Gut health is having a moment. Not the cute yogurt-commercial kind—more like, the secret to living longer may actually be inside your gut microbiome. To bring you up to speed, the gut microbiome is the miniature world composed of trillions of microscopic fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses living inside your intestines. Scientists have been studying the gut pretty intensely over the last two decades and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, those organisms benefit from us as much as we do from them. Digestion, immunity, and the nervous system are all affected by your gut in some way but exactly how is still being examined.    

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Your gut may be the key to a long life

Now, a team of aging-biology researchers discovered that they could trigger gut bacteria in animals to produce compounds linked to healthier aging. Scientists achieved this by giving mice low dose antibiotics which caused specific gut bacteria to improve cholesterol and insulin activity. You can read the full breakdown on SciTechDaily, but the vibe is this: gut bacteria can be influenced to positively affect the host animal (a.k.a., us).

Naturally, at-home gut microbiome tests have become the next frontier. Everyone’s gut microbiome is unique, first inherited during delivery or breastfeeding, and then impacted by your environment, diet, and basically everything around you. At-home microbiome tests promise personalized health intel without a doctor’s appointment. The science isn’t there yet though. In fact, ask your doctor about any health questions you have as these kits are not FDA approved. 

If the idea of shipping your fecal matter to a lab to be tested proves irresistible, here are some popular options, but as always, consult with your physician if you’re experiencing issues that need to be addressed or want to confirm you’re checking all of the right boxes.

Viome Gut Intelligence Test

The Viome Gut Intelligence Test is an at-home kit that examines the activity of your gut microbes through RNA analysis, giving you a snapshot of how your microbiome is functioning—not just which organisms are there. It generates detailed health scores related to digestion, inflammation, and microbial balance, then uses that data to create personalized food guidance and targeted supplement recommendations. 

Tiny Health Adult Gut Health Test

The Tiny Health Adult Gut Health Test is an at-home stool test that gives you a deep look at how your gut microbiome is functioning right now. Unlike standard consumer tests, Tiny Health uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, which captures microbes at the species and strain level—offering far more precise insight into gut balance, inflammation markers, and potential triggers behind symptoms. Your results come with clear explanations, personalized food and supplement suggestions, and a group coaching session to help you understand what to do next. 

Ombre Gut Microbiome Health Test

Ombre’s Gut Microbiome Health Test brings the lab into your home with a stool-sampling kit that deciphers your gut bacterial profile. What sets it apart: it tracks over 10,000 bacterial species (and reveals only those statistically meaningful in your sample), then pairs that data with tailored probiotic and food recommendations based on evidence-supported strains. Rather than simply listing microbes, Ombre connects them directly to your digestion, immunity, mood and metabolism. You’ll receive your results in 2-4 weeks, along with insights you can act on — turning invisible gut activity into clear personal guidance for wellness.