What is microbiome testing? Megan Flores, a registered dietitian with Banner - University Medicine, describes it with a down-to-earth phrase. “It’s a poop test,” she said. “It’s where you send a stool sample to a company so they can do different tests to look at the balance and diversity of your gut microbiome and check for certain issues.”
Despite the yuck factor, microbiome testing has been becoming more popular. That may be because people are learning about how important gut health is.
What is the microbiome and why does it matter?
Your microbiome is a collection of trillions of microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, viruses and more — that live in and on your body, mainly in the stomach and intestines.
The microbiome plays a big role in digestion, your immune system, your metabolism and your overall health. It is linked to obesity, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and depression.
“Your microbiome can help harvest energy and vitamins from food. It can help protect your body against other harmful bacteria. It has to remain in balance. If it’s in disbalance, it can lead to inflammation,” Flores said.
“There is a strong relationship between the gut and the brain. The bacteria in your gut help produce and stimulate hormones like serotonin and dopamine that can impact your mood, stress levels and your quality of sleep,” she said.
What is microbiome testing?
Microbiome testing is a detailed look at the organisms living in your gut. Different companies offer different testing options. The process usually works like this:
- The company sends you a kit you use to collect a stool sample.
- You send the kit to a lab, where they sequence the DNA in the stool to identify the microbes in it.
- They send you the results, which may include an assessment of your gut diversity and suggestions for improving it. Those could be changes to your diet or probiotic recommendations.
What are the benefits?
Microbiome testing may help spot gut imbalances, food sensitivities or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
“There could be benefits for people who have ongoing GI-related issues like C diff. infections, bloating, symptoms of IBS, constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort,” Flores said. “They could also be useful for people who have to use antibiotics frequently since antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome.”
Based on your results, you might get a better understanding of your immune and metabolic health. You may receive suggestions for improving your gut health, like eating more fiber or taking certain probiotics. Some tests aim to help prevent future health issues by finding risk factors for chronic diseases, but these predictions may not be backed by science.
What are the limitations and challenges?
“There’s not concrete evidence to point out that manipulating the microbiome can relieve symptoms or cure disease,” Flores said.
“Microbiome testing is not a standardized area yet and these tests can’t be used to diagnose anything or link the microbiome to specific diseases. They can give a general idea of what’s going on but they’re limited because it’s an emerging, evolving area. There’s still a whole lot we don’t know,” she said.
Here are a few things to know if you’re considering microbiome testing:
- Testing methods vary between companies and results may not always be accurate or comparable.
- Research on the microbiome is still ongoing and we don’t fully understand how certain bacteria affect health.
- Microbiome testing can be expensive, often $100 to $500, and most health insurance plans don’t cover it.
- The recommendations are often not backed by strong research.
- It’s difficult to translate test results into actionable medical guidance.
- You may have concerns about your privacy since you’re sharing your genetic data.
Some health care providers see the possibility that microbiome testing could help manage conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease. However, most aren’t using it as a standard diagnostic tool. They often recommend evidence-based lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, before considering testing.
“We do stool cultures for people who have certain infections, have an ongoing need for antibiotics or are immunocompromised. But they don’t go into the specifics of mapping out microbiome balance,” Flores said.
Is microbiome testing right for you?
You might want to consider microbiome testing if you:
- Are looking for insights about digestive issues and unexplained symptoms
- Want to take a personalized approach to your diet and gut health
Asking yourself these questions can help you decide:
- What do you hope to learn from the test?
- Are you prepared for the costs and limitations?
- Will you discuss your results with a qualified health care provider for evidence-based advice?
Be sure to see a provider for any ongoing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating or major changes in your weight or for any digestive issues that seem to be triggered by certain foods or medications.
How to support gut health without testing
If you’re healthy and you don’t have GI symptoms, focusing on proven strategies may be a better first step. “Healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle can support gut health,” Flores said.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes
- Add fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut or kimchi to introduce good bacteria and stimulate your microbiome
- Limit ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar and salt
- Stay active, since regular exercise supports your digestive system
- Get the restorative sleep you need
- Manage stress, since chronic stress can harm gut health
- Drink plenty of water to support digestion and help your body absorb nutrients
The bottom line
Microbiome testing may offer you a closer look at your gut health and its link to your overall health. But it can’t be used for diagnosing or treating specific conditions. If you don’t have digestive problems, a healthy diet and good lifestyle habits may be all you need to keep your gut microbiome healthy.
If you’re interested in learning more about gut health or want to discuss your symptoms, contact your health care provider or schedule an appointment with a Banner Health expert.
