Frequently Asked Questions

‘Microbiome’ refers to the entire habitat of the microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, lower eukaryotes, and viruses), their genomes, and the surrounding environmental conditions [Ex. human gut]. This definition is based on that of biome, the biotic and abiotic factors of given environments.

The term ‘Microbiota’ is defined as the entire community of microorganisms present in a defined environment [such as human gut or skin]. Human body hosts a huge number of microbes of many different kinds (Bacteria, Fungi etc.), in & on many different organs (gut, oral, skin etc.). This complete collection of microbes constitutes the human microbiota. For example, the entire collection of microbes within gut is called gut microbiota.

Just like we carry genes and genomes in our cells, each of the microorganism also has their own genes and genomes. The complete collection of microbial genomes constitutes the metagenome. Specifically, the complete collection of microbial genomes within a gut [stool] sample becomes the gut metagenome.

The establishment [later composition and abundance] of the human microbiota is not random. The establishment begins from womb, type of birth (vaginal or caesarean), mother's breast milk, diet and nutrition during growth and adulthood. Lifestyle habits (exercise, smoking, etc.) and various other environmental factors also significantly influence and shape the composition of one's microbiota.
Read this great blog post in our blogs section.

Its HUGE! Like more than number of cells in your own body !!
And
Usually, an adult human gut microbiota consists anywhere from 800 to 2000 different types (species) of microorganisms spanning across 5 different phylum viz., bacteria, archaea, fungi, virus and Eukaryota (protozoa and Metazoa). Each of these (800 to 2000 different) species have millions of copies of them, with current estimates indicating that the human gut is occupied with approximately 100 trillion cells of different microorganisms, happily living within us.
Read this great blog post in our blogs section.

No, they are not the same, it differs from person to person. Though the microbiota carries out many similar functions, but the jobs are not necessarily done by the same microbial species in each person. Also, the species carrying out the various functions in any given individual may change [in quantity] over age, diet, differs based on the sex of the individual, habits ecological niche etc.

Yes. There is a quite a bit of variation from one person to the next, depending on all the factors mentioned above. But one’s own microbiota gets stable over time, so does its functional capabilities and impacts on our health.

Most of these microbes are either benign or mostly beneficial, and rarely gets detrimental to our health, either singularly or in combination. So, we have a bunch of friendly and non-friendly microorganisms within/on us, since thousands of years (as species) and from our birth (as individuals). This is specifically true with respect to our guts, where these microorganisms have thrived as an entire ecosystem with continuous availability of nutrition.
Watch this great blog post in our blogs section.

Due to their symbiotic [beneficial] and/or parasitic [non-beneficial] nature, these microbes play a significant role in many fundamental life processes. The function and impact of the microbiota varies from place to place and many of its functions have not yet been completely elucidated. Like for example, bacteria in the mouth and gut helps in digesting complex carbohydrates & lipids we ingest and keeps immune system in check. It has emerged as a virtual metabolic organ, given its impact on a large spectrum of digestion and metabolism of the food that we consume. Its ability to establish an axis with several extraintestinal organs, such as kidneys, liver, cardiovascular, the bone system and the brain, has gained a lot of traction in the recent past.
Watch this great blog post in our blogs section.

Yes, microbes sense and interact with specific receptors [antenna of sorts] that are secreted by our cells, which they use as “cues to decide” where to grow. Thus, there is a role for human genetics in the eventual structure of the microbiota. The exact mechanisms that govern these selection processes are also under active study, but they certainly include a great deal of communication, as well as physical cues like temperature and moisture levels [which is also driven by our genetics]

The gut microbiota [composition, abundance, and diversity] may vary depending on the geography (Indian, Asian, American etc.), gender, culture and demographics, genetics (of your own and that of the race), diet, and many environmental factors. Hence, the gut microbiota of every individual follows certain larger patterns. These types and their abundances are not static, and it changes with age, geography, culture, and most importantly diet, and any shift in the above categories, can lead to a shift in the type and abundance of microbiota.

