5 Digestive Health Markers You Should Know: What They Reveal About Your Gut


Digestive health markers provide a practical lens into your gut, turning everyday signals into actionable steps. The five essential digestive health markers describe the core levers of gut function—from overall microbiome balance to the activity of its microbial pathways. At the heart of this approach is InnerBuddies’ white-label Gut Health Operating System, which powers consumer tests and B2B solutions alike. A key marker is the Gut Microbiome Health Index, a 0–100 score that distills the health of your gut ecosystem into one easy-to-interpret number, built on an exclusive collaboration with EAFIT University in Colombia. Your other four markers complete the picture: Bacteria Abundances—a look at our top 40 bacteria, showing which are thriving or lagging compared with a healthy reference cohort; Bacteria Functions—metabolic pathways categorized as positive or negative, so you can see how your gut’s activity stacks up; Target Group Analysis—deep dives into the microbiome and its functional pathways for specific goals such as Healthy Aging or Endurance sport; and Personalized Nutrition and Probiotics/Prebiotics Advice—dietary and supplement recommendations derived from 3-day food diaries and stool data to tailor guidance to your unique gut. See how these markers come together with the InnerBuddies microbiome test. Practical tips for improving these digestive health markers start with small daily shifts: eat a diverse, fiber-rich mix of plant foods; include fermented foods to support beneficial bacteria; stay hydrated, and maintain regular meals to support gut rhythm. Add movement and stress management to your routine, and limit highly processed foods when possible. Be aware of warning signs that warrant a clinician’s eye—blood in stool or black/ticky stools, persistent or severe abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, ongoing vomiting, high fever, prolonged diarrhea or constipation beyond a couple of weeks, or signs of dehydration. If you notice any of these red flags, seek medical advice promptly. If you’re curious to explore how digestive health markers translate into real-world actions, consider the consumer solutions and partnerships InnerBuddies offers. Learn more about consumer options with the InnerBuddies microbiome test, or upgrade to ongoing insights with the InnerBuddies gut health membership. For brands interested in a white-label platform, explore the opportunity on the InnerBuddies B2B partner page.