Are you struggling with gut health issues like occasional constipation, bloating, or gas, like millions of Americans? Luckily for us, help is here. Southern California-based functional nutritional therapy practitioner, Heather Munnelly, shares her expertise on gut health and how to address occasional digestive struggles.

What inspired your interest in gut health?

For years, I struggled with digestive issues. I had chronic bloating and abdominal pain that would not go away no matter what I did. It wasn’t until years later that I really understood the role my microbiome played and how to balance it. Now I help women stop occasional bloating and get their lives back from gut issues.

Why is the microbiome important?

Your microbiome impacts your digestion, energy, focus, mood, skin, and so much more. Gut issues like occasional bloating, irregular bowel movements and food intolerances are common signs your microbiome is out of balance. Although these signs are common, each person’s symptoms may be caused by different circumstances. 

Tell us about your experience with Ombre.

I heard about a lab called Ombre offering a Gut Health Test that analyzes your microbial DNA to provide unique insights into your gut. The results show you the exact bacteria you have, which ones are low or high, which ones are pathogenic, and which ones are good. Then it gives you this incredible database of foods that are going to help balance your gut and foods you also want to avoid in order to achieve that balance. It also gives you a targeted probiotic recommendation. Ombre is a tool you can use to get a snapshot of your microbiome and receive recommendations for your unique body. It’s a great way to support getting your microbiome balanced.

How does the gut test work?

It was surprisingly easy to do. Ombre sent me everything I needed to collect a sample at home. I used the swab from the kit to swipe my toilet paper and collect a rice-sized sample. Then, I swirled the swab inside the buffer in the collection tube, discarded the swab, and sealed the tube. The kit has a prepaid mailing box to send the test to the Ombre lab right from your mailbox.

The one thing I would recommend is to make sure you activate the test right away at ombrelab.com. You’ll also complete a short quiz when you submit it. In 2-3 weeks, Ombre will give you a snapshot of what bacteria you have and what probiotics you should be taking.

Which probiotic did Ombre recommend?

All of Ombre’s probiotics were formulated by scientists, so I knew my gut was in good hands. I received Healthy Gut, which is their extra strength probiotic. It’s formulated to help with occasional bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues that I was experiencing. I also like to infuse my favorite beverages with the Rise prebiotic powder to nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

What do you tell your students and clients about gut testing?

If I had been able to test and see what was going on in my gut specifically, it would have saved me years of headaches in trial and error.

A few more reasons to choose Ombre:

• Ombre sends you everything you need for success, including an easy, at home Gut Health Test
• Personalized microbiome report, which reveals:
                • Your Ombre score
                • A view of your gut’s bacteria
                • Science-backed probiotic recommendation for your microbiome
• Ombre probiotics are free from GMOs, eggs, nuts, gluten, dairy and soy.
• Ombre takes the guesswork out of choosing the right probiotic for you.