Deep Dive – What’s in a Stool Test and Why It Matters.

When it comes to understanding your gut health, a comprehensive stool test is one of the most underused, yet powerful tools available. While many people associate stool testing with checking for parasites or infections, functional testing goes far beyond that. It offers an in-depth look at your gut microbiome, digestive capacity, inflammation, and even the integrity of your gut lining.

As a gut health nutritionist, I use stool testing to stop the guesswork and uncover the real reasons behind symptoms like:

• Chronic bloating and gas

• Constipation or loose stools

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis

• Food sensitivities

• Unexplained inflammation

• Hormone and immune imbalances

Let’s break down what a comprehensive stool test really shows us—and why it’s a game changer for personalized nutrition and wellness.

What’s Actually in a Stool Test?

A quality stool test (like the Gut Scan or Deep Gut Test I use with clients) gives you key insights, including:

Microbiome Diversity

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. A healthy microbiome has a wide variety of species. Low diversity is often linked with inflammation, IBS, metabolic issues, and even mood disorders.

Beneficial vs. Opportunistic Bacteria

We look at levels of helpful bacteria (like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii or Akkermansia) as well as overgrowths of problematic ones (such as Bilophila wadsworthia, Streptococcus, or Klebsiella). These patterns help explain symptoms like bloating, gas, or frequent infections.

Digestive Function

We assess enzyme output, fat and protein digestion, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. These are critical for nutrient absorption, energy, and regulating inflammation.

Pathogens, Yeast & Parasites

Even low-grade infections or yeast overgrowth can cause stubborn symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and poor immune function.

Leaky Gut Markers

These may indicate that your gut lining is compromised—allowing food particles and toxins into your bloodstream. This is known as increased intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut.”

Why Stool Testing Matters

As we move through perimenopause and beyond, gut health becomes even more critical. Hormonal fluctuations affect the microbiome—and vice versa. Your gut helps detoxify estrogen, regulate cortisol, and support thyroid health. If you’re in midlife and dealing with symptoms that feel “suddenly new,” your gut may be the missing link.

This is especially important if:

• You’re feeling bloated even after healthy meals

• You’re reacting to foods you used to tolerate

• You’re tired, inflamed, or just don’t feel like yourself

• You’ve “tried everything” and still have symptoms

Testing Leads to Targeted Action

With detailed stool testing, we can:

• Build a personalized nutrition plan that supports your microbiome

• Recommend targeted supplements (no more guessing)

• Address inflammation and leaky gut

• Restore digestive function and regularity

• Reduce bloating, fatigue, skin issues, and more

Ready to Finally Get Some Answers?

If you’re tired of symptom-chasing and want a science-backed path forward, it might be time to test—not guess.

Ready to Personalize Your Gut Health Plan?

As a certified gut health nutritionist, I offer personalized consultations, gut microbiome testing, and holistic strategies to help you feel better from the inside out.

📞 Book a free call

Or reach out to learn more about my programs for gut inflammation, microbiome support, and digestive health. www.taniamercuri.com

To your healing,

Tania Mercuri

CNP, NNCP, RNT Nutritionist for Gut Health & Midlife

@tania.mercuri.nutrition