In this article, we’ll explore what gut microbiome testing can tell you about your overall health. We’ll explain how these tests work, what they can reveal about your digestive system, and whether all tests offer the same level of insight. You’ll also find answers to common questions, including how to know if your gut microbiome is healthy, why diversity matters and whether it’s possible to reduce ‘bad’ bacteria in your gut. 

We’ll cover what a good gut health test should include, how to optimise your microbiome and how much testing typically costs. We’ll also touch on whether private health insurance might cover the cost. If you're thinking about having a gut microbiome test, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to choose the right option for your needs.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about gut microbiome testing:

• There are different types of microbiome tests, and the level of detail they provide varies. Tests using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, like Vivere’s, are considered the most advanced.

• A healthy gut microbiome is diverse and balanced. It supports digestion, immunity and general well-being.

• The best tests don’t just tell you which microbes are present. They provide functional insights into what those microbes might be doing, an assessment of your microbiome’s diversity and balance, and easy-to-understand results.

• While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, most people benefit from a fibre-rich, varied diet, fermented and polyphenol-rich foods, and Vivere’s personalised guidance based on microbiome testing.

• Microbiome tests are a valuable tool for learning more about your gut health, but they are not medical diagnostic tools.

What you can learn from a gut microbiome test depends largely on the type of test you choose. Some tests may give a general summary, while others break down specific strains of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms as well as how balanced your gut environment is. In short, a good quality microbiome test can help you build a clearer picture of your gut health and may highlight areas for improvement, but it’s important to know what kind of results you’re getting before you choose a test.

Some tests provide only a basic overview of the most common types of bacteria in your gut, while others (like the one we provide at Vivere) offer a more in-depth look at the full range of microbes living there. These more detailed tests go beyond just identifying bacteria and can give you insights into how your microbiome may be affecting your digestion, immune system and overall well-being.

Not all gut microbiome tests are the same, and the type of test you choose can make a big difference to the information you receive [1]. The two main methods used to analyse the microbiome are 16S rRNA testing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. While both involve analysing a stool sample, they vary in what they detect and how detailed the results are.

16S rRNA testing focuses only on bacteria and gives a general overview of the bacterial groups in your gut. It’s a simpler option that can help identify broad patterns or imbalances, but it can miss important details, especially when it comes to less common or more specific bacteria.

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, on the other hand, is a more advanced and comprehensive method. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing looks at all the genetic material in the sample, meaning it can detect bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes. It offers more precise results and can give clues about what the microbes might be doing based on their genes. It is also the testing we offer at Vivere.

Gut health tests can be useful, but how well they work depends on the type of test, the quality of the analysis and what you’re hoping to find out [2]. 

In general, these tests can give you a snapshot of the microorganisms living in your gut, and in some cases, they can highlight imbalances or patterns linked to digestion, immunity, or overall well-being. It’s important to note that they cannot be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Gut health tests can be used as a tool for learning more about your gut microbiome, especially if you're interested in prevention or improving general well-being. 

At Vivere, we use the results of your gut microbiome test to provide you with lifestyle and dietary changes that can help improve your overall health and well-being. But for anyone with symptoms or a diagnosed condition, it’s important to use these tests alongside medical advice rather than in place of it.

The best microbiome tests are those that offer detailed, accurate insights into your gut health, and currently, tests that use shotgun metagenomic sequencing are considered the gold standard. 

The best option for all-around results is the Vivere gut microbiome test, which uses this advanced method to analyse the full range of microbes in your gut, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms.

Unlike simpler tests that focus only on certain types of bacteria, the Vivere test provides a comprehensive view of your gut microbiome. It can identify microbes down to the species or even strain level, and it also offers insights into what those microbes might be doing based on the genes they carry. This means you don’t just find out what is in your gut, but also how it may be affecting your health.

As well as the testing itself, Vivere combines your results with practical, science-backed advice. This includes personalised nutrition advice and supplement recommendations, helping you take meaningful steps to support your gut health.

A good gut health test should offer more than just a list of bacteria found in your gut. It should provide a clear, accurate and useful picture of your overall gut health, ideally supported by practical advice you can act on. Here are the key things to look for:

A quality test should analyse a wide range of microorganisms, not just bacteria, but also fungi, viruses and other microbes. Tests that use shotgun metagenomic sequencing are the most comprehensive, as they look at all the genetic material in your sample and can identify microbes down to the species or even strain level.

Beyond identifying which microbes are present, a good test will also provide insight into what those microbes might be doing. This is known as functional profiling and can help you understand how your microbiome may be influencing your digestion, immune system, or even mental wellbeing.

The test should assess the overall diversity of your gut microbiome and flag any signs of imbalance (known as dysbiosis). A diverse microbiome is generally linked with better health, so this is a key part of understanding your gut function.

