Investigating my own gut health and potential vitamin deficiencies required the assistance of a health professional who focused on functional health and was experienced in gut microbiome test report analysis and recommendations. Your own health professional could be that person but if not, request a referral through them.
The health professional I worked with had a history of functional health treatment recommendations based on gut test results. He recommended a pre-biotic, bespoke probiotic and other treatments based on my test results and the functional health questionnaire completed.
I share with you the relevant findings of the following test results:
- Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (gut health test) and
- Urine Spot Test (optional and obtained for my own experimental purposes)
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Table 1: Complete Digestive Stool Analysis |
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Findings |
Range |
Brief Description |
Treatment |
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Low Bifidobacterium bifidum (1+) |
2 - 4+ |
Lower than normal levels of this beneficial bacteria, important for gut health. |
Bespoke Probiotic to “Seed” & Pre-biotic to “Feed” |
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Low Bifidobacterium breve (1+) |
2 - 4+ |
Reduced levels of a key bacteria for gut immunity and digestion. |
Bespoke Probiotic to “Seed” & Pre-biotic to “Feed” |
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Low Lactobacillus plantarum (1+) |
2 - 4+ |
Important for gut pH regulation and pathogen inhibition. Levels are lower than normal. |
Bespoke Probiotic to “Seed” & Pre-biotic to “Feed” |
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Low Lactobacillus paracasei (1+) |
2 - 4+ |
Plays a role in improving gut health and immunity, lower than the optimal range. |
Bespoke Probiotic to “Seed” & Pre-biotic to “Feed” |
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Low Lactobacillus acidophilus (1+) |
2 - 4+ |
Key bacteria for maintaining a healthy digestive system, low in this case. |
Bespoke Probiotic to “Seed” & Pre-biotic to “Feed” |
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Opportunistic & Dysbiotic Bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis (4+) |
< 4+ |
Dysbiotic bacteria consist of known pathogenic bacteria and those that have the potential to cause disease in the GI tract. |
Treatment to “Weed” out & reduce presence |
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Opportunistic & Dysbiotic Bacteria: Klebsiella oxytoca (1+) |
< 4+ |
Dysbiotic bacteria consist of known pathogenic bacteria and those that have the potential to cause disease in the GI tract. |
Treatment to “Weed” out & reduce presence |
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Opportunistic & Dysbiotic Bacteria: Enterobacter complex (1+) |
< 4+ |
Dysbiotic bacteria consist of known pathogenic bacteria and those that have the potential to cause disease in the GI tract. |
Treatment to “Weed” out & reduce presence |
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Opportunistic & Dysbiotic Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (1+) |
< 4+ |
Dysbiotic bacteria consist of known pathogenic bacteria and those that have the potential to cause disease in the GI tract. |
Treatment to “Weed” out & reduce presence |
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Parasite: Dientamoeba Fragilis (Detected) |
Not detected |
A parasite linked to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. |
Treatment to “Weed” out & reduce presence |
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Table 2: Urine Spot Test |
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Findings |
Range |
Brief Description |
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Calcium (73 mg/gCR) |
55 - 400 mg/gCR |
Low range suggesting supplementation |
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Magnesium (55 mg/gCR) |
22 - 130 mg/gCR |
Low range suggesting supplementation |
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Vitamin D (not tested) |
N/A |
Low ranges of Calcium & Magnesium suggest low Vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium. Suggest Vitamin D testing & supplementation. |
Based on the above, my health practitioner advised that I:
- “Weed” out the problematic findings with target treatments over several months
- “Seed” the deficiencies identified with a bespoke pro-biotic for six months
- “Feed” the gut with a high dose of prebiotic over four weeks then a reduced dose ongoing.
Based on the test findings and bespoke supplement recommendations, I conducted further research into optimal nutrition tailored to my results. The dietary considerations outlined in Table 3 were either previously overlooked or consumed in excess, and I now place much greater emphasis on them for improved gut and functional health.
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Table 3: Dietary Considerations |
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Foods |
Types of Foods |
Goal |
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Increase Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods |
Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas |
Improve gut flora and digestion |
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High Fiber Diet |
Oats, lentils, beans, chia seeds, whole grains, fruits, vegetables |
Aid digestion and improve gut motility |
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Digestive Enzymes and Bitter Foods |
Pineapple, papaya, ginger, dandelion greens, kale, arugula |
Enhance digestive enzyme activity |
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Reduce Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars |
Limit white bread, pasta, sugary snacks; Include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa |
Reduce growth of pathogenic bacteria |
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Magnesium-Rich Foods |
Spinach, kale, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, black beans |
Support digestion and muscle relaxation |
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Zinc-Rich Foods |
Meat, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, nuts |
Support immunity and gut healing |
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Calcium and Magnesium Balance |
Dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, sesame seeds |
Maintain bone health and electrolyte balance |
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Adequate Protein for Gut Repair |
Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu |
Promote gut lining repair |
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Selenium-Rich Foods |
Brazil nuts, fish, eggs, sunflower seeds |
Support immune function and oxidative protection |
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Hydration and Alkalizing Foods |
Leafy greens, cucumbers, watermelon, lemons, plenty of water |
Maintain optimal pH balance in the gut |
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Herbal Support for Gut Health |
Oregano oil, garlic, ginger, berberine, black walnut |
Manage pathogenic bacteria and support beneficial microbes |