pH measurement - Why is pH measurement important for microbiome testing?

The acidity (or pH) of stool can tell us about gut function:
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- A higher pH is often linked with slower gut transit time and more methane-producing microbes (like certain Archaea).
- Higher pH has also been connected to lower short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, which are important for gut health.
- Some studies show that the production of butyrate—a key SCFA that nourishes gut cells—is best when the gut environment is slightly acidic.
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So, stool pH helps provide context for how your gut microbes are working and how efficiently food is being processed.
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