City Life Nutrition - Gut and Hormone Clinic

06/11/2025

WHICH MICROBIOME TEST?

There seem to be a massive number of microbiome (stool analysis) tests available online and recently more clients have come to me with results of a stool test they have ordered themselves and are trying to fathom the results. Unfortunately, these tests often don't give us much actionable information, just broad information on the more commonly found bacteria in the gut and advice around improving microbial diversity, increasing dietary fibre and using more fermented foods and prebiotics (increasing these foods can cause a flare up of symptoms if there is a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth present).

Whilst these this type of information can be useful for those with mild issues or an interest in improving their gut health generally, if you have long term gut issues and want to get to the root cause of the issue it is much better to choose a test that will give you more specific information about particular microbes and the types of chemicals they are producing (e.g histamine, endotoxins, methane...)

Invivo recently released their 'MetaXplore' test which looks as the entire microbiome (around 28,000 species) a methodology called 'shotgun' analysis, (instead of a targeted list of 50-100 species which is what many tests look at e.g qPCR or 16S rRNA).

For those on more of a budget, there are smaller panels available via Genova Diagnostics or Doctors Data that still will give actionable information and detect problematic microbes.

If you would like to discuss microbiome testing (or not testing), you can book a free 15 minute consultation here:

https://www.citylifenutrition.co.uk/booking-calendar/book-your-15-minute-free-consultatio

28/10/2025

Your body after 6 hours of Zoom calls 😵‍💫
Long meetings, endless emails, hunched shoulders. Sound familiar?
If you're stuck at a desk all day, this 10-minute yoga sequence from Yoga With Adriene might be the best thing you do for your body all week.
No mat, no spandex, no zen studio required - just gentle movements you can do right at your desk that target exactly what gets tight from prolonged sitting: hip flexors, spine, shoulders, and wrists.
We often think of movement in terms of workouts, but these small, consistent resets throughout the day can be just as powerful for reducing tension and improving focus.
Movement isn't just about formal exercise - it's medicine for our modern sedentary lifestyle. These micro-breaks help counteract the postural adaptations that come from prolonged sitting and can significantly impact your energy levels and cognitive performance.
Your reminder: move more, sit less - and take a few deep breaths while you're at it.
Check the link below for the full 10-minute office yoga video!

No yoga mat or stretchy pants required for this 14-minute Office Break Yoga! Carve out time for yourself to stretch it out, create space, connect with your b...