Gut health tests are becoming increasingly popular, promising to reveal what’s happening inside your microbiome the community of bacteria living in your digestive system. But do you really need one?
While these tests can offer interesting insights, the truth is that you don’t need a laboratory to start understanding your gut. There are plenty of everyday signs that tell you how your gut might be doing and even more ways to support it naturally.
A gut health test, sometimes called a microbiome or stool test, analyses a small sample of your stool to identify the types and quantities of bacteria in your digestive system.
These tests can give you a snapshot of your gut’s diversity and highlight the presence of certain bacterial strains. However, researchers are still learning exactly what a “perfect” gut looks like and no test can yet diagnose gut conditions or predict overall health.
In other words, a gut health test can offer clues, but it’s not the full picture.
You can learn a lot about your gut simply by paying attention to how your body feels. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:
1) How often do you poop?
Regular bowel movements (typically anywhere from 1-3 times per day or every one to two days) that are easy to pass and well-formed are a good sign your gut is working smoothly.
2) Do you feel energised?
Your gut helps absorb nutrients and regulate hormones that affect energy. If you often feel sluggish or drained, it might be worth looking at your diet, stress, or sleep.
3) Do you get sick often?
Around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. If you find yourself catching colds frequently, your microbiome might need some extra support.
4) Do you experience bloating or discomfort?
Occasional bloating is normal, but frequent digestive issues could suggest your gut bacteria are out of balance.
5) How’s your mood?
The gut and brain communicate constantly. If you notice mood changes or increased stress, it could be connected to your gut-brain axis.
If most of your answers point to good digestion, steady energy and minimal discomfort, great news! Your gut is probably in balance. If not, there’s still plenty you can do to help.
The good news? You don’t need a gut health test to start improving your gut health. In fact, the most powerful tools for a balanced microbiome are already in your daily routine. Try the following tips for 7 days to give your gut a at-home reset.
Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
Eat more plants.
Aim for variety, different fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and legumes feed different gut microbes. Try our 30 Plants Per Week challenge to help you get started.
Boost your fibre.
Fibre is your gut bacteria’s favourite food. It helps good bacteria thrive and keeps digestion regular.
Add live cultures.
Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir and Biomel drinks contain live cultures that support a diverse microbiome.
Move your body.
Regular movement, even gentle walks, helps stimulate healthy digestion and improve microbial balance.
Prioritise sleep.
Gut bacteria have their own rhythms. Consistent, good-quality sleep helps regulate digestion and immunity.
When you focus on these habits, you’re already doing the most important work to keep your gut thriving, no expensive test required.
There are times when a gut health test could offer useful insight, for example, if you’ve been dealing with long-term digestive issues, have recently changed your diet, or want to track microbiome changes over time.
If you’re considering one, it’s best to speak to your GP or a registered dietitian first. They can help interpret results and offer tailored guidance.
Gut health tests can be interesting, but they’re not essential. You can learn a lot simply by noticing how your body feels and by making small, consistent choices every day.
If you focus on eating more plants, adding fibre and live cultures, staying active, and getting enough rest, you’re already giving your gut everything it needs to thrive.
For more tips and resources, explore our Complete Guide to Gut Health and our 7 Worst Drinks for Gut Health to learn which beverages support your microbiome best.
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