Gut Health & Digestive Testing
Understanding the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome is the diverse community of microorganisms living within the gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms interact with digestion, metabolism, immune activity, and many other physiological processes.
The Gut Microbiome: What You Need to Know
A patient-friendly introduction to the microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract and their relationship with human health.
[What Is Your Gut Microbiome?]
Fiber and the Gut Microbiome
Learn how dietary fiber can support microbial diversity, bowel regularity, and the production of beneficial microbial metabolites.
[Effects of Dietary Fibers on Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review - PMC]
Probiotics, Prebiotics & Fermented Foods
Learn the differences between probiotics and prebiotics and how fermented foods may contribute to microbial diversity and digestive health.
[A Review of the Influence of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics on the Human Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Integrity - PMC]
Comprehensive Stool Testing
Comprehensive stool testing can provide information about different aspects of gastrointestinal health, including microbial balance, digestive function, inflammation, immune activity, metabolites, and potentially pathogenic organisms. The specific markers evaluated depend on the test ordered.
Gut Zoomer
The Gut Zoomer is a comprehensive stool-based assessment that evaluates multiple aspects of the gastrointestinal ecosystem, including microbial diversity, commensal organisms, pathogens, inflammation, digestive and immune balance, malabsorption, metabolites, and other gut-related markers.
View a Sample Gut Zoomer Report
See an example of the comprehensive information included in a Gut Zoomer report.
[Gut-Zoomer-Sample-Report-Full-Report.pdf]
View the Complete Gut Zoomer Markers List
Explore the organisms, digestive markers, inflammatory markers, metabolites, antibodies, and other biomarkers evaluated by the Gut Zoomer.
[Gut Zoomer | Advanced At-Home Gut Health & Microbiome Test]
Gut Zoomer Collection & Preparation Instructions
Review important preparation and specimen-collection instructions before completing your test.
[Vibrant Wellness - Preparation Instruction]
GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile
The GI Effects Comprehensive Profile is another comprehensive stool assessment that evaluates key areas of gastrointestinal function, which may include digestion, inflammation, microbial balance, metabolites, immune activity, and potential infections.
View a Sample GI Effects Comprehensive Profile
See an example of the biomarkers and clinical information included in a GI Effects report.
[GI Effects® Stool Profiles | Genova Diagnostics]
GI Effects Collection & Preparation Instructions
Review collection and preparation information for the GI Effects Comprehensive Profile.
[GI Effects® Stool Profiles | Genova Diagnostics]
H. pylori Testing
Helicobacter pylori, commonly called H. pylori, is a bacterium that can colonize the stomach and is associated with conditions such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Breath testing is one noninvasive method used to detect an active infection.
H. pylori Breath Test Preparation Instructions
Review important preparation instructions to help support accurate test results.
[Helicobacter pylori, Urea Breath Test | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics; 180836: Helicobacter pylori Urea Breath Test | Labcorp]
Learn More About H. pylori
Learn about H. pylori infection, common symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
[Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic]
Food Reactions & Sensitivities
Food reactions can involve different biological mechanisms. A food sensitivity is not the same as an immediate IgE-mediated food allergy, and specialized testing should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, diet, and other clinical findings.
Understanding Food Allergies, Intolerances & Sensitivities
Learn about the different types of adverse food reactions and how their underlying mechanisms differ.
[Food Hypersensitivity: Distinguishing Allergy from Intolerance, Main Characteristics, and Symptoms—A Narrative Review - PMC]
ALCAT Food Sensitivity Testing Information
Learn more about ALCAT testing and the types of foods, additives, environmental substances, and other compounds that may be evaluated.
[Identify Food Sensitivities with the Best Food Sensitivity Test - Get Results! | Cell Science Systems]
Nutrition & Digestive Health
Nutrition plays an important role in digestive function and the gut microbiome. Dietary needs are highly individualized, but factors such as fiber intake, food diversity, hydration, and overall dietary patterns may influence digestive and microbial health.
Understanding Soluble & Insoluble Fiber
Learn about the different types of dietary fiber, their food sources, and their roles in digestive health.
[Fiber • The Nutrition Source]
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide
Explore dietary principles and whole-food choices that can support an anti-inflammatory eating pattern.
[Anti-Inflammatory Diet]
How to Track Your Daily Fiber Intake
Learn how to evaluate your current fiber intake and gradually incorporate a variety of fiber-rich foods when appropriate.
[Coming Soon!]
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gastrointestinal tract and brain communicate continuously through neural, immune, hormonal, and microbial pathways—collectively known as the gut-brain axis. Research continues to explore how this complex relationship may influence digestive function, stress responses, mood, and other aspects of health.
Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis
Explore how the brain and gastrointestinal system communicate and influence one another.
[The Brain-Gut Connection | Johns Hopkins Medicine]
Dr. Turner's Recommended Reading: The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer, MD
Explore the science of communication between the brain, gut, and the trillions of microorganisms that live within the digestive tract.
[The Mind-Gut Connection – | Emeran Mayer, MD |]
Explore Our Gut Health & Digestive Wellness Services
For more information about our clinical approach to digestive wellness, advanced specialty testing, nutrition, and individualized care, visit our Gut Health & Digestive Wellness services page.
