Invivo MetaXplore™

Invivo MetaXplore™ Microbiome (Gut) Testing

At Hearts and Minds, we understand that true cardiovascular health involves much more than just monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure. We are so excited about all the emerging evidence, which points to the gut microbiome as a powerful and often overlooked influence on heart health, systemic inflammation, and metabolic balance. That’s why we now offer advanced microbiome testing using Invivo Healthcare’s MetaXplore™ – one of the most clinically sophisticated gut assessments available in the UK.

Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in regulating inflammation, producing essential nutrients, and maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. One of the most important by-products of a healthy microbiome is butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the cells lining the gut, reduces systemic inflammation, and supports immune regulation. Low butyrate levels are increasingly linked to a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic dysfunction. When the gut lining becomes compromised: a phenomenon often referred to as leaky gut, it allows inflammatory molecules and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can silently fuel long-term damage to the heart and blood vessels.

The MetaXplore™ test is unique in that it doesn’t just identify which bacteria are present in your gut; it tells us what they are doing. This means we can assess not only your microbial diversity but also how effectively your microbiome is producing beneficial compounds like butyrate, propionate, and lactate. Unlike many over-the-counter gut tests, MetaXplore™ also evaluates markers of gut inflammation and barrier integrity, such as zonulin, calprotectin, and secretory IgA. These markers help us identify if your gut lining is compromised and whether your immune system is responding appropriately to your microbiota.

One of the reasons we’ve chosen to partner with Invivo is the clinical integrity of their testing process. Samples are processed in the UK under strict laboratory protocols, ensuring reliable and high-quality results. While the upfront cost of testing might seem like an investment, it reflects the advanced analysis involved, and considering the depth and clinical utility of the information provided, it actually represents excellent value for money. Most importantly, the results don’t sit in isolation. We use them to guide personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations that help restore microbial balance, increase butyrate production, reduce gut permeability, and ultimately lower your inflammatory burden.

Looking after your microbiome is not just about digestion. It’s about mood, immunity, metabolism, and most crucially, inflammation, the root of many chronic cardiovascular conditions. Adopting a gut-supportive lifestyle now, informed by real data, is one of the most impactful steps you can take to improve your long-term health.

We invite you to take the next step in your cardiac care by exploring the connection between your gut and your heart. With a simple test, you can begin a journey toward deeper, more systemic healing, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.