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The Handbook

Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)

Where to find your happiness score in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test You will find your happiness score based on the Subjective Happiness Scale […]

Proteobacteria

Proteobacteria are a large, diverse group of bacteria found in various ecosystems, including soil, water, plants and, most importantly, the human gut. The Proteobacteria phylum includes […]

Propionate

Propionate is primarily produced in the gut through the fermentation of dietary fibres by specific groups of bacteria. Bacteria such as Alistipes and Coprococcus are […]

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are beneficial sources of food for probiotic bacteria. Bacteria metabolise/ferment prebiotics, and this supports their growth and activity. The best-known prebiotics include dietary fibres […]

Postbiotic Score

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test provides you with an easy-to-understand postbiotic score that consolidates the individual scores for butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These short-chain […]

Postbiotics

Postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced by probiotic bacteria as part of their cycle of life and growth. The best-known postbiotics are the short-chain fatty acids […]

Mental wellness

Synonyms: Important disclaimer The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on […]

Veillonella

Veillonella is a genus of anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the human gut microbiome. These bacteria are known for their role in the fermentation […]

Sutterella

Sutterella is a genus of bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly associated with the microbiota of individuals with certain health conditions, including autism […]

Proprionate

Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers by gut microbiota such as Fibrobacter and Bacteroides species. It serves […]

Ruminococcus

Ruminococcus is a genus of bacteria within the gut microbiome that plays a pivotal role in digesting complex carbohydrates such as cellulose and resistant starch. […]

Prevotella

Prevotella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that is abundant in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in individuals consuming a fiber-rich, plant-based diet. It plays […]

Megasphaera

Megasphaera is a genus of gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria prominent in the human gut. It plays a key role in fermenting carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty […]

Dorea

Dorea is a genus of anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is a member of the family Lachnospiraceae within the Firmicutes […]

Butyrivibrio

Butyrivibrio is not typically a predominant genus in the human gut, but it can be found in small amounts where it contributes to the microbial […]

Blautia

Blautia is a genus of anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria belonging to the family Lachnospiraceae within the phylum Firmicutes. These bacteria are commonly found in the human […]

Alistipes

Alistipes is a genus of anaerobic bacteria primarily found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It belongs to the family Rikenellaceae within the phylum Bacteroidetes. These […]

Lachnospira

Lachnospira is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that is a part of the human gut microbiota. Lachnospira is one of the best known members of […]

Pseudoflavonifractor

Pseudoflavonifractor is a genus of anaerobic bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. It is closely related to Flavonifractor and also has the unique […]

Flavonifractor

Flavonifractor is a genus of anaerobic bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Flavonifractor has the unique ability to metabolise flavonoids, a type of […]

Butyricimonas

Butyricimonas is a genus of Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Like Butyricicoccus, this genus is notable for its capacity to produce butyrate, […]

Butyricicoccus

Butyricicoccus is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that lives in close proximity to the mucous tissue in the human gut. These bacteria are known for […]

Anaerostipes

Anaerostipes is a spore-forming genus of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria that are commonly found in the human gut microbiota. Anaerostipes are part of the Firmicutes phylum […]

Xylan

Xylan is a complex carbohydrate found mainly in the cell walls of plants, particularly in the stalks, stems, and outer layers of grains. It’s one […]

Xyloglucan

Xyloglucan is a hemicellulose polysaccharide, a type of natural fibre found in plant cell walls. Think of it as the plant’s scaffolding, giving the plant […]

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS)

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are a type of prebiotic fibre made up of a short chain of xylose sugar units. They are considered non-digestible oligosaccharides, meaning that […]

Pectin

Pectin is a type of complex carbohydrate, specifically a soluble fibre, found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. It is often used as […]

Inulin

Inulin is a type of soluble fibre found naturally in a variety of plants, such as chicory root, asparagus, and onions. It serves as a […]

