The gut microbiome is a dynamic and complex ecosystem that is pivotal in overall health, influencing everything from digestion and immune function to mood and brain health. When the microbiome is balanced and diverse, it supports optimal wellness. However, disruptions to this balance—known as dysbiosis—can contribute to a wide range of chronic health conditions, including autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and metabolic dysfunctions.
For healthcare providers, addressing gut imbalances requires a comprehensive understanding of the microbiome and access to advanced lab testing. The Gut Zoomer Stool Test offers unparalleled insights into microbial diversity, inflammation, and digestive function, empowering providers to identify root causes and create tailored treatment plans.
Table of Contents
The gut microbiome consists of over 100 trillion microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that inhabit the digestive tract. These microorganisms play key roles in immune function, metabolism, digestion, and overall health.1 They not only break down food but also regulate immune responses and can influence mood and brain health via the gut-brain axis.2
A healthy gut microbiome is characterized by balance and diversity, with a variety of microbial species coexisting in harmony. However, factors like diet, lifestyle, and certain medications like antibiotics can disrupt this balance.1 When imbalances occur, a condition called dysbiosis may develop, contributing to various health concerns ranging from digestive disorders to systemic inflammation.
Understanding which microbes are imbalanced can help create a targeted treatment plan that restores balance and health.
Dysbiosis, or gut microbiome imbalance, has been linked to a wide range of conditions, including:
Conventional stool tests often have a quick turnaround but are limited to detecting only a handful of commonly known pathogens or specific infections such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Giardia. These tests don’t provide detailed microbiome analysis or a detailed breakdown of bacteria.
In contrast, the Gut Zoomer provides an in-depth analysis of hundreds of commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. The test also measures inflammatory, digestive, and other fecal markers.
Unique features of the Gut Zoomer include:
This depth of analysis allows providers to move beyond symptom management and develop personalized care plans based on root-cause insights.
The Gut Zoomer utilizes advanced technologies, including microarray, RT-PCR, sandwich ELISA, LC-MS, and GC-MS, to accurately detect markers across the entire assay. Gut pathogens and commensal bacteria are analyzed using RT-PCR. Digestive markers are measured using a combination of microarray, sandwich chemiluminescence, LC-MS, and GC-MS methods to provide precise quantitative analysis of the reported analytes.
In addition to real-time PCR to measure commensal bacteria and pathogens, Vibrant uses a proprietary extraction process that includes mechanical, thermal, and chemical lysis to improve detection of these microorganisms.
The Gut Zoomer’s extensive marker list equips providers with a detailed understanding of a patient’s gut health. This data supports precise analysis and enables evidence-based recommendations. Below, we explore the specific markers measured by the Gut Zoomer and their clinical relevance.
Commensal microbes are the beneficial bacteria that maintain gut health by supporting digestion, protecting against pathogens, and regulating immune responses. The Gut Zoomer evaluates important bacterial phyla and species, including:
These markers provide critical insights into how well the gut is functioning and whether inflammation is present. The Gut Zoomer measures the digestive and inflammatory markers below, among others:
Gut metabolites provide insights into microbial activity and gut barrier integrity. The Gut Zoomer measures:
Healthcare providers can use Gut Zoomer results to create more tailored treatment plans that include diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations, allowing for a more holistic approach to gut health. Understanding what bacteria is under or overgrowing allows for more targeted probiotic recommendations. Dietary adjustments can be made based on findings, including adding fiber or fermented foods or reducing processed foods that promote harmful bacteria to grow.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that may help increase good bacteria in the gut. When there is a decrease in beneficial bacteria identified on a stool test like the Gut Zoomer, probiotics are often suggested to improve microbial diversity and restore balance to the gut microbiome.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that fuel beneficial bacteria. Low levels of commensal bacteria may indicate a need for prebiotic support to encourage growth and activity. Prebiotics also help produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are associated with reduced inflammation and support the gut barrier.3
When harmful bacteria or pathogens are identified on stool tests, antimicrobials like herbs or certain medications may be recommended. Herbs like oregano, berberine, and garlic are commonly used to address bacteria overgrowth, fungi, pathogens, and parasites. Antibiotic resistance is a rising health concern due to the inappropriate or excessive use of antibiotics causing more practitioners and patients to seek a holistic approach using herbal antimicrobials. Some use a combination approach and find herbal antimicrobials have a synergistic effect with antibiotics resulting in increased effectiveness or the ability to reduce the dose of antibiotic needed.4
Diet plays a critical role in shaping the composition of the gut microbiome and maintaining a healthy balance. Diets high in sugar and processed foods are often associated with increased yeast like Candida.5 Fiber plays a key role in feeding beneficial bacteria and acts as a prebiotic. Low-fiber diets are associated with reduced microbial diversity and beneficial bacteria, which allows for potentially harmful bacteria to take over.6 Without enough dietary fiber, potentially harmful bacteria can overgrow, resulting in poor digestion and systemic inflammation.