The gut is the best studied site of all the human microbiomes, and it contains the largest, densest, and most diverse microbial community in the human body. The gut microbiome acts as a highly efficient bioreactor, helping to extract energy and nutrients from the food we eat. Compounds that humans cannot digest on their own can be broken down by microbes. The gut microbiome has complex effects on human health and changes in its composition have been linked to several diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, Clostridium difficile infections, autoimmune disorders, and even diabetes and obesity. There are intriguing indications that the gut microbiome may affect sleep patterns, mood, and other behaviours. Hence, the impact of microbiome on out health and wellbeing is big!!

No!! The microbiomes of the mouth, skin, vagina, and lungs are also altered in various other health conditions like dental caries, acne, urinary tract infections and respiratory infections, respectively. The microbes in these body sites are not simply passive bystanders but are playing active roles in the dynamic balance between health and disease.

The good thing about our microbiota, especially the gut microbiota, is that it can be manipulated (in composition, abundance, and diversity) and make them work for us, improving our physiological functions, immune system, and metabolic regulation. Such manipulation is currently achieved through:

• Dietary manipulations (which in turn is a function of microbial composition).
• Probiotic supplementation - either naturally as food or as cultured supplementation.
• Prebiotics supplementation - which dietary substances that selectively promote proliferation and activity of beneficial bacteria indigenous to the colon. Supplemented either naturally as food or as processed supplementation.
• As “Synbiotic” - an optimal combination of probiotic species and a set of prebiotics that augment their growth.
• Faecal Microbiota Transplantations (FMT) - for serious clinical conditions like C.diff infections.

Personalizing the kind and frequency of the dietary, probiotic, and prebiotic recommendations, should be based on one’s unique gut microbiome. Hence, evaluating (the composition, abundance, and diversity of) the gut microbiome seems to be the first and most promising path forward for achieving optimal health benefits.
Well tolerated set of dietary, probiotic, and prebiotic recommendations, for manipulation of one's gut microbiota is the next big thing in disease management and health care. And to get a well-tolerated recommendations, one needs to test and see what the current status of their microbiome is.
And this is where BugSpeaks® can aid you to make such guided decisions.

BugSpeaks® is India's first gut microbiome test, with focus on wellbeing through dietary, probiotic, and prebiotic recommendations, based on your unique microbiome profile. BugSpeaks® is brought to you by Leucine Rich Bio Pvt Ltd. - South Asia’s first microbiome company. The company is headquartered in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India.
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No!! It is a wellness test. The test would tell you about the current status of your gut health, impact of that on other health issues, and provide you with personalized dietary, probiotic, and prebiotic recommendations for significantly improving your wellness.

No!! This is not a 16s rDNA-based test. The 16s rDNA-based sequencing allows identification of only bacteria and archaea in your gut, and cannot identify fungi, worms, viruses, and other microbes. Further, the 16s method would characterize the microbiota till genus level at best, with some level of species characterization, while we want to achieve the best species and even strain level classification.

We primarily identify “the diverse microbial species” within your sample [stool sample from gut], followed by characterization, analysis, and interpretation of larger patterns within them using the ‘microbiome sequencing analysis” and our patent pending technology. In technical terms, we to the metagenome sequencing of the sample to identify and characterize the microbiota of the sample.
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BugSpeaks® is a unique test which not only provides you with current status of your gut health and disease risk analysis but extends beyond to provide you with personalized recommendations to improve your overall health. In summary we provide :-

• A snapshot of the intestinal microbiota.
• Pathogen and probiotic characterization.
• Qualitative disease risk estimates based on gut microbiota.
• Personalized and unique 3 phase nutritional recommendation based on gut microbiota.
• Personalized supplement [probiotic and prebiotic] recommendation based on gut microbiota.

The recommendations, if implemented, can significantly improve the general wellbeing and health, but may also aid in the management of specific diseases [Ex. IBD, IBS etc.]
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No!! This is not a diagnostic test. This is not a culture-based test, where the CFU/g of the pathogen in the stool sample will be reported. We characterize the pathogens based on its DNA, yet you will have actionable inputs and recommendations if there are any pathogens that are high in your gut.

