How does it work? 3 simple steps:

With the S.H.I.T. study we explore how nutritional and environmental factors impact your gut microbiome. InnerBuddies is dedicated to translate science into practical solutions, helping you improve gut health. This research supports us in understanding your gut microbiome and improving your well-being, by helping you on your journey towards a healthy gut and a healthy life.

The S.H.I.T. study is a study that is executed by Stratopo and InnerBuddies. Stratopo is a start-up that is specialized in providing environmental data points. InnerBuddies is a spin-off from the Maastricht University that performs microbiome analysis and provides personalized nutritional advice.

With the S.H.I.T. study you get 2 test kits for the price of 1! Because you probably have the intention to start adding microbiome-friendly products to your diet, this research gives you the opportunity to track the improvements in your gut microbiome by handing in a stool sample at the start and at the end of the intervention. In this way, you can immediately see your progress.

To start with, your gut microbiome has an influence on all your health processes. Science indicates that a disturbed gut health correlates with a variety of diseases. Next to that, literature also shows that your gut microbiome can help with the production of vitamins, minerals and hormones, the resilience of your immune system, and the connection between your gut and brain, among others.

Step 1: Purchase the test kits – you order 1 and get 2!

• Create an account and purchase the test kits.

• They will be delivered to your house free of charge.

Step 2: Take the first stool sample

Side note: Right after receiving the 2 test kits you will take the first stool sample.

• Create an user and connect your first unique kit-ID code (SH-A-XXXX).

• Fill in your food diary and your survey.

• Take a stool sample and send it back to our laboratory with the free retour envelope.

Step 3: We analyze the first stool sample

• Our laboratory will analyzes your stool sample in the next 5 weeks.

• During this period, please continue to follow your current eating habits as differences could affect your personal results.

Step 4: Follow the 3-week intervention by adjusting your diet with the Swaps & Tips

Side note: You can start the intervention when you receive your results, but we prefer to start on the next Monday. In the meantime, you have the time to observe the food recommendations and to plan your meals.

• View your personal results on the dashboard.

• Make changes to your diet based on the nutritional recommendations.

• For more information, look at the take home messages and the food diary swaps.

Step 5: Take the second stool sample

Side note: Right after following the 3-week intervention you will take the second stool sample.

• Connect your second unique kit-ID code (SH-A-XXXX) to the same user.

• Fill in your food diary and your survey.

• Complete the InnerBuddies questionnaire.

• Take a stool sample and send it back to our laboratory with the retour envelope.

Step 6: We analyze the second stool sample

• Our laboratory will analyzes your stool sample in the next 5 weeks.

• During this period, you are not requested to follow your eating habits as differences can not affect your results. However, your inner buddies hope you continue with the microbiome-friendly recommendations of course!

Step 7: We provide the study results

• After the research is done, we will share the study results with you.

With the S.H.I.T. study you follow an intervention of 3 weeks by adjusting your diet with the Swaps & Tips. This intervention is NOT a strict diet but are simple adjustments to your current eating habits based on your results. The changes will better your daily food pattern to a more microbiome-friendly food intake. The recommendations need to be followed for 3 weeks to let your inner buddies grow on the nutrients that you give them!

Do you have other questions that are not answered above, please contact us via shitstudy@innerbuddies.com and we will help you further!