Ten Tips to improve Good Bacteria in your Gut Microbiome
Increasing faecal bacteria—specifically the beneficial gut bacteria—can significantly improve gut health, digestion, and overall well-being.
What is Faecal Bacteria?
Faecal bacteria refer to the microorganisms found in human and animal feces, primarily composed of bacteria from the gut microbiome. These bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health.
Types of Faecal Bacteria
Faecal bacteria come from the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microbes living in the digestive tract. Some common types include:
1. Beneficial (Good) Bacteria 🌱
These bacteria support gut health and prevent harmful microbes from taking over.
Bifidobacterium spp. – Helps digest fiber, supports the immune system, and reduces inflammation.
A highly detailed scientific 3D rendering of Bifidobacterium spp., showcasing its rod-shaped, Y-branching structure in a vibrant microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen (H₂)
Acetate (Short-Chain Fatty Acid - SCFA)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
Hydrogen & CO₂: Detect fermentation activity, particularly in fiber breakdown.
VOC: Indirectly measure SCFAs (e.g., acetate), which are byproducts of Bifidobacterium activity.
Pattern Analysis: AI monitors gas fluctuations to assess fiber digestion efficiency.
Lactobacillus spp. – Produces lactic acid, aids digestion, and maintains gut balance.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Lactobacillus spp., showcasing its rod-shaped structure in a vibrant microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Lactic acid (not gaseous, but affects VOCs)
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, in small amounts)
Ethanol & Acetaldehyde (byproducts of carbohydrate metabolism)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
VOC: Detect ethanol & acetaldehyde levels as markers of carbohydrate fermentation.
pH & Organic Acid Monitoring: Acidic conditions caused by lactic acid alter gut gas composition.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii – Reduces gut inflammation and supports colon health.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, showcasing its rod-shaped structure in a vibrant microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Butyrate (SCFA, indirectly measured)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Hydrogen (H₂)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
VOC: Indirectly track butyrate levels by detecting associated fermentation gases.
Hydrogen & CO₂: Monitor bacterial fermentation efficiency.
Akkermansia muciniphila – Helps strengthen the gut lining and prevent obesity-related issues.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Akkermansia muciniphila, showcasing its oval-shaped structure in a vibrant microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Acetate (SCFA)
Hydrogen (H₂)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
VOC: Detect acetate production, which reflects gut lining health.
Hydrogen & CO₂: Monitor microbial fermentation activity.
2. Opportunistic Bacteria (Can Be Good or Bad) ⚖️
These bacteria exist in balance but can become harmful if they overgrow.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) – Some strains help digestion, while others can cause infections.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Escherichia coli (E. coli), showcasing its rod-shaped structure with flagella in a microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Methane (CH₄, in some strains)
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
H₂S: Detects overgrowth of sulfate-reducing strains.
Methane: Identifies fermentative activity.
Ammonia: Measures excessive protein fermentation, which may signal dysbiosis.
Enterococcus spp. – Normally harmless, but can lead to infections in a weakened immune system.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Enterococcus spp., showcasing its spherical shape in pairs or short chains within a microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen (H₂)
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
Hydrogen & Ammonia: Detect shifts in fermentation that might indicate dysbiosis or infection risk.
Bacteroides spp. – Important for breaking down food but can cause infections outside the gut.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Bacteroides spp., showcasing its rod-shaped, slightly curved structure in a microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
H₂S: High levels indicate excessive protein fermentation, which can be harmful.
CO₂: Measures bacterial respiration and fermentation changes.
3. Harmful (Pathogenic) Bacteria ☠️
These bacteria can cause infections, diarrhea, and inflammation.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) – Overgrowth can cause severe diarrhea and gut inflammation.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), showcasing its rod-shaped, spore-forming structure in an infection-like microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Ammonia (NH₃)
Butyric acid derivatives (measured indirectly as VOCs)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
H₂S: Detects increased hydrogen sulfide production, which is linked to gut inflammation.
Ammonia: High levels may signal toxin production by C. diff.
VOC: Track byproducts of Clostridial fermentation.