Vivere offers personalised feedback based on your results. This might include dietary advice, lifestyle tips, or supplement suggestions to help you improve or maintain your gut health.

The results should be presented in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you don’t have a scientific background. A good provider will explain what the findings mean and how they relate to your health.

In most cases, if you’re in good health and not experiencing ongoing digestive issues, it’s likely that your microbiome is functioning well too. A healthy microbiome is generally diverse, balanced and supports normal digestion, immunity and overall wellbeing [3].

It’s not always easy to tell just by how you feel. Some people may have imbalances in their gut without obvious symptoms. This is where a gut health test can be useful.

Vivere’s gut microbiome test can help assess whether your microbiome is considered healthy based on scientific markers. These include the diversity and balance of your gut microbes, the presence (or absence) of certain beneficial or potentially harmful strains and how your microbiome compares to what's typically seen in healthy individuals.

Gut microbiome diversity is one of the most important indicators of good gut health. This diversity includes different types, families and species of bacteria, as well as other microorganisms such as fungi and viruses. The more diverse your gut microbiome is, the more resilient and adaptable it tends to be [3].

A mix of microbes can help you digest a wide range of foods, produce essential nutrients, support your immune system and protect against harmful bacteria.

A lack of diversity has been linked to a number of chronic conditions, including:

• Digestive disorders

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Mental health issues

While there’s no ideal microbiome, a more diverse one is generally considered better for your long-term health.

Optimising your gut microbiome isn’t about following a one-size-fits-all plan. It’s about finding what works best for your body. Everyone’s microbiome is different, so what benefits one person might not work for another. Despite that, there are some general steps that almost everyone can benefit from:

Foods high in fibre, such as whole grains, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables, help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A diverse diet can support a more diverse microbiome, which is linked to better health.

Fermented foods like yoghurt with live cultures, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha contain natural probiotics. These can help support your gut microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria.

Polyphenols are plant compounds found in foods like berries, green tea, dark chocolate and olive oil. These help to nourish your gut microbes and reduce inflammation in the body.

Taking a gut microbiome test, like the one provided by Vivere, can help you understand which bacteria, viruses and fungi are living in your gut and whether anything might be out of balance.

At Vivere, we use the results of your gut microbiome test to tailor lifestyle and diet changes you can follow to help optimise your gut microbiome [4].

When it comes to gut health, the goal isn’t usually to get rid of bacteria, but rather to restore balance. Most gut bacteria aren’t strictly “good” or “bad”. They often only cause problems when they multiply beyond healthy levels. This kind of imbalance is known as gut dysbiosis [5].

Gut dysbiosis happens when the normal balance of your microbiome is disrupted. This could mean an overgrowth of certain bacteria, a loss of microbial diversity, or a drop in beneficial microbes. While harmful pathogens like Salmonella or Campylobacter clearly don’t belong in the gut, most bacteria can be harmless or even helpful when kept in check.

A good gut health test, such as the one provided by Vivere, can detect whether certain microbes in your gut have grown beyond healthy limits.

The cost of microbiome testing can vary depending on the provider and the level of detail included in the test. At Vivere, there is an initial fee for the microbiome test kit, as well as a subscription fee. This subscription gives you access to your personalised well-being dashboard, expert insights and tailored guidance to help you understand and improve your gut health [6].

Some private health insurance policies may offer cover for microbiome or gut health testing, but it’s important to check the details of your plan. Most basic policies do not include this type of testing as standard.

If you're interested in having the cost covered, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly and ask whether microbiome testing is included in your policy, or if it can be added as an optional benefit.

“Gut microbiome testing is a valuable tool for gaining a clearer understanding of your digestive and overall health. While not all tests offer the same level of insight, high-quality options, such as Vivere’s shotgun metagenomic sequencing test, can provide a detailed view of the microbes in your gut, highlight imbalances and offer personalised guidance to support your wellbeing. 

From assessing microbial diversity to identifying signs of dysbiosis, these tests help you take a more informed approach to your gut health. Whether you're looking to optimise your diet, address ongoing digestive issues or simply learn more about your body, a microbiome test can be a useful starting point.”

Vivere helps you take control of your health with personalised insights from state-of-the-art gut microbiome testing, nutritional guidance, science-backed supplements and expert support. Sign up today and start living better, for longer.

[1] Microbiome 101: Studying, Analyzing, and Interpreting Gut Microbiome Data for Clinicians - PMC

[2] Current Capabilities of Gut Microbiome–Based Diagnostics and the Promise of Clinical Application - PMC

[3] Establishing What Constitutes a Healthy Human Gut Microbiome: State of the Science, Regulatory Considerations, and Future Directions - PMC

[4] Be Your Own Pharmacist: Building The Right Microbiome For You - Vivere

[5] Gut Dysbiosis: Signs, Causes, and How to Restore Balance - Vivere

[6] Vivere Gut Microbiome Analysis