There are many different microbiome tests available (tests that analyse your gut bacteria). The smaller panels tend to check only the ‘normal’ bacteria alongside some more pathogenic species, yeasts and parasites.
Whilst the larger panels also include markers which look more directly at inflammation in the lining of the gut (such as calprotectin) analyse the efficiency of digestion of proteins and fats. I use a range of different laboratories so that I can select the right test to suit your budget and your symptoms. These are stool tests.
There are also tests which look specifically for Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO) – this is a breath test and can detect whether the SIBO is present and whether it is hydrogen or methane dominant. This is a breath test.
The fourth type of test is a food sensitivity panel or FIT (Food Inflammation Test). This can be ordered in a range of different sizes / number of foods tested for and also can be ordered alongside a Gut Barrier Panel which looks at markers around ‘leaky gut’. This is a blood spot test.
