Blogs

Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes Ratio: What It Actually Means

The F/B ratio is widely cited but often misunderstood. Learn what it measures, why it needs context, and how ecosystem-level testing provides a clearer picture.

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Histamine Intolerance and the Gut Microbiome: Is There an Ecosystem Connection?

Histamine Intolerance and the Gut Microbiome: Is There an Ecosystem Connection?

Explore how gut bacteria may influence histamine production and metabolism, and why ecosystem-level microbiome testing matters for histamine intolerance.

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Fecal Calprotectin: What It Tells You and What It Doesn't

Fecal Calprotectin: What It Tells You and What It Doesn't

Fecal calprotectin has become one of the most used biomarkers for assessing intestinal inflammation. It is non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and can provide valuable information when someone presents with symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or...

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GutID vs. Genova GI Effects: Which Gut Test Is Right for Your Patients?

GutID vs. Genova GI Effects: Which Gut Test Is Right for Your Patients?

For functional and integrative medicine clinicians, stool testing has become an important tool for investigating persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and understanding the intestinal environment. Two tests you may encounter are GutID® and Genova Diagnostics GI Effects®. But these tests were designed...

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Illustrated cross-section of the colon wall showing inflammation in the lining — the signal a fecal calprotectin test measures

Fecal Calprotectin: What It Tells You and What It Doesn't

Fecal calprotectin measures intestinal inflammation, but it doesn't assess the microbiome. Learn what calprotectin can and can't tell clinicians and when ecosystem testing adds value.

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The colon encircled and surrounded by gut bacteria and strands of DNA, illustrating microbiome research into cancer recurrence risk

Can Gut Microbiome Testing Help Cancer Patients Reduce Their Risk of Recurrence?

Research links the gut microbiome to cancer treatment effectiveness and recurrence risk. Learn how microbiome testing may support cancer survivors during and after treatment.

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Best Gut Microbiome Test (2026): A Buyer's Guide — an unbranded at-home test kit box beside a sample tube and a magnifying glass

Best Gut Microbiome Test (2026): A Buyer's Guide

Comparing gut microbiome tests in 2026? This guide breaks down GutID, Thorne, Viome, GI-MAP, Tiny Health, ZOE, and more — by technology, resolution, and clinical value.

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How Much Does a Microbiome Test Cost? Insurance, HSA & FSA Coverage Explained

How Much Does a Microbiome Test Cost? Insurance, HSA & FSA Coverage Explained

Microbiome tests range from $100 to $500+. Learn what drives the cost, whether insurance covers gut testing, and how to use your HSA or FSA for a GutID test.

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Testing Your Gut After Antibiotics: When and Why You Should Consider a Microbiome Test

Testing Your Gut After Antibiotics: When and Why You Should Consider a Microbiome Test

Digestive issues after antibiotics? Learn when to test your gut microbiome, what to look for in the results, and how ecosystem-based testing can guide recovery.

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