How to Read Your Microbiome Test Results | Nurish'd
How to Read Your Microbiome Test Results
Your microbiome test results have arrived — and you're looking at a report full of unfamiliar bacterial names, diversity scores, and percentages. Without context, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure what to do next. This guide breaks down what the key metrics in your microbiome report actually mean, what the science does and doesn't yet tell us, and — most importantly — why having a registered dietitian interpret your results makes all the difference between data and action.
Order Your Test Kit
Key Metrics in Your Microbiome Report
Diversity Score (Alpha Diversity)
This measures the variety of species in your gut. Higher diversity is generally associated with better health — a diverse microbiome is more resilient, more functionally capable, and less susceptible to pathogen colonization. Low diversity is associated with conditions including IBS, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Bacterial Phyla Ratios
Most microbiome reports show the balance between major bacterial phyla — particularly Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio has been studied in relation to obesity and metabolic health, though interpreting this single ratio in isolation is an oversimplification. Modern research looks at the broader community composition rather than any single ratio.
Beneficial Bacteria
Species like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Prevotella copri (in certain contexts) are associated with health benefits. Their presence and abundance are noted in most reports.
Dysbiosis Markers
Overgrowth of potentially pathogenic species or depletion of key beneficial species constitute dysbiosis. Your report may flag specific imbalances with dietary recommendations for addressing them.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Production Potential
Certain gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber to produce SCFAs (butyrate, propionate, acetate) — critical compounds for gut lining integrity, immune regulation, and metabolic health. Reports often indicate your microbiome's SCFA production capacity.
What Microbiome Results Can and Can't Tell You
Common Microbiome Findings and What They Mean
Low diversity: The most common finding and the most actionable. Increasing dietary fiber variety (aiming for 30+ different plant foods per week) is the most evidence-backed intervention for improving microbial diversity.
Low Akkermansia: Akkermansia muciniphila is a key species for gut lining integrity. Low levels are associated with metabolic disorders and increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"). Dietary interventions include polyphenol-rich foods (pomegranate, cranberry, green tea) and prebiotic fibers.
Low Bifidobacterium: Associated with digestive symptoms, immune dysregulation, and mood. Prebiotic fibers (inulin, FOS) and probiotic foods support Bifidobacterium growth.
High Proteobacteria: Elevation of this phylum (which includes many potential pathogens) can indicate inflammatory dysbiosis. Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and fiber increase are primary interventions.
Low SCFA producers: Low butyrate-producing bacteria (like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia) suggest a need for increased resistant starch and fermentable fiber intake.
Each of these findings requires a personalized dietary response — not just a supplement recommendation. Your Nurish'd RD maps your specific results to specific dietary interventions.
Get Started with Your Microbiome Test
Is the microbiome test covered by insurance?
Microbiome testing is typically not covered by traditional health insurance. However, Nurish'd microbiome tests are HSA and FSA eligible — meaning you can use your pre-tax health savings account or flexible spending account dollars to cover the cost and reduce your effective out-of-pocket expense.
Good news on the clinical side: the registered dietitian sessions that accompany your results through Nurish'd are billable to most major insurance plans for qualifying diagnoses (diabetes, CKD, heart disease, obesity, eating disorders, and more). Many patients pay little to nothing for their RD sessions while paying out-of-pocket or through HSA/FSA for the test itself.
Ready to get started? Here's how:
New to Nurish'd?
Create your free account and order your microbiome test — receive your kit, complete your sample at home, and have results uploaded directly to your account. Book an RD session to interpret your results and build your personalized nutrition plan. HSA/FSA cards accepted at checkout.
Already a Nurish'd member?
Purchase your microbiome test here — your results sync automatically to your account. HSA/FSA eligible.
Want to learn more before you commit?
Explore our microbiome testing page — what we test for, how the process works, and what your results include.
Nurish'd is the only platform where your microbiome test results connect directly to a registered dietitian's interpretation and a personalized meal plan. The test is the starting point — what you do with the results is what changes your health.
What Happens After Your Microbiome Test
