Gut Testing
Functional Gut Testing in Melbourne – Understand What’s Really Causing Your Symptoms
Where science meets holistic health
If you experience bloating, IBS, SIBO or unpredictable digestion (and your medical tests are “normal”) functional gut testing can help uncover what’s truly going on.
Unlike standard testing that looks for disease, functional testing explores how your gut is functioning, including your microbiome, digestion, inflammation, enzymes and pathways.
It helps explain the symptoms that standard tests often miss.
I’m a Melbourne-based naturopath and nutritionist specialising in gut function, microbiome balance and root-cause digestive assessment.
What Is Functional Gut Testing?
Functional testing looks at how your gut is working, not just whether disease is present, and often explains symptoms that standard medical tests miss.
It looks deeper into digestive function, assessing:
- • Microbiome balance
- • Digestive enzyme production
- • Inflammation
- • Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
- • Bacterial or fungal overgrowth
- • Parasites and pathogens
- • Fat, protein and carbohydrate digestion
- • Immune activation
- • Metabolic markers
It is ideal for people who:
- ✔ Have IBS or SIBO
✔ Experience chronic bloating
✔ Have constipation or diarrhoea
✔ React to multiple foods - ✔ Post-infection gut issues
- ✔ Have ongoing digestive discomfort
✔ Feel worse after eating
✔ Have “normal” blood tests but ongoing symptoms
✔ Want clarity before trying another diet or supplement
Functional Testing vs Standard Testing
Standard Medical Testing
- Screens for disease
- Looks for structural issues
- Often returns “normal” results
- Performed in clinics
- Answers: “Do you have a disease?”
Functional Gut Testing
- Assesses digestive function
- Looks at microbiome + pathways
- Reveals root-cause patterns
- Completed at home
- Answers: “Why do you have symptoms?”
Why Functional Gut Testing Helps
✓ Understand what’s truly causing your symptoms
Functional testing clarifies why bloating, IBS or SIBO is happening — especially when symptoms overlap.
✓Avoid unnecessary supplements
Get clarity before spending money on enzymes, probiotics or antimicrobials you may not need.
✓ Build a personalised plan
Results help you make informed choices about diet, treatment, and long-term gut support.
✓ Track progress
Retesting can confirm what’s improving and what still needs support.
Types of Gut Tests (and Who They’re For)
Comprehensive Stool Test (Microbiome + Function)
Assesses: microbiome balance, parasites, worms, pathogens, yeast & fungal overgrowth, digestive enzyme levels. inflammation, immune activity, metabolic pathways, fat, protein, carb digestion and short-chain fatty acids + more.
Best for: IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, chronic bloating, gut dysbiosis, multiple food reactions.
Inside Bloated To Body Confident, you’ll learn when stool testing is needed — and how to understand the results.
SIBO Breath Testing
Assesses hydrogen + methane gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine.
Best for: Bloating after meals, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, abdominal distension.
Inside Bloated To Body Confident, you’ll learn how SIBO testing works and how to interpret symptoms accurately.
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Helps Identify yeast/fungal overgrowth. bacterial imbalance, mitochondrial function, detox pathways, neurotransmitters and nutritional deficiencies.
Best for: unresolved bloating, fatigue, brain fog, stubborn gut issues.
Inside Bloated To Body Confident, you’ll learn when you need an OAT and how to address the results.
Leaky Gut Test (Intestinal Permeability)
Assesses gut lining integrity.
Best for: food sensitivities, inflammation, skin issues, chronic IBS.
Inside Bloated To Body Confident, you’ll learn when is the best time to test for leaky gut and be provided proven protocols.
FODMAP Malabsorption Tests
Assesses lactose, fructose, and polyol breath tests
Best for: bloating or diarrhoea after specific foods.
Inside Bloated To Body Confident, you’ll learn when to choose between a SIBO or FODMAP breath test.
Additional Functional Tests
Tests may include: DUTCH hormone testing, Food Sensitivity & Allergy Testing (IgG, IgA, IgE), Thyroid panel, Mycotoxin/mould panel, Heavy metal testing, Nutrient deficiency panels, MTHFR & genetic SNPs
Best for: complex cases.
Inside Bloated To Body Confident, you’ll learn when additional tests are needed.
How Does Functional Gut Testing Work?
1. Learn whether you need testing
Inside Bloated to Body Confident, you learn whether your symptoms point to SIBO, microbiome imbalance, motility issues or more.
2. Choose the right test
I guide you on which tests are worth doing and which aren’t.
3. Complete tests at home
All tests (with the exception of blood draw tests) are delivered to your door (Australia-wide + international).
4. Understand your results clearly
In Bloated to Body Confident, I teach you how to interpret stool tests, microbiome patterns and breath tests with confidence without medical jargon.