We achieve this through the aid of associations between your gut microbiome profile [which is unique] and that of reported evidence, utilizing our patent pending technology, giving you an estimate of disease risks. This can be used to monitor specific diseases that you might be at risk for in the long run. The associations between microbiota and diseases are extracted from our manually curated and validated Database called MicroByte.
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Just like the disease associations, we achieve this through the aid of associations between your gut microbiome profile [which is unique] and that of reported evidence to personalize your nutritional and supplement recommendations. We have manually curated and validated associations between microbiota and foods called NutriBite.
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Even though probiotics are generally recognized as safe and largely beneficial, it is important to know the need for probiotics in the first place. Once you have established the need, then one need to know which specific probiotic species or concoction would aid you. You may be taking a probiotic with some species that may not be needed at all. Also, excess of everything is bad, so taking probiotics which are unnecessary and in excess might be bad for you.
BugSpeaks® test provides a snapshot of all the probiotics species that are present in your gut and thus will help you to fine tune your probiotic requirements, with specific species combination that are missing or low in your gut.

That’s great!
However, is it personalized for you? based on your microbiome?
This personalization is critical, since all the food you eat passes through the intestine where these microorganisms act on them, helping in overall digestion. Different microorganisms act on different foods to produce different metabolites, which might be good or bad for our health. Since our recommendations are based on your unique microbiome, its personalized to you.

Absolutely!!
Please download our latest version of the report here

You can find all the details of the pricing and packages here

It depends on your current health status. If you feel you are already having a healthy diet and lifestyle and just want to get one more view to take your health a notch up, the Profile Package [included a single test] might be best.
While this to test the waters, the best and most chosen package has been the Prospective Package, which includes two tests. Here, one can take Test No 1 and implement all the dietary, probiotic, and prebiotic recommendations and then take Test No 2 to know the improvements and get a modified recommendations thereafter.
We do have Periodic [4 tests] and Pioneer [12 tests] packages for the health enthusiast in you or for individuals who are suffering from chronic gut related diseases.

You can follow BugSpeaks® on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. We periodically run education and awareness campaigns about gut health and gut microbiome, where we also give out coupons. We also provide discounts based on the kind of package your chose, volume and for certain individual cases. Please send your inquiries to hello@bugspeaks.com.

The complete booking process in online.
Visit our pricing section here. Chose the package you want to book and hit order now. This follows a series of simple and quick steps where you will be asked to register, pay, fill in address, answer the questionnaire [this would greatly help us serve you better] and so on. You will be duly notified about the payment and other booking details via email.

We initiate the shipment and send the sample collection kit to the registered address. You will be notified via email about the courier services and tracking numbers, both while receiving the kit and while dispatching it back to us.
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No, we operate remotely, pan India and globally. Our test can be ordered online, and an easy-to-use sampling kit will be delivered to your address and picked up once the sample is ready. Please notify us once the sample is ready and we will arrange to pick up the kit from your address through our courier partner. And this whole logistics would be prepaid, and the cost is included in the test price.
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Stool Sample.
We need a small amount of stool sample, preferably collected in the morning during your first pass.

The kit basically is a stool collection kit with a specialized tube containing a liquid, which is used to transport the sample without contamination and DNA degradation. Along with this all-other tools that are required to collect the sample viz., gloves, stool collection frame, protective bubble envelope with desiccant etc., will be included too. Clear instructions, with infographics about the collection process, and the relevant dos and don’ts will be sent to you along with the kit.

The stool collection frame given along with the kit is designed for western type commodes. However, if you prefer the Indian [Squat] way or that is the only option available at your residence, then you can still collect the sample. Please make sure clean the toilet before collection, and do not urinate or put water on the stool before collection.

Yes. You can collect the sample from diaper. Please make sure it is recently passed stool and preferably from morning first pass. Scrape from the surface and do not scoop deeper to avoid any diaper material.

We do not recommend collecting the sample during the periods purely because of the comfort [or discomfort] factor for women. But if you are fine with collection, then Yes. You can collect the sample during your periods. Make sure that you collect the sample without any water/urine/blood contamination.