Arabinan

Arabinan is a type of prebiotic fibre found in plant cell walls. Arabinan is particularly abundant in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Its name derives from […]

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Where to find your stress score in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test You will find your stress score based on the Perceived Stress Scale […]

Stress

Stress is a natural psychological and physiological response to a perceived threat or demand. It’s your body’s way of preparing to face a challenging situation, […]

Resistant starch

Resistant starch (RS) is a unique type of dietary carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon largely intact, where it […]

Coprococcus

Coprococcus is a group of beneficial gut bacteria that play a crucial role in promoting human health. The clinical literature on Coprococcus is extensive and […]

16S rRNA Sequencing

16S rRNA sequencing is an advanced molecular method employed to explore and analyse the bacteria present in the gut through the examination of stool samples. […]

Microbial volatility

The gut microbiome is sensitive to the effects of chronic stress. According to recent research on the gut-brain connection, the microbial ecosystem is more volatile […]

Lactobacillus johnsonii

Lactobacillus johnsonii is a beneficial bacterium that lives in the human gut. L. johnsonii plays a significant role in promoting health. This probiotic microbe has […]

Cross-feeding

Cross-feeding is a phenomenon that occurs within microbial communities, such as those found in the human gut, where one species of microorganism produces a substance […]

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of fear, worry, and unease. Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including physical, cognitive, […]

Gut microbiome dysbiosis

Gut microbiome dysbiosis, or simply “dysbiosis”, refers to an imbalance or disruption in the composition and function of the gut microbiome, which is the collection […]

Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale is a self-report questionnaire commonly used to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms in individuals. The 7-question scale is known […]

Agathobacter

Agathobacter is a butyrate-producer in the Lachnospiraceae family of microorganisms that live in the human gastrointestinal tract, contributing to overall gut health. Agathobacter is quite […]

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (or omega 3s for short) are a type of essential fatty acids that are crucial for human health. Omega 3s are polyunsaturated, […]

Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS)

Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) are complex carbohydrates composed of mannose sugars linked together in a chain-like structure. Extracted from the cell wall of yeast (commonly Saccharomyces cerevisiae), […]

Isomaltooligosaccharide

Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are a type of functional oligosaccharide, often hailed for their prebiotic properties. IMOs are composed of short chains of glucose molecules. However, their […]

Guar Gum

Guar gum is a soluble fibre derived from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It’s commonly used in the food industry as a […]

Barnesiella

Barnesiella is a beneficial gut microbe that plays a vital role in promoting health, both in and beyond the gut. Barnesiella is named after the […]

Oxalobacter

Oxalobacter is a beneficial gut microbe with unique properties. Here are three key reasons why Oxalobacter is important for your health: What are the best […]

Oxalates

Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in various foods. Some common food sources that contain oxalates include: Do I need to avoid oxalates? Oxalates are […]

Adlercreutzia

Adlercreutzia is a gut microbe with the unique ability to metabolise soy isoflavones. Here are 3 key reasons why Adlercreutzia is important for your health: […]

Gut-brain connection

The gut-brain connection refers to the communication system that enables the gut and the brain to “talk to each other”. It is a bidirectional system […]

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are a type of prebiotic fibre found in various plant sources, including all varieties of pulses/legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans. These […]

Galactans

Galactans are a type of prebiotic fibre found in various plant sources, such as pulses/legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, and beans. They offer several beneficial effects […]

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic fibre naturally found in various plant sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. FOS provide several beneficial effects […]

Chitin

Chitin is a prebiotic fibre found in crustacean shells, some mushrooms, and insects. Chitin provides various benefits for human health as a dietary fibre. Here […]

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans are prebiotic fibres found in plants such as oats, barley, and mushrooms. Beta-glucans are an essential source of dietary fibre with many benefits for […]

Arabinoxylan

Arabinoxylan is a type of prebiotic fibre found in plants. Its name is derived from the fact that it consists of arabinose and xylose sugars […]

