also allow for a more accurate treatment plan.
SWAMI and Ombre
To continue the thread of personalization, Ombre’s test results can be integrated into the SWAMI diet. The SWAMI diet is already personalized to each patient through blood work, physical measurements, and more. However, our staff physicians are able to add the Ombre test results to make sure the foods listed are beneficial not just for the body, but for the specific good bacteria levels of the gut as well. This allows for a diet that will help prevent SIBO or IMO from coming back.
A Patient-Friendly Product
One of the many strengths of Ombre is the amount of information they provide for the cost. At full price, a microbiome test kit will cost $199, but Ombre typically offers a variety of discount codes and has placed discounts of up to 50% on their product. This includes our personal discount code, BRODY20 for 20% off.
Ombre also has an intuitive website layout that allows patients to easily access, download, and view their microbiome data.
Other Stool Tests
There are other types of stool tests that provide more specific data about fewer organisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more. When beginning treatment, our staff physicians prefer Ombre for both the microbiome overview and as a more cost-effective option.