Everything You Need to Know About Gut Health Tests
Over the past few years, gut health has moved from niche scientific research to the centre of everyday wellness conversations. And this is for good reason as the importance of gut health is now understood to play a crucial role in everything from digestion and immunity to metabolism and even mental health.
What is a Gut Health Test
A gut health test (or gut microbiome test) analyses your stool, and sometimes blood, to assess the composition and balance of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in your digestive system.These tests can be done at home or in a clinic. At-home gut health tests usually involve collecting a small stool sample, mailing it to a lab, and receiving a detailed microbiome report via email.
The goal of this testing is to provide a clear picture of your digestive health, helping you take a proactive approach to your wellbeing. As awareness of the gut’s impact on overall health continues to grow, so too has the popularity of gut health testing.
Why Should I Take a Gut Health Test
The gut has an influential impact on your overall health, including facilitating digestion, nutrient absorption, supporting immune function, regulating metabolism, and even influencing mood and cognitive health through the gut–brain axis.
Getting a gut health test can play a critical role in disease prevention and management. Gut dysbiosis (imbalanced microbiome) has been linked to numerous diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders (inflammatory bowel disease), neurological conditions (depression, anxiety) via the gut-brain axis, and infections (Clostridioides difficile infection).
In addition, growing evidence supports that gut microbiome composition may influence metabolic and cardiovascular health. For instance, research has shown associations between low microbial diversity and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Other research has highlighted that specific bacterial species correlate with cholesterol metabolism, potentially impacting heart disease risk. Therefore, understanding your gut microbiome could allow earlier identification of potential health risks.
Beyond physical health, the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gut and central nervous system, is also of interest. Research has suggested that alterations in gut microbiota can influence mood disorders through the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and short-chain fatty acids. This further underlines how maintaining gut balance may support mental wellbeing.
What Can a Gut Health Test Tell You
A gut health test will be able to detect if you have imbalances in your gut, such as an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or a lack of healthy bacteria. Measure markers will also be able to detect inflammation in the gut.
Gut microbiome reports often categorise bacteria into groups such as “beneficial,” “neutral,” or “potentially harmful.” Beneficial species like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are associated with digestion, immunity, and production of vitamins like B12 and K2. Conversely, an excess of bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Clostridium perfringens might suggest dysbiosis or recent antibiotic use.
When Gut Testing Might Be Worth It
If you are showing signs of an unhealthy gut, and are concerned about your gut health, a gut test may be a great place to start.
A gut health test can be particularly helpful if:
You experience chronic bloating, gas, or irregular digestion.
You suspect food intolerances or have skin or mood issues linked to gut health.
You want to track changes after major dietary or lifestyle adjustments (like going plant-based, adding probiotics, or reducing sugar).
You’re working with a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner who can interpret the results accurately.
You might also consider testing if you’ve had recurrent infections, frequent antibiotic use, or autoimmune conditions, as these can all disrupt microbial balance. Testing can also be valuable during life transitions such as pregnancy or menopause, when hormonal shifts influence the gut microbiome.
What To Do If Your Gut Health Test Reveals Issues
Your gut microbiome is a reflection of your overall health, and unlike your genetics, it’s something you can influence through diet, stress management, and lifestyle.
First, we recommend visiting a registered dietician to discuss your results with them. Frequently, the advice you will be given will look something like this:
Adjust your diet to increase fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics, which will help to improve the healthy microbiome in your gut.
Stress management
Hydration and rest
Evidence shows that dietary patterns have one of the strongest influences on the gut microbiome. A high-fibre diet, rich in plant-based foods, has been linked to greater microbial diversity and lower inflammation. Prebiotics, found in foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, and bananas, feed beneficial bacteria, while probiotics (in yoghurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables) introduce live strains that support gut balance. A raw, high fibre and super seed mix like our Cool Stool® products act as a natural gut health supplement, and help to optimise your gut health through its high prebiotic and fibre content.
Reducing intake of ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and excessive sugar also helps, as these can encourage the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Regular physical activity has likewise been shown to positively affect gut microbial composition.
The Bottom Line on Gut Health Tests
Your gut health is closely tied to your overall wellbeing - from your digestion to your mood. Whether you choose an at-home gut health test or visit a clinic, understanding your microbiome is a powerful step toward proactive health management.
If you’re ready to take a closer look at your digestive health, companies like Epicentre offer convenient gut health tests, with a variety of popular packages to choose from. These tests are available both in person at their clinics and as easy-to-use at-home test kits delivered straight to your door.