Enterococcus faecium is a species of bacteria that naturally resides in the human gastrointestinal tract as part of the normal gut microbiome. In healthy conditions, it exists in small numbers and coexists peacefully with beneficial microbes, contributing modestly to digestion and overall gut health.
However, when E. faecium levels rise above normal, it is classified on the GI-MAP test as an opportunistic or overgrowth microbe. This indicates that while the bacterium is normally present, its excess may signal gut dysbiosis, compromised intestinal barrier function, or immune imbalance.
In balanced amounts, Enterococcus faecium can play a beneficial role by:
Aiding in carbohydrate fermentation and producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish intestinal cells.
Competing with harmful bacteria for space and nutrients.
When the gut environment changes—such as after antibiotic use, high stress, illness, or poor diet—E. faecium may multiply excessively. Overgrowth can disrupt the normal microbial ecosystem, potentially irritating the intestinal lining or interacting in ways that unsettle immune balance.
Your medical lab tests hold vital information about your health. Our tools help you understand what's going on and how to take action.
Cancel or upgrade anytime
An elevated Enterococcus faecium result on your GI-MAP report may indicate a microbial imbalance or a loss of beneficial bacterial control within the gut. This often occurs when protective species such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium become depleted, allowing opportunistic microbes like E. faecium to expand.
When this balance is disrupted, E. faecium can shift from a harmless resident into a contributor to gut irritation, inflammation, and dysbiosis.
Elevated E. faecium levels have been associated with:
Digestive discomfort, gas, and bloating
Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and immune activation
Imbalance following antibiotic use, where beneficial flora have been suppressed
Chronic stress or poor diet, both of which alter gut motility and microbial composition
Although E. faecium is normally benign, certain strains can acquire antibiotic resistance—most notably vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)—and may act as opportunistic pathogens, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
It’s important to note that the GI-MAP test does not diagnose infection. Instead, elevated E. faecium levels should be interpreted as part of a broader picture of gut and immune health, helping to identify patterns of imbalance that may benefit from nutritional, lifestyle, or microbial support.
Enterococcus faecium is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. This adaptability allows it to persist even when the gut environment changes—such as after illness, antibiotic exposure, or shifts in diet.
In clinical settings, E. faecium can act as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Within the gut, however, overrepresentation is more often linked to low microbial diversity, post-antibiotic recovery, or diets high in processed foods and low in fiber.
Research also associates E. faecium overgrowth with intestinal inflammation and microbial dysbiosis observed in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Importantly, not all E. faecium strains are harmful—some are even used in probiotics and fermented foods. The key factor is context: when the gut ecosystem becomes imbalanced, even normally harmless strains may proliferate excessively and contribute to symptoms.
Several factors can promote Enterococcus faecium overgrowth:
Frequent antibiotic use, which disrupts beneficial gut flora
Low stomach acid or reduced digestive enzyme function, allowing bacteria to thrive in the upper GI tract
Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, which feed opportunistic microbes
Chronic physical or emotional stress, which alters gut motility and immune regulation
Gut infections or inflammation, weakening intestinal barrier integrity
Depleted beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
Elevated Enterococcus faecium levels often appear alongside broader signs of gut imbalance or dysbiosis, which can include:
Gas, bloating, or abdominal distention
Irregular bowel habits, including constipation or loose stools
Digestive discomfort after meals
Fatigue or brain fog, linked to microbial imbalance and inflammation
Increased food sensitivities, often related to gut barrier dysfunction
An elevated Enterococcus faecium finding does not necessarily indicate infection—it more often reflects a shift in gut ecology toward opportunistic dominance and reduced microbial diversity. This pattern may develop after antibiotic use, chronic stress, or poor diet, and can contribute to digestive symptoms or inflammation.
When Enterococcus faecium levels are elevated, the goal is not to eliminate this bacterium—since it is a normal gut resident—but to restore microbial balance and strengthen the intestinal environment so that opportunistic species remain in check.
Here are practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting balance:
Encourage the growth of protective microbes such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which naturally help regulate E. faecium.
Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso.
Consider a targeted probiotic supplement, guided by your clinician, containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
Increase prebiotic fiber intake from foods such as oats, asparagus, garlic, leeks, green bananas, and Jerusalem artichokes to nourish beneficial bacteria.
Limiting conditions that favor opportunistic bacteria supports microbial harmony.
Reduce refined sugars and processed foods, which can fuel bacterial overgrowth.
Moderate alcohol intake, as it can irritate the gut lining and disturb bacterial balance.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, which can deplete protective microbes and encourage rebound overgrowth of E. faecium.
Efficient digestion prevents bacterial buildup and ensures proper microbial distribution.
Maintain adequate stomach acid and enzyme activity for effective nutrient absorption and bacterial control.
