The Evolution of Gut Health Testing

by | Oct 17, 2025 | Home Page Display

MWhy I’m Transitioning to MetaXplore GI Plus: The Evolution of Gut Health Testing

After eight years of clinical experience using the GI-Map stool test, I’m excited to share that I’ve evolved my practice to incorporate Microba Microbiome Explore – a cutting-edge Australian microbiome test that represents the next generation of gut health assessment. This isn’t about abandoning what worked; it’s about embracing what works better. Let me explain why.

My Journey with Gut Testing

For the past eight years, the GI-Map has been an invaluable tool in my clinical practice. It helped countless patients identify specific pathogens, parasites, and imbalances that were contributing to their digestive complaints. We achieved excellent results, and I’m proud of the outcomes we created together using targeted antimicrobial protocols. The GI-Map served its purpose beautifully during a time when we understood gut health primarily through the lens of “good versus bad” organisms – identifying the problematic bugs and eliminating them. But here’s what I’ve learned: the gut is far more complex than simply killing the bad guys.

The Paradigm Shift: From Destruction to Reconstruction

Over recent years, microbiome science has undergone a revolutionary transformation. We now understand that optimal gut health isn’t just about removing pathogens – it’s about rebuilding a thriving, diverse ecosystem. Think of it this way: if your garden has weeds, you could spray pesticides and kill everything. Or you could plant diverse, healthy species that naturally crowd out the weeds while creating a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem. The second approach creates lasting change. This is the fundamental shift in my practice philosophy, and it’s why Microba Microbiome Explore aligns so perfectly with where gut health science is heading.

Why Microba Microbiome Explore? Understanding the Technology

A Whole New Level of Insight

The GI-Map uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology, which is excellent for detecting specific, predetermined organisms. It’s like having a checklist of 40-50 suspects and seeing which ones show up. Microba Microbiome Explore uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing – it reads the DNA of everything in your gut microbiome. We’re talking about identifying over 28,000 potential species including bacteria, archaea, fungi, parasites, and protists. It’s the difference between checking specific rooms in a house versus getting a complete architectural blueprint of the entire property.

Built for Australians, By Australians

Here’s something that matters more than you might think: Microbiome Explore is developed by Microba, an Australian company, using Australian reference populations. Why does geography matter? Because gut microbiomes differ significantly based on:

  • Regional diets and food availability
  • Environmental factors
  • Ethnic diversity within populations
  • Local agricultural practices

The “normal, healthy” microbiome for an Australian isn’t necessarily the same as for someone in America. MetaXplore GI Plus compares your results to exceptionally healthy Australians, making the insights far more relevant and applicable to our population. The Microba Genome Database contains over 1.2 million high-quality genomes, specifically curated for the human gastrointestinal microbiome, with unique Australian strains and diversity patterns included.

From Pathogen-Focused to Ecosystem-Focused

The Old Approach: Seek and Destroy

With pathogen-focused testing, our treatment protocols typically followed this pattern:

  1. Identify the “bad” organisms
  2. Use antimicrobial herbs, medications, or protocols to eliminate them
  3. Rebuild with probiotics and other nutrients

This approach worked. Many patients felt better. But some patients would:

  • Have symptoms return after initial improvement
  • Develop new issues after treatment
  • Struggle with ongoing dysbiosis despite clearing pathogens

The New Approach: Rebuild and Restore

Microba Microbiome Explore allows us to see the entire ecosystem, which means we can now:

  • Identify missing keystone species that are essential for gut health
  • Assess microbial diversity – one of the strongest predictors of long-term health
  • Understand functional capacity – what your microbiome can actually do (produce short-chain fatty acids, support your gut barrier, manage inflammation)
  • See the big picture – how all the organisms interact as a community
  • Measure gut function through 7 GI health markers and 14 functional microbiome markers

This comprehensive view enables me to create treatment protocols focused on:

✅ Feeding beneficial organisms through targeted prebiotics

✅ Introducing specific missing species with evidence-based probiotics

✅ Supporting microbial diversity through dietary strategies

✅ Optimizing gut function rather than just eliminating problems

✅ Building resilience for lasting gut health

What This Means for Your Treatment

If you’re a current patient who has done the GI-Map in the past, please know that your previous testing was valuable and appropriate. We achieved great outcomes together, and that work laid the foundation for your current health. Moving forward, MetaXplore GI Plus offers us:

1. More Personalised Insights

Every recommendation is backed by over 1,200+ peer-reviewed studies, graded by strength of evidence, and matched to your unique microbiome profile.

2. Comprehensive Pathogen Detection

Microba Microbiome Explore still includes targeted PCR panels for 13 bacterial pathogens and 5 protist parasites – so we’re not missing anything we would have caught before. Plus we get the complete microbiome picture.

3. Functional Markers

The test includes diagnostic gastrointestinal health markers like:

  • Calprotectin (inflammation)
  • Faecal occult blood
  • Lactoferrin
  • Pancreatic elastase (digestive enzyme function)
  • Secretory IgA (immune function)
  • Zonulin (gut barrier integrity)

4. Evidence-Based Protocols

Rather than generic “kill protocols,” we can now design targeted interventions that:

  • Address root causes
  • Support beneficial organisms
  • Restore missing functions
  • Build long-term resilience

The Philosophy: Regenerative, Not Just Reactive

This transition reflects a deeper philosophical shift in how I approach gut health:

From: “What’s wrong and how do we kill it?”

To: “What’s missing and how do we rebuild it?” Don’t get me wrong – sometimes we still need to address acute infections or overgrowths. But now we can do so while simultaneously rebuilding a healthy foundation, rather than depleting the ecosystem further.

Real-World Difference

In my clinical experience since transitioning to Microba Microbiome Explore, I’m seeing:

  • Fewer relapses – because we’re building resilience, not just removing threats
  • Better long-term outcomes – patients report sustained improvements
  • More targeted protocols – less guesswork, more precision
  • Deeper understanding – patients feel empowered knowing exactly what their gut needs

Who Benefits from Microba Microbiome Explore?

This comprehensive testing is ideal for:

  • Anyone seeking to optimise their overall health
  • People with chronic digestive complaints (IBS, bloating, irregular bowel movements)
  • Those with suspected gut-related health issues (skin conditions, mood disorders, autoimmune conditions)
  • Patients who’ve “tried everything” without lasting results
  • Anyone who wants a truly comprehensive understanding of their gut health
  • People recovering from antibiotic use or prolonged stress
  • People trying to overcome autoimmune conditions

Moving Forward Together

If you’re an existing patient, you might be wondering: “Should I retest with Microba Microbiome Explore” The answer depends on your current situation:

  • If you’re symptom-free and thriving – probably not necessary right now
  • If you still have ongoing symptoms – absolutely, this could provide breakthrough insights
  • If you’re ready to optimise beyond “normal” – this test reveals opportunities for improvement

For new patients, Microba Microbiome Explore will be my primary gut health assessment tool moving forward.

The Bottom Line

After eight years of using the GI-Map and achieving positive outcomes, I’m not turning my back on what worked. I’m stepping forward into what works better. Microba Microbiome Explore represents the cutting edge of microbiome science – built on Australian research, validated for Australian populations, and designed for the future of personalised gut health care. Most importantly, it aligns with where the science is heading: away from simply killing pathogens, and toward rebuilding thriving, resilient gut ecosystems. Because true health isn’t just the absence of disease – it’s the presence of vitality, diversity, and balance.

Ready to explore your gut health at a deeper level? If you’re interested in comprehensive microbiome testing with Microba Microbiome Explore, or if you’d like to discuss whether this test is right for you, I’d love to chat. Book a consultation and let’s create your personalised gut restoration plan. Book an Appointment with Rohan