The growing demand for microbiome retreats

Microbiome in focus

We ask nutritionist Sonja Ricke about the My Microbiome programme and the growing demand for gut health optimisation

How does the NewYou My Microbiome programme work to improve gut health?

We look at gut biodiversity by conducting a stool analysis. Let’s imagine a table with many different families (bacteria stems) sitting around it. We look at how many there are, how well they interact and how they support each other. The results from the analysis also then indicate how quiet or busy they are. Should there need to be more stability, there are several options. We can reorder them; we can strengthen the weak stems and weaken the overly powerful ones. Another focus is the strength of the mucosa. If it is not strong, foreign bodies such as viruses, bacteria or allergens might enter. Once we have a good understanding of the bacteria stems, we are also able to reduce inflammation by using natural products such as vinegars or fermented products.

Why do you think it is so popular?

I think in general people are eager to know more about their bodies. By conducting a stool analysis, they have a relatively cheap way of getting to know themselves.

What elements help to improve a guest’s microbiome profile?

Nutrition is the biggest key factor. Everything is centred around the question ‘what do we eat?’ The different families of bacteria need different nutrients themselves. During special restrictive diets, they don’t have enough to eat, and they start eating each other or the mucosa. Therefore, we aim at finding the right nutrients that promote the healthy microbiome.

Nutritionist Sonja Ricke

Do you offer a follow-up test at the conclusion of the programme to check progress?

Yes we do. If a microbiome has well organised families at the table after the stay, there is no need for a repetition. Should there be bigger problems, such as parasites (worms or amoeba) beside the good ones such as dientamoeba fragilis, there should be a followup with naturopathy or medicine.

If inflammation remains too high, we recommend plant supplements. As part of every package, I discuss symptoms and treatments with a gastroenterologist.