No. Please collect the sample after you complete your antibiotic course [which is usually 3-5 days], wait for a couple of more days [total of a week], and then collect the sample. However, if your doctor/physician have asked you to take the test during the course, or you are on long term antibiotic medication for a chronic disease, then you can collect the sample without any wait.
We request you highlight the consumption of any antibiotic if the sample is collected during or just after antibiotic consumption.

No. The sample once collected in the tube is stable up to one month within the protective solution without any need for refrigeration. So, all you need to do is make sure the tube is capped tightly, placed within the bubble wrap with desiccant [liquid absorber], and sealed. You can keep at room temperature.

No. The sample once collected in the tube is stable up to one month within the protective solution without any need for refrigeration. So, all you need to do is make sure the tube is capped tightly, placed within the bubble wrap with desiccant [liquid absorber], and sealed. You can keep at room temperature.

All you need to do is notify us that you have collected the sample and it is ready to be picked up. We will arrange for the pickup shipment. Our logistics partner will usually pick up the sample within a day. However, due to the ongoing Covid pandemic and associated restrictions it can take up to 3 days to pick up the sample.
Meanwhile, you do not have to worry about the sample, since the sample once collected in the tube is stable up to one month within the protective solution without any need for refrigeration. As highlighted above, this is not a culture based diagnostic test where the sample needs reach the lab immediately. This is a DNA based test and the genetic material is stable within the protective solution for up to a month.

The instructions sheet will have an email ID and a phone number. You can mail us or send a message to our WhatsApp business account using the phone number.

Once we receive the sample, we will assign a unique ID to the sample. And you will be notified via email about the ID and any relevant details. We will keep you notified at regular intervals about the sample processing, sequencing, analysis, and the report generation process.
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We take data privacy very seriously and we follow strict guidelines to secure your personal and biological data. All your personal information will be redacted before your sample can be processed and sequencing data can be generated. All further communication from this point will be communicated through the unique ID assigned for your sample.

Yes. We use your biological data pertaining to microbiome, for research purposes and a consent form will be provided to you, along with the questionnaire, which you sign. You can also find these details of the consent form and other terms and conditions during the registration process.

It takes generally 4 weeks, from the day we receive the sample, to generate and share the report with you. We will share a PDF report via email, or you can also download the report by logging in through our website using the credentials you used during the registration.

The main things covered in the report are:

• Gut Microbiome Index (GMI) – A dysbiosis indicator, along with snapshot of your microbiota.
• Disease Risks – Currently estimating for 16 diseases.
• Dietary Recommendations
  • Phase I - Restoring your gut microbiome - 2 Weeks.
  • Phase II - Rebuilding your gut microbiome - 8 Weeks.
  • Phase III - Maintaining your rebuilt gut microbiome - 2 Weeks.
• Lifestyle & Gut Microbiome

No. The risk estimation is a qualitative and an algorithm-based output. This does not predict or diagnose any disease. Please consult a doctor or a physician, especially if you have long term symptoms of the disease you might be at risk for. We provide this section to indicate any underlying risk that you might recognize and make necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle, so that these risks can be mitigated for a longer duration.
Also, any disease also has a genetic component attached to it. Meaning, the chances of you developing a disease also depends on your own genetics. This risk estimation will purely be based on your microbiome only.

The current version of the report has a total of 170 foods sectioned into 6 categories, repeated in all 3 phases, with varying frequencies. We periodically increase this number as we accumulate more evidence.

We have used a total of 4 frequency tags that indicates how frequently you can include a specific food in your meal plan.

• Frequent - can be consumed everyday [in 1 meal/day].
• Moderate - can be consumed every alternate day [in 1 meal/2 days].
• Low - can be consumed once in 3 days [in 1 meal/3 days].
• Avoid - Avoid the consumption as much as possible.

Please avoid consuming that food(s). Try to find a similar alterative which can be a replacement. Example, if you are lactose intolerant, please try to avoid cow’s milk, and try to replace it with goat or buffalo milk if possible.