Salmonella spp. – Found in contaminated food, causing food poisoning.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Salmonella spp., showcasing its rod-shaped structure with flagella in a microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
H₂S: Spikes may indicate pathogenic overgrowth.
Ammonia: Helps differentiate between Salmonella and other dysbiotic bacteria.
Campylobacter spp. – A major cause of bacterial diarrhea.
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Campylobacter spp., showcasing its curved, spiral-shaped structure with flagella in a microbiome environment.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen (H₂)
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
Hydrogen & Ammonia: Detect abnormal bacterial activity linked to infection.
Shigella spp. – Can cause dysentery (severe diarrhea with blood).
A highly detailed 3D rendering of Shigella spp., showcasing its rod-shaped structure in a microbiome environment, emphasizing its infectious nature.
✅ Gases Produced:
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Ammonia (NH₃)
✅ Intelligut Insights:
H₂S: Detects infection-associated bacterial shifts.
Ammonia: Helps identify gut inflammation from pathogenic overgrowth.
Functions of Faecal Bacteria
Faecal bacteria reflect the composition of the gut microbiome and serve several purposes:
✅ Digestion & Fermentation – Helps break down fiber, starches, and proteins.
✅ Vitamin Production – Produces B vitamins, vitamin K, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which fuels colon cells.
✅ Immune System Support – Helps train the immune system and fight harmful microbes.
✅ Gut Lining Protection – Strengthens the intestinal barrier to prevent leaky gut.
✅ Gas & Waste Processing – Metabolizes food into waste products, leading to fecal composition.
How is Faecal Bacteria Measured?
Faecal bacteria can be studied through stool analysis or microbiome testing. These tests identify the bacterial diversity and can indicate gut health or disease risks.
🔬 Common stool tests for faecal bacteria:
16S rRNA sequencing – Identifies bacterial species in feces.
Faecal calprotectin test – Measures gut inflammation.
Comprehensive stool analysis – Tests for microbiome balance, parasites, and digestion markers.
Faecal Bacteria in Wastewater & Disease Tracking
Since faecal bacteria are shed in stool, they are commonly used for:
Water quality testing (detecting sewage contamination).
Food safety (checking bacterial contamination in food production).
Disease monitoring (tracking outbreaks of infections like cholera or norovirus).
Should You Worry About Faecal Bacteria?
In a healthy person, faecal bacteria are part of normal digestion. However, if gut bacteria become imbalanced (dysbiosis), it can lead to:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Food intolerances or bloating
Increased risk of infections
💡 Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome (diverse faecal bacteria) is key to preventing these issues! 🚀
How is Faecal Bacteria Measured with Intelligut AI?
At Intelligut AI, we take a next-generation approach to monitoring faecal bacteria—without the need for traditional stool sample tests. Instead of relying on periodic microbiome sequencing, we use a passive, daily monitoring system installed in your toilet that analyzes gut-derived gases to track changes in bacterial populations and gut health.
🔬 How Intelligut AI Works:
Electronic Nose Technology – A suite of gas sensors detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs), methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and other gut biomarkers released during defecation.
AI-Powered Gut Microbiome Modeling – Our AI learns your unique gut gas signature over time, establishing a personalized baseline and detecting deviations that could indicate microbiome imbalances.
Continuous, Passive Monitoring – Unlike stool tests, which provide only snapshots, our system collects and analyzes data daily, giving a real-time view of gut health trends.
Personalized Alerts & Insights – If unusual gas patterns associated with dysbiosis, inflammation, or early diverticulitis flare-ups are detected, you receive an alert via our Intelligut app, allowing for early intervention.
🚀 Why Choose Intelligut AI Over Traditional Testing?
✅ Non-Invasive – No need for sample collection. Our system monitors gut health effortlessly every time you use the toilet.
✅ Real-Time & Continuous – Unlike stool tests, which offer periodic insights, we provide ongoing gut health tracking.
✅ Early Detection of Microbiome Imbalances – Our AI can recognize subtle shifts before symptoms appear, potentially preventing flare-ups.
