---
title: Is the Ixcela test more indicative of acute actions or long-term habits?
description: The test results mostly reflect long-term habits. Short-term changes to diet, supplement intake, and lifestyle may cause small changes to the gut and metabolites, but appropriate long-term habits will
---

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# Is the Ixcela test more indicative of acute actions or long-term habits?

The test results mostly reflect long-term habits. Short-term changes to diet, supplement intake, and lifestyle may cause small changes to the gut and metabolites, but appropriate long-term habits will better support gut health and metabolites—and therefore improve test scores. 

Microbiome composition is unique to each individual. That’s why changes take different amounts of time from one person to the next; however, positive changes are realistic in a three- to six-month period if recommendations are followed consistently. 

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