What Is Dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis describes an imbalance in the gut microbiome, typically involving a reduction in beneficial bacteria, an overgrowth of harmful organisms, or reduced microbial diversity.
A useful analogy is a garden ecosystem. When weeds overtake healthy plants, the environment deteriorates. Similarly, when harmful microbes dominate the gut, they crowd out beneficial bacteria and disrupt normal digestive and immune processes.
What Causes Dysbiosis?
1. Poor Dietary Patterns
2. Overuse of Medications
3. Chronic Stress
4. Infections and Environmental Exposures
Foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal infections, and repeated digestive disturbances can damage healthy gut bacteria. Exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals, and contaminated water may further compromise microbial balance.
5. Lifestyle Factors
4. Infections and Environmental Exposures
Foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal infections, and repeated digestive disturbances can damage healthy gut bacteria. Exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals, and contaminated water may further compromise microbial balance.
Symptoms of Dysbiosis
| SIGNS | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Digestive Problems |
|
| Systemic/Whole-Body Symptoms |
|
| Immune and Metabolic Signs |
|
| Signs of a Leaky Gut | Dysbiosis may weaken the gut lining, increasing permeability. This process, often referred to as increased intestinal permeability, may contribute to:
|
Diagnosing Dysbiosis: How Can One be Sure
1. Comprehensive Stool Testing
- Gut microbiome test includes the sample of stool which evaluates levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria.
- Checks for yeast overgrowth, parasites, and inflammatory markers.
2. Hydrogen Breath Test
- Helps detect SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
3. Organic Acid Test
- Analyzes metabolic markers in urine to understand how gut microbes are functioning.
4. Intestinal Permeability Tests
- Tests such as zonulin or lactulose-mannitol assess whether the gut lining is damaged, a condition often referred to as “leaky gut”.
Treating Dysbiosis: Restoring Gut Balance
Step 1: Remove What Is Causing Harm
- Reduce sugar, refined carbohydrates, and heavily processed foods.
- Avoid alcohol and artificial sweeteners.
- Use antimicrobial herbs such as oregano oil, garlic, or berberine only under professional guidance.
Step 2: Restore Good Gut Bacteria
Once harmful bacteria are under control, the focus shifts to rebuilding beneficial bacteria.
- Add probiotics, especially strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families.
- Eat prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and oats to nourish healthy bacteria.
- Include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, or yogurt.
Step 3: Repair the Gut Lining
Dysbiosis often damages the gut lining, so repairing it is an essential next step.
- L-glutamine, an amino acid, helps repair and strengthen intestinal cells.
- Zinc carnosine supports healing of the gut’s mucosal lining.
- Bone broth provides collagen and gelatin that nourish and protect the gut lining.
Step 4: Rebalance for the Long Term
Lasting gut health depends on daily habits and lifestyle choices.
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or gentle walks.
- Get consistent, quality sleep, ideally 7 to 9 hours each night.
- Stay well hydrated and keep your body moving regularly.
A Final Word
Dysbiosis is not just a gut issue. It affects the entire body. When you understand what causes it, how it shows up, and how it can be addressed, you take back control of your health. With the right food choices, supportive lifestyle habits, and proper professional guidance, healing your gut is absolutely possible.
Your gut plays a central role in your energy, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Paying attention to it, caring for it, and responding to its signals allows your body to function at its best.
