Functional Lab Testing for Gut Health and Beyond

Functional gut health testing can provide a powerful shortcut to the root cause of your symptoms. While diet and lifestyle analysis is at the heart of what I do, sometimes test results can help fast-track improvements and take the guesswork out of your health journey.

Whether you're dealing with bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, IBS, skin issues, fatigue or simply want to optimise your wellbeing, functional lab testing offers insight into what’s happening beneath the surface - so we can create a truly personalised plan.

Below are my top four recommended functional tests for gut health.

Not sure which test you need - book a free chat

MetaXplore GI Plus

This cutting-edge gut microbiome test uses advanced metagenomic sequencing to provide a full analysis of your gut health - identifying both the microbes present and their activity. Ideal for those experiencing bloating, IBS or fatigue, this is one of the most comprehensive options for gut microbiome analysis in the UK.

More info

Introducing MetaXplore™ GI Plus a new generation of gut microbiome testing, now available in the UK exclusively through Invivo Healthcare. This state-of-the-art test uses metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to map not just which microbes are in your gut, but also what they’re doing.

Unlike older stool tests that only identify a limited number of bacteria, MetaXplore captures the full microbial genome – offering unparalleled insight into the composition and function of your gut microbiome.

It assesses over 28,000 microbial species, alongside key gastrointestinal health markers, pathogenic organisms, and microbial metabolites. This means we can start to understand how your gut health may be influencing inflammation, immune function, nutrient synthesis, and overall wellbeing.

What I love about this test

Who's it for

Lifecode GX Genetic Testing

Your genes don’t determine your destiny, but they can offer powerful clues about how your body handles nutrients, hormones, detoxification, and more. As a Lifecode Gx registered Nutrigenomics Practitioner, I use their test panels to guide a truly personalised approach to diet and lifestyle.

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These tests panels are based on nutrigenomics - the science of how nutrition and lifestyle choices interact with your genes. While we can’t change our genetic code, we *can* influence how our genes are expressed through the way we eat, move, rest, and live.

By understanding your genetic blueprint, we can make choices that support your body more effectively and reduce the impact of inherited tendencies - helping you feel more in control of your health journey.

I use Lifecode GX, a trusted UK provider known for its clinically relevant, easy-to-understand reports. These insights are particularly valuable when working with persistent digestive issues, food reactions, histamine intolerance, or detoxification challenges. The test is only done once but offers lifelong insight that we can come back to time and again.

Genetic testing doesn’t tell us everything, but it offers invaluable clues about your individual biochemistry, which, when paired with functional testing and symptoms, helps build a more effective gut-healing strategy.

What I love about this test

Non-invasive, one-time cheek swab - no blood or stool required
Reports are clinically validated and research-based, not generic or gimmicky
Offers personalised insight based on your DNA
Highlights why certain foods or supplements might suit you more than others
Supports highly personalised interventions for gut health, especially where symptoms are persistent or unexplained
Only needs to be done once - results are relevant for life

Who's it for

It’s a fantastic choice if you:

Experience bloating, reflux, or food reactions
Suspect histamine intolerance or sensitivity to fermented/aged foods
Struggle with fatigue, mood dips, or brain fog
Have gut symptoms that persist despite dietary changes
Want a deeper understanding of their body’s unique needs
Are ready to take a personalised, root-cause approach to wellbeing
Are interested in preventative health and long-term optimisation

SIBO Breath Test

This non-invasive SIBO test UK measures hydrogen and methane gas in your breath to detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. It's ideal for uncovering the root cause of IBS, bloating, reflux, or digestive discomfort.

More info

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when bacteria that should reside in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine - where they ferment food, release gas and disrupt digestion.

This easy, at-home breath test for SIBO tracks hydrogen and methane levels over time after drinking a sugar solution. It helps pinpoint whether SIBO could be the cause of your symptoms, including IBS, bloating, reflux, and irregular bowel movements.

SIBO is often missed by conventional testing, so this can be a game-changing step for those looking for answers.

What I love about this test

Who's it for

It’s a fantastic choice for those experiencing:

Frequent bloating (especially after eating)
Abdominal pain, gas, nausea or reflux
Constipation, diarrhoea or both
Symptoms that improve with restricted diets

Other considerations for SIBO testing include those with chronic fatigue, brain fog, skin flare-ups, food intolerances or sensitivities, endometriosis and coeliac disease (to name a few linked conditions).

Food Inflammation Test

This advanced food sensitivity test measures inflammation, immune reactivity and gut barrier integrity. Covering up to 176 common foods and additives, it helps identify what may be driving digestive issues, fatigue, skin flare-ups or brain fog.

More info

The food inflammation test (FIT) by KBMO Diagnostics is a next-generation food sensitivity panel that goes far beyond traditional IgG testing, which often just provides a list of your favourite foods. It measures both IgG antibodies and complement activation (C3d) - giving a much clearer picture of delayed food reactions that can contribute to chronic inflammation.

It tests up to 176 foods, additives, colourings, sweeteners and herbs, plus markers for gut barrier integrity (including zonulin, LPS and candida) - making it especially useful for anyone with suspected leaky gut or long-standing digestive issues.

This is one of the most comprehensive food inflammation tests available in the UK, giving you a powerful tool for regaining control of your symptoms and making food feel safe again.

What I love about this test

Tests for a wide range of common foods including grains, dairy, eggs, meats, fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices, food additives and extracts.
Includes a gut barrier panel to assess intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Helps pinpoint foods for clients who feel reactive to many foods and have already experimented with commonly eliminated food groups
Clear, colour-coded results make it easy to plan temporary eliminations and reintroductions
Especially valuable for complex cases involving autoimmunity, eczema, unexplained fatigue or persistent gut issues

Who's it for

Other tests are available...

As well as the featured tests above, I also offer additional functional testing depending on your needs. These include:

Vitamin D status
Omega-3 index
Thyroid health panels
DUTCH hormone testing
And more

If you’re looking for clarity on specific symptoms or want a more targeted approach, these tests can be a valuable part of your health journey.

Not sure which gut health test is right for you?

book a free chat

Test Pricing & Programme Options

All functional tests can be added to my 12-Week Gut & Reflux Reset programme for a fully personalised experience.

Alternatively, if you're not ready to commit to a full programme, you can opt for a test + consultation package - ideal if you’d like a one-off interpretation and guidance session.

Test pricing varies, but I can usually offer a practitioner discount, meaning you'll pay less than the public price.
In many cases, there is also the option to use PayPal Pay in 3 to help spread the cost.

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