Arabinogalactan

Arabinogalactan is a type of prebiotic fibre found in plant sources. Its name is derived from the fact that it consists of arabinose and galactose […]

Acetate

Acetate is produced in the gut through the fermentation of complex carbohydrates by several key bacterial groups. Bacteria such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus are […]

Butyrate

Butyrate, also known as butyric acid, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that is crucial for colon health and overall well-being. It is primarily produced […]

Pathogen score

The presence of pathogens in the gut can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, leading to infections, inflammation, microbiome imbalance, toxin production, and antibiotic […]

Yersinia

Yersinia is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Vibrio

Vibrio is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Sphingomonas

Sphingomonas is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can have an impact on human health and the environment. Here is […]

Salmonella

Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that includes various species known to impact human health and cause disease significantly. Here is an overview of how […]

Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas is a genus of bacteria that contains various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Fusobacterium

Fusobacterium is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Enterococcus

Enterococcus is a genus of bacteria that encompasses various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Escherichia-Shigella

Escherichia-Shigella is a group of bacteria within the Enterobacteriaceae family that includes species such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and various Shigella species, which can […]

Enterobacter

Enterobacter is a genus of bacteria that contains various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Eggerthella

Eggerthella is a genus of bacteria that comprises various species, some of which can influence human health and occasionally cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Clostridioides

Clostridioides is a genus of bacteria that encompasses various species, some of which can significantly impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview […]

Campylobacter

Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria with a diverse range of species, some of which play significant roles in human health and disease. Here is […]

Citrobacter

Citrobacter is a genus of bacteria that includes various species, some of which can impact human health and cause disease. Here is an overview of […]

Roseburia

Roseburia is a beneficial gut microbe that plays a crucial role in human health for several reasons. It plays roles in producing butyrate, regulating inflammation, […]

Faecalibacterium

Faecalibacterium is a genus of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. One of the most well-known species within this genus is Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. This […]

Butyrate-producing bacteria

Butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium, Roseburia and Coprococcus, are crucial for human health due to their role in providing energy to gut cells, regulating inflammation, […]

Christensenella

Christensenella typically refers to Christensenella minuta, a type of beneficial bacteria found in the human gut. Though research on Christensenella is still emerging, it has […]

Akkermansia

Akkermansia (typically short for Akkermansia muciniphila) is important for a healthy gut microbiome, contributing to the maintenance of the mucus layer, supporting immune function and […]

Microbes with metabolic regulating function

Akkermansia muciniphila and Christensenella minuta are two beneficial bacteria found in the human gut. They both play a role in regulating metabolism. In summary, both […]

Lactococcus

Lactococcus is a type of lactic acid bacteria that, while not as common in the human gut as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, contributes to human health […]

Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium species or Bifidobacteria are beneficial microbes found in the human gut, fermented foods and food supplements. Bifidobacterium species or Bifidobacteria play a critical role […]

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus are a group of beneficial bacteria typically found in your digestive and urinary tracts and in fermented foods, especially fermented dairy, e.g. kefir. The Lactobacillus […]

Lactic acid bacteria

Lactobacillus and Lactococcus are lactic acid bacteria. They are critical for maintaining a healthy and balanced gut microbiome. They aid digestion, the immune system, and […]

Microbial Evenness – Simpson Diversity Index

Microbial evenness in the context of the gut microbiome is about how fairly the different types of bacteria share space in your gut. Microbial evenness […]

Microbial Richness – Shannon Diversity Index

Microbial richness in the context of the gut microbiome refers to the total number of different types of microorganisms that live in your gut. A […]

How to improve your microbial diversity

Several evidence-based approaches documented how to promote the diversity of your gut microbiome, contributing to physical and mental wellbeing. Want to know which are supported […]

Microbial Diversity

Microbial diversity in the context of the gut microbiome refers to the variety and abundance of different microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living in the gastrointestinal tract. This diversity plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, as these microorganisms contribute to digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and protection against harmful pathogens.