✅ Personalized Gut Health Insights – Track how diet, stress, and lifestyle affect your microbiome over time.
✅ Future-Ready – We plan to integrate lab stool test data to enhance AI-driven gut health predictions even further.
With Intelligut AI, you’re not just testing your gut health—you’re continuously optimizing it with real-time insights powered by AI. Join the future of gut health monitoring today! 🚀
How to Increase Good Gut Bacteria
Increasing faecal bacteria—specifically the beneficial gut bacteria—can significantly improve gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet (Prebiotics)
Prebiotic fibers feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and thrive.
Resistant Starches: Found in green bananas, cooked-and-cooled potatoes, rice, and legumes.
Inulin & Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Found in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and chicory root.
Beta-Glucans: Found in oats, barley, and mushrooms.
Pectin: Apples, citrus fruits, and carrots.
👉 Tip: Aim for at least 30g of fiber per day.
2. Consume Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into your gut.
Fermented Dairy: Yogurt, kefir, aged cheese.
Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles (in brine, not vinegar).
Soy-Based Fermented Foods: Miso, tempeh, natto.
Other Fermented Beverages: Kombucha, kvass.
👉 Tip: Rotate different probiotic foods to diversify your gut bacteria.
3. Take a High-Quality Probiotic Supplement
If your diet lacks fermented foods, a multi-strain probiotic supplement can help.
Look for Bifidobacteria & Lactobacillus species.
CFU (colony-forming units) should be 10 billion or more per dose.
Ensure it contains prebiotics (FOS, inulin) to help bacteria survive.
👉 Tip: Take probiotics before bed or with food to improve survival rates.
4. Reduce Gut-Damaging Foods
Some foods kill or disrupt beneficial gut bacteria.
Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin).
Excess sugar & refined carbs (white bread, pastries, soda).
Ultra-processed foods (preservatives, emulsifiers, food colorings).
Excessive alcohol (kills good bacteria & promotes harmful ones).
Excessive antibiotic use (only take when absolutely necessary).
👉 Tip: Avoid highly processed and sugar-laden foods as much as possible.
5. Eat More Polyphenol-Rich Foods
Polyphenols act as fuel for gut bacteria and promote diversity.
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries.
Dark Chocolate (85%+ cacao).
Green tea & black tea.
Olive oil & red wine (moderation).
Nuts & seeds: Almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts.
👉 Tip: Pair polyphenol-rich foods with a fiber-rich meal for better absorption.
6. Increase Diversity in Your Diet
The more diverse your diet, the more diverse your gut bacteria.
Try new vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes every week.
Eat seasonal & local produce.
Include different protein sources (plant-based, fish, poultry, grass-fed beef).
👉 Tip: Aim for 30 different plant-based foods per week to maximize microbiome diversity.
7. Stay Hydrated
Water helps transport fiber through the digestive system and supports microbial balance.
Drink 2-3 liters of water per day.
Include electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or homemade bone broth.
👉 Tip: Start your day with warm lemon water to support digestion.
8. Get Enough Sleep & Manage Stress
Poor sleep and chronic stress harm gut bacteria.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Try meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or light exercise to reduce stress.
Spend time outdoors in nature.
👉 Tip: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule for better gut health.
9. Exercise Regularly
Movement promotes gut motility and increases beneficial bacteria.
Moderate exercise (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) boosts gut diversity.
Strength training supports gut-brain communication.
Avoid overtraining, which can lead to inflammation.
👉 Tip: Aim for 30-45 minutes of movement daily.
10. Consider Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) in Severe Cases
For extreme gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), FMT (Fecal Microbiota Transplant) may help restore beneficial bacteria.
FMT is used for C. difficile infections and other gut disorders.
Only done in medical settings with donor screening.
👉 Tip: Always consult a functional medicine practitioner before considering FMT.
Final Takeaway
To increase your faecal bacteria naturally:
✅ Eat fiber-rich foods (prebiotics).
✅ Include fermented foods (probiotics).
✅ Minimize processed & inflammatory foods.
✅ Stay hydrated & manage stress.
✅ Get enough sleep & exercise regularly.