We Tried It: Do These At-Home Microbiome Tests Really Work?

Poor gut health won't just have a negative impact impact on the digestive system1. It's been linked to skin issues, mood disorders, negative emotions, diabetes, and even cancers2.

What we eat and drink, our daily movement, sleep quality, and stress levels can all impact our gut microbes and digestion—but how can you really know what's going on?

The best at-home microbiome tests promise to provide insights into the state of your current gut health–and we asked

To put it simply, a gut microbiome test is a tool designed to help people better understand the composition of their gut microbiome. The process typically involves collecting a small sample of stool and sending it to a specialized lab for analysis.

There are several methods available for assessing one's gut microbiome, ranging from DNA sequencing to RNA analysis and metabolic profiling.

The gut microbiome is the collective term used to refer to all the microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the intestines—affectionately known as the “gut.” In healthy digestive systems, all the microbes live in harmony, a pretty impressive feat considering there are over 100 trillion types of bacteria in the gut.

However, any disruption to this delicate balance of good and bad bacteria can cause several harmful conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, atherosclerosis, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

Extensive studies show that a healthy microbiome looks different for everyone. Michael Njunge, a health and performance enthusiast and medical doctor in the U.K., compares the gut microbiome to your unique fingerprint.

Each person’s gut microbiome will have different components to accommodate regional diversity. Further, your unique dynamic gut flora demands will be based on specific environmental forces. What is considered a healthy gut one year may change the next.

Gut microbiomes are tested using fecal matter. Yes, you will need to collect a sample of your poop. However, this non-invasive method allows the best insight into your digestive health.

Certain at-home microbiome tests analyze only bacteria, while other, more comprehensive tests include bacteria, fungi, bacteriophages, viruses, parasites, and archaea.

As with all non-diagnostic testing, it's important to discuss results with a healthcare provider, since at-home tests don’t take into account family history, lifestyle, diet, etc to determine the cause of any symptoms.

Equally important? Understanding that a single sample is unlikely to capture the full picture. Your gut microbiome is rapidly evolving based on a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and even age.

As a result, a single sample may not capture a full picture of your body's health.

A 2017 review of the gut microbiome found that even doctors struggle to accurately treat the gut due to its ever-changing nature.

At-home microbiome tests are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to monitor your gut health. If you have been experiencing any digestive discomfort, testing your gut microbiome from the comfort of your home can have an enlightening impact on your overall health and wellness.

Njunge advises discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider, explaining that there may be helpful clues in your history and physical examination that could lead to the need for more specialized testing.

However, for a general overview of your gut health, or if you are simply looking to make better informed diet choices, an at-home gut microbiome test is a good starting point.

Keep in mind, if you have recently finished a medication known to impact the gut biome, such as antibiotics, Njunge says it is wise to ask your doctor about those potential effects.

Anyone experiencing severe digestive symptoms should consult with a medical professional. At-home tests are not a source of diagnostic testing and are not a replacement for traditional medical care.

If you do opt for an at-home test, it's also important to be able to analyze the results with your doctor, to better understand what's going on and how to treat any abnormalities.

We are learning more and more that gut health is directly related to your overall well-being. Making sure your gut microbiome is in optimal condition can alleviate digestive problems, improve mental health, and defend your body from disease.

An at-home gut microbiome test gives a snapshot of how the delicate balance of biomarkers is affecting the rest of your body. To get a full picture of your gut health, we recommend using a test that includes the most amount of biomarkers.