We have not listed a specific food mainly because we have not found an evidence for it. Any such food can be consumed at “low” or “moderate” frequency for the duration of 3 phases [3 months]. Please avoid if it is a processed food or a red meat variety. Also, please do not include the food in your diet if you have any allergies or intolerances to it.

Probiotics are a set of beneficial microorganisms that help you metabolize the food you eat and have significantly positive impact on your overall gut health. Consuming foods or supplements rich in these probiotics will aid in restoring and maintaining a healthy gut in the long run.

Prebiotics are a special form of dietary fibres that act as fertilizers for the probiotics in your gut. There are a lot of foods that are naturally rich in such prebiotics [Ex. Oats] and there are also extracts of specific prebiotic components that can consumed as supplements.

Yes. That’s correct.
Since we would have already identified all the species that are present, low, and absent in your gut, the report will list the most important species that are either low or absent in your gut. By this way, you can focus your dietary changes around the foods that are required to increase these specific probiotics.
Further, every probiotic species can be increased with a prebiotic, hence we also provide you with a set of prebiotic recommendations, which can aid you in increasing the probiotics you need the most.
Furthermore, we also provide the natural/fermented sources of the probiotics species you need, which can help you keep your diet plan filled with such natural and fermented foods.

We understand that. Sometimes you might be allergic or intolerant to specific foods that are listed for probiotics [Ex. Cheese]. We recommend you find an alternative for the food and if not possible only then look for a supplementation in a capsule or powder form.

No. We cannot and do not endorse any specific brands. We usually provide a single example of a prebiotic or probiotic product below the list of probiotics. We recommend that when you search for a product, please make sure the species listed in the report are included in the product [which you can find on the product label].

Generally, you won’t find a single product that includes all the species listed in the report. Hence, we recommend you go natural first. Identify and include all-natural sources of pre- and probiotic that you can easily get in your locale. Then, list only those species for which you cannot find a natural source, or you cannot eat a specific food because of allergies/intolerances. This should give you a relatively short list of probiotics that you can easily find within a single product.

The recommended duration is for 8 weeks [2 months]. Phase-II of our dietary recommendations is set for 8 weeks for this specific reason. Please do not consume probiotic supplements [capsules and powders] for more than 8 weeks. Build your diet around natural pre- and probiotics.

These recommendations are largely beneficial, with no or minimal negative impact on your health. Even though these dietary charts are evidence-based recommendations, we would strongly suggest you consult a physician/nutritionist, before implementing these in your lifestyle. This is specifically true about the extent of inclusion and exclusion of a specific food and for individuals who are either diabetic, hypertensive and/or having special dietary needs.

As highlighted above, these recommendations are largely beneficial, with a list of natural foods having no or minimal negative impact on your health. However, please stop following the diet phases anytime you feel severely discomforted or any of your previously known symptoms increases. This is specifically true for probiotics supplementation [capsules and powders]. Please consult a physician or a nutritionist before restarting the diet.

No. We would not be providing any supplements after the test. However, special discounts for buying supplements from RychBiome or opting nutritional diet package from My22BMI, will be shared as coupon codes.

Establishment of gut microbiome is quantitatively and functionally influenced by your diet and nutrition, and it is highly dynamic. Hence, we strongly recommend you undergo retesting of your gut every 3 months and renew your recommendations.

We send the kit for the next test at the end of 2nd month of dietary recommendation.
Our hope is that you implement the recommendation we have provided, and test again to see the improvements and get a modified set of dietary recommendations for the next 3 months. Since, our current TAT is 4 weeks to analyse and generate the report, we prefer getting your next sample of Prospective/Periodic package at the end of 2nd month [halfway through Phase II] and get the next set of recommendations by the end of 3rd month. This would aid you seamlessly continue your diet for next 3 months without breaking the momentum.