The Gut Zoomer results can help inform dietary changes that support microbial balance and reduce inflammation:
Lifestyle is also important in supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Regular physical activity is helpful in supporting regular motility and reducing the risk of conditions like constipation and irritable bowel disease.
Stress is also linked with inflammation and gut microbiome imbalances that can alter the gut environment. The gut-brain axis is a bi-directional communication system between the gut and brain, meaning conditions like anxiety and depression can worsen gut health and vice versa.
Medicine shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. The Gut Zoomer Stool Test empowers clinicians with advanced insights into the root causes of gut imbalances, enabling personalized treatment strategies. By identifying microbial diversity, inflammation, and key digestive markers, providers can help patients achieve better long-term health outcomes. This method offers a more manageable approach with better long-term outcomes.
Dr. Tara Torres is a clinical nutritionist with over a decade of experience counseling clients and patients on weight loss, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and obesity-related conditions. Her expertise and passion center on autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal health, and hormonal balance. Dr. Torres has contributed to the field through research, teaching, podcast hosting, and leading a mentorship and consulting program in nutrition.
Her journey into nutrition was inspired by personal diagnoses of Hashimoto’s and celiac disease. Despite adopting a gluten-free lifestyle, she struggled to feel better and found little guidance on nutrition. Armed with extensive knowledge of gut health and the interconnectedness of body systems, Dr. Torres now provides customized, evidence-based nutrition guidance, helping others navigate the overwhelming information available online.
Dr. Torres’s background includes service as an Army medic and impressive academic credentials: a Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition from the University of Western States, an M.S. in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine from UWS, and a B.S. in Nutrition Science from Kaplan University. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist candidate, a Certified LEAP Therapist, and holds certifications in personal training and fitness nutrition.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Torres enjoys an active lifestyle with her two children, fostering dogs, and exploring the outdoors through running, hiking, camping, and travel. She remains open to opportunities in speaking, teaching, writing, research, and mentorship, continually sharing her knowledge and inspiring others in the field of nutrition.
References:
Valdes, A. M., Walter, J., Segal, E., & Spector, T. D. (2018). Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 361, k2179. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2179
Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of gastroenterology, 28(2), 203–209.
Akhtar, M., Chen, Y., Ma, Z., Zhang, X., Shi, D., Khan, J. A., & Liu, H. (2021). Gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids are potential mediators in gut inflammation. Animal nutrition (Zhongguo xu mu shou yi xue hui), 8, 350–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2021.11.005
Gupta, R., & Sharma, S. (2022). Role of alternatives to antibiotics in mitigating the antimicrobial resistance crisis. The Indian journal of medical research, 156(3), 464–477. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_3514_20
Jawhara S. (2023). Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Improve the Gut Microbiota and Help Combat Fungal Infection. Microorganisms, 11(6), 1556. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061556
Cronin, P., Joyce, S. A., O'Toole, P. W., & O'Connor, E. M. (2021). Dietary Fibre Modulates the Gut Microbiota. Nutrients, 13(5), 1655. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051655
Limitations
Please note the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The information is not intended to be used by the patient for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice by a healthcare practitioner. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for any questions regarding diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of the health of, human beings. The tests listed on web page titled “New York State Approved Tests” can be used for diagnostic purposes are per their intended use.
Regulatory Disclaimer
Please note the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The tests were developed, and their performance characteristics were determined by Vibrant America and Vibrant Genomics. They have not been cleared or approved by US Food and Drug Administration. The laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) as qualified to perform high complexity testing. The laboratory is also in compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) regulations. The tests listed on web page titled “New York State Approved Tests” are cleared by FDA and also comply with the New York State Department of Health regulations.
Gut Zoomer - Risk
Accurate test results rely on proper sample collection, handling, transportation, and storage.
False-positive or false-negative results may occur from cross-reactivity with non-target organisms or interfering substances in the stool sample. Additionally, this test is not validated for children, elderly groups, or asymptomatic patients.
Detecting organism targets may not always confirm their infectiousness or direct role in symptoms, as nucleic acids from viruses, bacteria, and parasites can be present without active infection. Given the unique nature of each individual's gut microbiome shaped by diet, medication, lifestyle, and health conditions, the results are most meaningful when considered alongside the individual's clinical history. Vibrant’s health recommendations are based on scientific literature and internal validation but should not replace professional medical advice.