Microbiome
NYC

Yes, there are gut microbiome stool tests that can analyze the living organisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, worms and others- in your gut. These tests may be a helpful adjunct and addition to your gut health root cause analysis and healing journey. Since microbiome science and testing is still in its infancy and research is progressing every day, the results need to be interpreted by a clinician who can understand the significance together with your other gut health test results. These tests are not FDA approved yet and therefore need to be interpreted with caution- in our practice we often double check results by repeating the specific test at a validated lab!. To get the most comprehensive deep dive into your gut health we offer ALL available helpful root cause testing from SIBO breath tests, to blood tests, to stool microbiome tests, to endoscopy and colonoscopy and motility testing and more. Tak to us about what test is right for you!

A balanced, diverse diet is the foundation of a thriving gut microbiome. The bacteria in your intestines rely on the nutrients you eat, especially dietary fibers and naturally fermented foods. To nourish your gut and promote microbial balance:

• 30+ different plant foods per week! Eat a wide variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds to provide the prebiotic fibers your beneficial bacteria feed on.
• 40g+ fiber per day! Include fiber-rich foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, and Jerusalem artichokes, as these naturally boost short-chain fatty acid production.
• At least 1 serving of fermented food per day! Add fermented foods and live cultures like kimchi, tempeh, and sauerkraut to your diet to introduce helpful probiotic bacteria into your gut.
• Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats.
• Stay hydrated to support smooth digestion.

Probiotics can be helpful, but everyone’s microbiome is UNIQUE therefore working closely with our team can help you figure out through microbiome testing and other modalities which bacteria you may be depleted in and have a precision approach to optimizing your microbiome.

For example, evidence supports specific strains for specific issues:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for diarrhea prevention
• Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 for irritable bowel symptoms
• Saccharomyces boulardii for antibiotic-associated diarrhea

One general supplement cannot “fix” every imbalance. Probiotics are most effective when tailored to your needs and taken consistently under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Your gut bacteria break down complex carbohydrates and fibers, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that feed your intestinal cells and regulate bowel movements. When bacterial balance is disrupted, food may ferment improperly, leading to gas, bloating, or constipation. Dysbiosis can also impair bile metabolism and slow motility.

Restoring balance with fiber, hydration, probiotics, and regular meals helps normalize digestion. Persistent bloating or irregularity may signal bacterial overgrowth, food intolerance, or motility issues: these conditions may require professional evaluation and treatment.

Absolutely. The gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, a network of nerves, hormones, and chemical messengers. Certain gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, that influence mood, stress response, and cognitive clarity.

Dysbiosis can alter these signaling pathways, potentially worsening anxiety, depression, or brain fog. Supporting gut balance through a balanced diet, probiotics, stress management, and adequate sleep can enhance both emotional well-being and digestive comfort.

Gut microbes play a major role in how your body extracts and stores energy from food. A diverse, balanced microbiome promotes efficient metabolism and insulin sensitivity, while imbalances have been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. Methane overgrowth or IMO, a type of SIBO, has specifically been linked to increased weight gain! Some bacterial species also influence appetite hormones and fat storage. Diets rich in fiber and plant-based foods foster microbes that support metabolic health. Maintaining microbial diversity through a balanced diet may therefore help manage a healthy weight and reduce the risk of metabolic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes.