A gut microbiome test analyses the bacteria, archaea and fungi in your stool (or poo) to figure out how they’re helping or hindering your digestive health. The test results tell you the name of each type of bacterium, what genes they possess and how many of them there are in your stool sample. Some tests, like Tiny Health’s Full Body Intelligence, also offer personalised probiotic recommendations to restore the balance of your gut.
The companies offering these at-home tests take a faecal sample from you and then send it to a lab for analysis. They usually provide you with a kit that contains special containers or bags for the samples, and a pre-paid shipping label or box to send them off. You may need to activate your at-home test on an app or website, add your sample data or fill out a profile and identification information in order to receive your report.
There are different types of microbiome testing, but most are based on the same process of extracting DNA from your poo and then using computer software to identify which bacteria are there. This is what hospitals do when they analyse a stool sample to see if it has certain bacteria that cause infections such as diarrhoea. The newer at-home microbiome tests use a technique called deep shotgun sequencing to give a more comprehensive picture of the bacterial composition in your gut. These tests can detect a wider range of bacteria than older style 16S rRNA microbiome tests, and they can even find yeasts that might be causing symptoms such as a Candida overgrowth.
Another type of at-home microbiome test looks for the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria in your stool sample. This bacteria can infect the stomach lining and is a major cause of peptic ulcers. One third of the population carry this bug, but most people don’t know they do and won’t seek medical help for their symptoms.
A final type of at-home gut test is a DNA sequencing analysis. This can provide an accurate read of your microbiome, but it’s important to keep in mind that these tests aren’t a diagnostic tool. The companies that offer these at-home tests will usually make this clear in their reports, stating that the test is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.
Regardless of which test you choose, a healthy gut depends on a diet high in fibre and low in processed foods, according to De Latour and Lacy. It also requires getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and reducing stress. And if you’re trying to improve your gut health, it’s worth checking in with your doctor before taking any supplements. Retesting your poo after making changes to your diet is important, as your gut microbiome is always changing.
