Friendly microbes that help balance your gut’s acidity to keep harmful bacteria from moving in.

Specific bugs that can release toxins, potentially causing gut irritation and "leaky gut."

Bacteria that help build muscle fuel, though too many can sometimes interfere with how your body handles sugar.

Microbes that act like a "recycling center" for hormones; if they overwork, they can send old hormones back into your system.

Your gut’s "maintenance crew" that creates the main fuel source for your intestinal lining to keep it strong and calm.

Organisms that shed inflammatory "bits" into your system, which can put your immune system on high alert.

Gas-producing microbes that process sulfur; in high amounts, they can cause smelly gas and irritate the gut wall.

Helpful bacteria that create powerful antioxidants to protect your brain and strengthen your gut’s "shield."

Tiny organisms that produce methane gas, which often acts like a "brake" on your digestion, leading to constipation or bloating.

A "variety score" for your gut; the more different types of microbes you have, the healthier your ecosystem generally is.

A "headcount" of the different species you have, showing how resilient your gut is to stress or changes.

Microbes that snack on the gut's protective slime layer; they are helpful in small amounts but can thin your defenses if there are too many.

Specialist microbes that eat the "crystals" found in foods like spinach, helping to prevent kidney stones.

Bacteria that make a special fatty acid that helps tell your brain you’re full and helps manage cholesterol.

Microbes that turn certain foods into a compound that can eventually affect your heart and artery health.

Water-borne bacteria that can lead to stomach pain and diarrhea.

One of the most common causes of food poisoning, typically from undercooked poultry.

A toxin from "C. diff" bacteria that causes severe gut irritation, often after taking antibiotics.

A tiny parasite often found in water that can cause long-lasting watery diarrhea.

A parasite usually linked to imported fresh produce that causes recurring stomach issues.

A common gut parasite that can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

A type of E. coli known for causing persistent, lingering diarrhea.

A parasite that can cause "amoebic dysentery," leading to significant gut inflammation.

A type of E. coli known for causing persistent, lingering diarrhea.

The most common cause of traveler’s diarrhea, triggered by toxins that irritate the intestines.

A hardy parasite found in water that causes "Giardia," leading to bloating and greasy stools.s.

A particularly aggressive and hard-to-treat version of the C. diff bacteria.

Well-known bacteria from contaminated food that cause fever, cramps, and vomiting.

A dangerous poison produced by certain bacteria that can damage the gut lining and kidneys.

Very contagious bacteria that cause severe, often bloody, diarrhea and fever.

Bacteria often found in raw or undercooked seafood that cause sudden digestive upset.

An infection usually from undercooked pork that can mimic the pain of appendicitis.

Reflects how many different types of bacteria are present in your gut and how evenly they are balanced.
A higher diversity generally indicates a more resilient and healthy gut ecosystem.
A lower diversity may be associated with digestive symptoms, inflammation, or reduced metabolic and immune function.