Do You Need a Gut Health or Microbiome Test in Your Full Health Screen?

Gut health has recently captured the attention of health enthusiasts, researchers, and medical professionals alike. The intricate balance of bacteria and other microorganisms in our gut doesn’t just influence digestion – it’s linked to energy levels, mood, immunity, and our overall wellbeing.

With such a significant role in our health, it’s no wonder so many people are asking: should gut or microbiome testing be part of a full body health check?

Let’s explore the benefits and intricacies of gut health testing, find out who might benefit the most, and learn how it can enhance a comprehensive health screen.

What Is a Gut Health or Microbiome Test?

The gut microbiome is a community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, in the digestive tract. In health, this community helps with digestion, absorption of nutrients, and immunity. It also prevents ‘bad’ bacteria from causing problems in our gut.

However, healthy microorganism levels can change in response to factors such as diet, medications, exercise, stress, or illness.

Gut health or microbiome tests are designed to provide a detailed snapshot of your digestive system’s condition. Typically, these tests require a stool sample, which is then analysed to reveal some, or all, of the following insights.

• Bacteria diversity – checking for beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria in your gut.
• Inflammation markers – testing for markers like calprotectin and zonulin can indicate inflammation in the gut, or a “leaky gut” caused by issues in the walls of the digestive tract.
• Digestive efficiency – assessing how well your body breaks down and absorbs nutrients.
• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – by-products of gut bacteria that are critical for a healthy gut lining and balanced energy levels.
• Pathogenic organisms – detection of harmful bacteria, yeasts, parasites, or fungi that might disrupt gut function.

Advanced gut health tests may also delve into specific markers of digestion, immunity, and microbial balance, offering a comprehensive view of your gut’s performance.

What Can Gut Health Tests Reveal?

Even if you are feeling well, gut health and microbiome testing can offer valuable insights into the health of your digestive system. If you have been feeling unwell or have concerns, testing may provide information that could help you understand your symptoms.

Depending on the tests you have included in your private health screen package, you may uncover the following information.

• Imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) – if the amount of good bacteria is outweighed by harmful bacteria, you may be at risk of digestive symptoms or general issues such as fatigue or brain fog.
• Harmful organisms – this identifies any pathogens, yeast overgrowth, or parasites that could be causing bloating, bowel habit changes, nausea or indigestion.
• Inflammation or leaky gut – if calprotectin or zonulin are identified, this could indicate inflammatory or autoimmune conditions that may require further investigation.
• Problems with absorption – some tests indicate how effectively your digestive tract is breaking down and utilising the food you eat. This may help to discover food intolerances, inflammatory conditions, and vitamin or mineral deficiencies. 
• Links to other health issues – gut imbalances can be associated with skin conditions, lowered immunity, anxiety or fatigue. Managing your gut health may therefore positively impact other aspects of wellbeing.

Who Should Consider Adding This to a Full Body Screen?

Everyone can benefit from understanding their gut health. However, there are certain groups who should strongly consider including gut or microbiome tests to their full body screen.

• Individuals with digestive symptoms – persistent bloating, nausea, vomiting diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, or any other change in bowel habit may indicate underlying gut issues.
• People with autoimmune conditions – if you already have an autoimmune condition, you may be at greater risk of developing another. Having tests may help you understand if inflammation or an autoimmune response is affecting your digestive system.
• Those experiencing anxiety, skin problems, chronic fatigue, or low immunity – the gut, brain and skin are all connected, so gut health can impact your mental and physical wellbeing. Treating an underlying digestive issue could lead to other symptoms improving, too.
• People with poor diet – a limited or unhealthy diet can lead to an inflamed gut, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or disruption to the steady balance of bacteria.
• Those who are highly stressed or have recently taken antibiotics – antibiotics and stress can disrupt the natural gut flora, leading to bacterial overgrowth and digestive symptoms.
• Proactive health seekers – biohackers and those curious about personalised nutrition may find value in detailed gut insights, empowering them to make dietary changes.

Are Gut Health Tests Part of Standard Health MOTs?

Currently, most standard full body MOTs do not include stool or microbiome testing. These checks are generally focused on blood tests, heart health, and metabolic markers such as cholesterol or body fat composition.

However, some premium health providers offer microbiome or gut health tests as optional add-ons, allowing you to customise health screening to suit you. Advanced or integrative packages may also include the additional screening as standard.

Gut health testing is sometimes seen as more functional or holistic in focus, appealing to those interested in broader wellness insights rather than a purely medical diagnosis. However, if gut health is a priority for you, there is great value in customising your fully body screen to include the relevant tests.

Is Gut Health Testing Worth It: Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Deep insight into gut health: microbiome tests can uncover the root causes of unexplained symptoms	Cost: gut health tests can be expensive, especially if not included in standard screening packages
Personalised nutrition guidance: results can inform dietary adjustments tailored to your unique gut environment and microbiome	Interpretation challenges: results often require expert analysis to turn insights into valuable, actionable steps
Early detection of problems: identifying imbalances in bacteria, or inflammation, before a chronic condition develops	Not always actionable: some findings, like minor imbalances, are not fully understood, making it hard for medical professionals to offer advice
Improved overall health: a well-functioning gut supports immunity, mental health, and energy levels	Limited information: gut microbiomes change all the time, so a single test only provides a snapshot picture of gut heath

To maximise the benefits of gut health testing, ensure you choose a reputable health screening provider, and discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional. Gut health tests should be part of a wider strategy that includes lifestyle adjustments and follow up care.

Conclusion

Gut health plays a vital role in your overall wellbeing, and testing your microbiome can provide powerful insights. Whether you’re managing symptoms, optimising your health, or simply curious about what’s going on inside your digestive system, adding a gut health test to your full body screen could be a worthwhile investment. 

As with any health screening, the key is to act on the results. By taking a proactive approach and partnering with trusted professionals, you can transform gut health insights into tangible improvements for your body and mind.