Eat slowly and mindfully, allowing natural digestive secretions to function optimally.
Stay hydrated to promote regular bowel movements and healthy gut motility.
A strong intestinal lining helps prevent inflammation and microbial translocation.
Include omega-3 fatty acids (from salmon, flaxseed, or walnuts) and polyphenol-rich foods (berries, olive oil, green tea) to reduce inflammation.
Add collagen-rich or bone broth-based meals to support mucosal and barrier integrity.
Manage stress and ensure restful sleep, as both directly influence gut barrier and microbial balance.
Because Enterococcus faecium overgrowth often occurs alongside other microbial shifts, interpretation should consider the full GI-MAP profile—including beneficial, commensal, and opportunistic species.
A clinician may recommend:
Short-term use of herbal antimicrobials or targeted probiotics
Dietary adjustments tailored to your microbiome profile
Follow-up testing to monitor microbiome recovery and gut health improvements
Enterococcus faecium is a normal part of the gut microbiome, but elevated levels can signal reduced microbial diversity or gut imbalance. By supporting beneficial bacteria, optimizing digestion, and maintaining a nutrient-rich, fiber-diverse diet, you can help reestablish microbial harmony and minimize the effects of opportunistic overgrowth.
Anthony
Unlimited Plan Member since 2021
I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.
Karin
Advanced Plan Member since 2020
What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!
Paul
Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024
As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
Guiding our users for 10 years to promptly understand, track, and act on their laboratory results.
$15/month
Cancel your subscription at any time.
$250/once
full premium version
$45/month
track your clients’ labs
Cancel your subscription at any time.
Guiding our users for 10 years to promptly understand, track, and act on their laboratory results.
Personal plans
track personal results
Professional Plan
track multiple client's results
$15/month
$250/once
own it for life
$45/month
for health professionals
Complete Plan
Unlimited Plan
$15 / month
$250 full version
Are you a health professional?
Level up your lab report analysis with our Pro plan, built for health practitioners like you.
Health Business Account
$45/month
Cancel your subscription at any time.
Unlock additional Pro plans when you sign up.
Anthony
Unlimited Plan Member since 2021
I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.
Karin
Advanced Plan Member since 2020
What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!
Paul
Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024
As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.
Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.
With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.
For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.
Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:
You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.
If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.
While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.
It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.
If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.
There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."
Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.
For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.
We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.
Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.
Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.
For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.
Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.
Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.
The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.
For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.
Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.
You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.
Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.
Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.
We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.
1. Graph View:Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.
2. All Tests ViewExplore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.
3. Table View:For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.
Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.
Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.
Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.
Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.
A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.
The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.
To learn more about Healthmatters Pro, please refer to the professional page.
At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.
A2142C, A2142G, A2143G, A926G, Adenovirus 40/41, AGA926-928TTC, Akkermansia muciniphila, Amoxicillin, Ancylostoma duodenale, Anti-gliadin IgA, Ascaris lumbricoides, b-Glucuronidase, Bacillus spp., Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium spp., Blastocystis hominis, C. difficile, Toxin A, C. difficile, Toxin B, Calprotectin, Campylobacter, Candida albicans, Candida spp., Chilomastix mesnili, Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter spp., Clarithromycin, Clostridia (class), Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora spp., Cytomegalovirus, Desulfovibrio spp., Dientamoeba fragilis, E. coli O157, Elastase-1, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus spp., Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), Enteroinvasive E. coli/Shigella, Enterotoxigenic E. coli LT/ST, Eosinophil Activation Protein (EDN/EPX), Epstein-Barr Virus, Escherichia spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Firmicutes, Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes Ratio, Fluoroquinolones, Fusobacterium spp., Geotrichum spp., Giardia, Gluten Peptide, gyrA D91G, gyrA D91N, gyrA N87K, gyrB R484K, gyrB S479N, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella spp., Lactobacillus spp., M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Methanobacteriaceae (family), Microsporidium spp., Morganella spp., Necator americanus, Norovirus GI/II, Occult Blood - FIT, PBP1A N562Y, PBP1A S414R, PBP1A T556S, Pentatrichomonas hominis, Prevotella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas spp., Rhodotorula spp., Rodotorula spp., Roseburia spp., Salmonella, Secretory IgA, Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx1, Shiga-like Toxin E. coli stx2, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Steatocrit, Streptococcus spp., Taenia spp., Tetracycline, Trichuris trichiura, Vibrio cholerae, Virulence Factor, babA, Virulence Factor, cagA, Virulence Factor, dupA, Virulence Factor, iceA, Virulence Factor, oipA, Virulence Factor, vacA, Virulence Factor, virB, Virulence Factor, virD, Yersinia enterocolitica, Zonulin
