What You'll Discover From Your Test
Here are the most common findings people discover when they test their microbiome, and what they mean for your health.
Low Bacterial Diversity
Very commonThis is the most common finding. A healthy gut usually has a wide variety of bacteria. Low diversity can be linked to many health issues.
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What You Can Do:
- Eat a variety of different plant foods per week
- Increase dietary fiber diversity
- Consume fermented foods regularly
- Reduce processed food intake
- Take targeted probiotics
Dysbiosis - Gut Microbiota Imbalance
CommonAn imbalance (especially too many Firmicutes compared to Bacteroidetes) is often seen in people with obesity or metabolic issues.
Associated With:
What You Can Do:
- Increase whole grains and resistant starches
- Reduce refined sugars and saturated fats
- Add more plant-based proteins
- Consider time-restricted eating
- Increase physical activity
High Levels of Inflammatory Bacteria
Moderately commonSome bacteria are known to trigger inflammation. Finding elevated levels can explain chronic inflammation or autoimmune symptoms.
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What You Can Do:
- Follow anti-inflammatory diet
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids
- Consider elimination diet to identify triggers
- Add anti-inflammatory supplements (curcumin, omega-3)
- Reduce stress through mindfulness practices
Depleted Butyrate Producers
CommonButyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that feeds the cells lining your colon and has anti-inflammatory effects. Low levels may contribute to gut issues.
Associated With:
What You Can Do:
- Increase resistant starch intake (cooled potatoes, rice)
- Eat more fiber-rich vegetables
- Consider butyrate supplementation
- Add prebiotic foods (Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic)
- Consume fermented dairy if tolerated
Too Many Bad Bacteria
Less common, but significantSometimes harmful bacteria like C. difficile, certain E. coli strains, or Klebsiella show up. These can cause problems if they overgrow.
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What You Can Do:
- Consult healthcare provider for treatment options
- Consider antimicrobial herbs or medications
- Support beneficial bacteria with probiotics
- Follow gut-healing protocol
- Address any immune system weaknesses
Low Akkermansia muciniphila
Increasingly recognizedThis bacteria is associated with metabolic health and a healthy gut lining. Low levels are linked to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.
Associated With:
What You Can Do:
- Increase polyphenol-rich foods (berries, green tea, dark chocolate)
- Consume prebiotic fibers
- Consider pomegranate or cranberry supplements
- Support gut mucus layer with bone broth
- Reduce inflammatory foods
Signs of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Moderate (often underdiagnosed)While the test itself doesn't diagnose SIBO, patterns in the microbiome can suggest overgrowth in the small intestine, which may warrant further testing.
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What You Can Do:
- Get breath test for definitive SIBO diagnosis
- Consider low-FODMAP diet trial
- Work with gastroenterologist or functional medicine practitioner
- Address underlying motility issues
- Consider antimicrobial treatment if confirmed
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