2 MIN READ
MARCH 2025
Get to know your gut microbiome
More than 40,000 Costco employees and family members are living with gut health issues. Many have been suffering in silence. Poor gut health can take a toll on your physical and mental health. But there’s help. Join the 13,000+ who have started using Cylinder*, your free digestive health program.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
What’s a gut microbiome?
Your gut microbiome is the community of “good” and “bad” bacteria that live inside your stomach and intestines. They help you digest food, fight off germs and maintain a healthy weight. If your body doesn’t have enough good bacteria, bad bacteria can thrive, causing a range of health issues:
| Digestive issues | Skin conditions | Mental health issues | Other health problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloating/gas | Eczema | Anxiety | Headaches |
| Constipation | Psoriasis | Depression | Fatigue |
| Diarrhea | Rosacea | Mood swings | Joint pain |
| Heartburn | Acne | Inflammation | |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Rheumatoid arthritis | ||
| Food sensitivities | Allergies |
Cylinder: Learn about your gut health
Cylinder, your no-cost digestive health benefit, offers:
- A free at-home GutCheck microbiome health test to measure the good and bad bacteria in your gut
- Access to a team of experts, including a registered dietician and health coach, who can help you identify triggers and find symptom relief
Sign up at Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco (access code: Costco) or call 888‑246‑5019. The program is available at no cost to employees and dependents age 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan. No diagnosis is needed to get started.
Foods that can help
When you feed your body, you’re also feeding the bacteria that live in your gut, helping them thrive. As a general rule, they’re healthy eaters. Try adding more whole foods to your diet and make sure you stay hydrated.
Foods that can hurt
As much as possible, try avoiding processed foods, such as:
Did you know? Cylinder can also help with colorectal cancer prevention by getting you ready for screenings, navigating appointments and helping you make lifestyle changes that can prevent cancer. Get started today.
*Cylinder is not available in Puerto Rico.
Source:
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Eating for your gut.
Resources for you
Cylinder is a free digestive health program that can help you find relief from gut issues like gas, bloating, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food sensitivities and more. This program is available to employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
888-246-5019 | Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco | Access code: Costco | Age 18+
SSS Contigo lets you work with health experts to reach your wellness goals. Get help with nutrition, have a health care plan created just for your specific needs, and find tools to help manage conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This program is available to employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
787-706-2552 or 800-981-4860 | SSSPR.com | Mi Triple-S app
Cylinder is a free digestive health program that can help you find relief from gut issues like gas, bloating, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food sensitivities and more. This program is available to employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
888-246-5019 | Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco | Access code: Costco | Age 18+