Probiotics are a set of beneficial microorganisms that help you metabolize the food you eat and have significantly positive impact on your overall gut health. Consuming foods or supplements rich in these probiotics will aid in restoring and maintaining a healthy gut in the long run.
Scientifically, probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit. The benefit is conferred by improving your immune; aiding in digestion and absorption; keeping harmful microorganisms away; and much more. Additionally, some specific blend of probiotics may help reduce symptoms of certain diseases, like constipation, IBD etc.

Prebiotics are a special form of dietary fibres that act as fertilizers for the probiotics in your gut. They also improve mineral absorption and help regulate energy balance of your body. There are a lot of foods that are naturally rich in such prebiotics [Ex. Oats] and there are also extracts of specific prebiotic components that can consumed as supplements.

A synbiotic is a blend of probiotics and prebiotics, where in the prebiotics complements the growth of probiotics that are present within the supplement. Together, they act in sync to give you the maximum benefit with respect to your gut health.
RychBiome is a synbiotic supplement containing blend of 7 species of probiotics and 1 prebiotic.

RychBiome Indus is in capsule form, with each capsule containing 50 Billion CFUs and a total of 60 Capsules in one bottle.

As highlighted above, probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit. If bacteria are dried and stabilized properly - like RychBiome Indus, they remain alive but dormant. Once they pass your stomach and reach certain areas of your intestine, they start to grow again, and start beneficially impacting your health.

We recommend 2 capsules per day [50 billion CFUs each], one after lunch and one after dinner, to be taken for 4 weeks [1 month]. A single bottle, containing 60 capsules, would suffice for this regime. However, this should be altered according to your current health status or if you have any specific disease condition. Please consult a physician or a nutritionist for your objectives.

Yes. It is recommended to consume a daily dose of synbiotic to have the maximum benefit. Most published human studies involving probiotics have used daily consumption and is typically what is recommended.

All RychBiome products and formulations have been developed with great care following global standards. We have strictly followed GMP and FSSAI manufacturing and safety guidelines. Further the RychBiome Indus is 100% natural and GMO free. Overall, the safety should of the product should be least of your worries.

If you are generally healthy, and do not experience any symptoms of gut, then you do not need a prescription or consult. But if you have any persisting medical condition or gut symptom, then please consult a doctor before ordering or taking the synbiotics.

Yes. You can!!
It will help you to cope with antibiotic-associated symptoms like diarrhoea and others. Please make sure you take this synbiotic at least 4-5 hours before the antibiotics and continue taking the synbiotic for 2-4 weeks after the antibiotic course is complete. This would help you greatly in restoring and maintaining the gut health.

The probiotics species and the prebiotic component of the Indus has GRAS [Generally Recognized as Safe] status. This classification is given to products that are composed of ingredients that are natural or have been safely used for many years. It should not have any major side effects or any kind of extreme discomfort. If it does, please stop taking them and consult a physician if necessary. Also, probiotics may cause serious side effects for people with certain serious illnesses or a weakened immune system. So, please consult a physician before taking the synbiotic.

Yes. As far as it is prescribed by your physician.
Pregnant women often have digestive problems. Hence, consuming probiotics regularly is generally recommended to be a safe and effective measure that prevent minor digestive issues and promote overall wellness. Further, immunity benefits of consuming probiotics during pregnancy, for both mother and baby, has been gaining a lot of importance.

Yes. However, please do so after consulting a paediatrician.
Probiotics can be consumed at all ages as part of a well-balanced diet. Including probiotics to a child’s diet can help in improving gut health and their immune system. Also, probiotics can be incredibly helpful for kids on antibiotics, as probiotics can prevent antibiotics severely disturbing the balance of the gut microbiota. Assuming your paediatrician has said it’s ok, it is suitable for children too.

No. RychBiome Indus is a shelf stable synbiotic. It does not require refrigeration. Please store it in a cool dry place and away from sunlight and it should be best for up to 18 months from the date of manufacturing.

You can follow RychBiome® and BugSpeaks® on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. We periodically run education and awareness campaigns about gut health and gut microbiome, where we also give out coupons.
We also provide discounts based on the kind of package your chose, volume and for certain individual cases. Please send your inquiries to hello@bugspeaks.com.