Understand and Improve your Gut Health by Testing Your Stool

Gabrielle Palmeri, MDN, RD, LDN, CLT

Hi hi! If you know me, I talk about poop a lot so let's dive in because stool testing is seriously one of the best ways to really understanding of what’s going on in your gut. It’s not just about guessing; this test gives you a detailed breakdown of the balance between good and bad bacteria and can even pick up on things like infections, parasites, viruses, and more. By measuring the DNA of the microbes hanging out in your GI tract, it helps paint a super clear picture of your gut health and can uncover imbalances that might be messing with how you feel overall.

Why Stool Tests Are Important?

Lately, it feels like everyone is talking about gut health—from functional practitioners to Instagram influencers and health coaches. But let’s be real, it’s not just about popping a probiotic, mixing up a greens powder, or taking an anti-bloat pill. Our gut microbiomes are as unique as our fingerprints—what works for one person might not work for another. Sure, there are some common threads, but the mix of microbes in each of us is completely different. That’s why personalized testing, combined with a practitioner who knows their stuff, is key to creating a plan that’s actually right for you. And don’t forget, our gut does way more than just digest food—it plays a major role in our immune system, mental health, and even how our body handles inflammation.

What We Test For In Your Stool:

• The Good Bacteria: Your gut is home to both good and bad bacteria, and understanding that balance is essential. Stool testing helps identify the beneficial bacteria—like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli—that are critical for your digestive health. These good guys help with nutrient absorption, keeping your gut lining strong, synthesizing vitamins like B and K, and even supporting your immune system.

• The Bad Bacteria: Stool testing also identifies harmful pathogens that could be messing with your gut, such as:

  
  

  • Bacterial Pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which can cause anything from diarrhea to more serious gut issues.

  • Parasitic Pathogens like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, both of which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and bloating.

  • Parasitic Pathogens like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, both of which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and bloating.

  • Fungi and Yeast, such as Candida, which can wreak havoc if they overgrow in your gut.

• Opportunistic Overgrowth: Sometimes, bacteria that are usually harmless in small amounts can take over if the balance in your gut is thrown off—this is where opportunistic bacteria come in. Overgrowths like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) can lead to major digestive discomfort. Stool testing helps catch these overgrowth so we can get your gut back on track.

• H. pylori—The Stomach Invader: H. pylori is a super common bacteria that lives in the stomach and can cause long-term problems like ulcers and even stomach cancer if left untreated. Stool testing can help detect it early, so we can deal with it before it leads to more serious issues.

• Antibiotic Resistance: Another important piece of the puzzle is checking for antibiotic-resistant genes in harmful bacteria. This helps us know if certain antibiotics might not be effective, so we can avoid treatments that won’t work and focus on ones that will.

  
  

Should You Get a Stool Test?

Gut health affects everything. While stool testing can be super helpful for almost anyone, I especially recommend it for people dealing with things like:

• Digestive issues like bloating, gas, or irregular bathroom habits (hello, diarrhea or constipation)

• IBS/IBD

• Skin flare-ups like acne, eczema, or rashes

• Autoimmune diseases

• Constant fatigue or that brain fog you just can’t shake

• ADHD or ADD

• Weight struggles

• Nausea

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

Getting the results is great, but knowing what to do with them is the real game-changer. That’s where working with a practitioner (like me!) comes in. You don’t want to go it alone with functional testing. It’s all about understanding the big picture and creating a plan that fits you. I’m here to break down the results and build a personalized protocol to get your gut—and the rest of you—feeling better.

If you’re interested in testing your stool to better understand your symptoms and health you can order one here!

Order Your Stool Test Here!