Gut Dysbiosis: Causes, Symptoms, Testing & Treatment

The gut is responsible for digestion, food breakdown, and nutrient absorption. Your gut contains trillions of microorganisms called the gut flora microbiome. Gut health depends on the balance of these microbes, containing good and bad bacteria within the digestive system. A healthy gut microbiome balance is essential for complete well-being.

Gut dysbiosis means imbalanced gut bacteria when there are fewer good bacteria and more harmful bacteria. It leads to various digestive issues and other health concerns. An imbalanced gut bacteria significantly influences your health:

• Improper digestion occurs when the gut is unable to break down food properly.

• Causes intestinal inflammation as harmful bacteria irritate the gut.

• Decreases nutrient absorption.

• Weakens immunity as a major part of the immune system resides in the gut.

• Weakens gut lining, causing bloating and infections.

• Disturbs brain-gut signals affecting mood and energy levels.

• Recurrent gas and bloating

• Irregular bowel movements

• Stomach pain or discomfort

• Sensitivity to certain foods

• Tiredness and low energy levels

• Frequent illness and infections

• Skin problems (acne, rashes)

• Mood swings or anxiety

Gut flora imbalance of gut dysbiosis is typically caused by excessive intake of sugar and processed foods, long-term use of medications or antibiotics, poor sleep, long-term stress, stomach bugs, low fiber diet, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Gut dysbiosis can be managed by including fiber-rich foods and fermented foods in your diet. Maintain adequate hydration, reduce intake of sugar and oily foods, manage your stress, and get adequate sleep. Take prebiotics or probiotics as recommended by your doctor.

Here’s the detailed overview of gut flora imbalance symptoms:

• Frequent bloating and gas

• Irregular bowel

• Recurrent indigestion

• Digestive discomfort

• Abdominal pain or cramps

• Food sensitivities

• Tiredness

• Skin problems

• Recurrent infections

• Irritability or stress

• Feeling bloated after meals

• Excess burping or gas

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms

• Indigestion

• Quickly feeling full

• Abdominal discomfort

• Acne, redness, or rashes

• Dry or irritated skin

• Eczema

• Existing skin condition-related flare-ups

• Stress or anxiety

• Concentration problem

• Mood swings

• Feeling irritated or mentally drained

• Sleep problems

• You frequently catch common infections

• Diminished recovery after illnesses

• Increased inflammation

• Recurrent allergies and sensitivities

Women may experience different symptoms of dysbiosis due to their hormones and vaginal microbiome, which are directly associated with gut health.

Imbalanced gut flora can influence hormonal metabolism in women, causing:

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Worsening PMS symptoms

• Worse PCOS symptoms

• Hormonal acne

• Breast soreness

• Persistent yeast infection

• Recurrent Urinary tract infections

• Changes in vaginal discharge

• Vaginal discomfort

• Acne around the jawline

• Dry and itchy skin

• Redness

• Dull skin

Your gut houses tons of bacteria, good and bad ones. Balanced gut bacteria allow proper digestion, support immunity, and maintain overall health. When the balance of good and harmful bacteria is disrupted, it causes various health problems, including digestive concerns.

Gut flora imbalance is caused when good bacteria decrease, harmful bacteria increase, and the microbiome balance is distressed. Gut bacteria imbalance causes gas, bloated stomach, lethargy, skin-related issues, poor immunity, and mood changes.

Let's understand the consequences associated with gut dysbiosis:

Short-term consequences include indigestion, stomach discomfort, irregular bowel movements, fatigue, food sensitivities, and irritability.

Long-term consequences include chronic digestive conditions, persistent inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, weakened immunity, skin issues, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic problems.

Anything that helps grow bad bacteria and reduces good bacteria in the gut, ranging from diet, lifestyle habits, to medications, can lead to gut dysbiosis.

Here are the most common intestinal dysbiosis causes:

A diet that lacks fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reduces good bacteria in the intestines. Consuming too much fried and processed foods and sugar allows the growth of harmful bacteria.

Long-term use of antibiotic medications is associated with killing both good and harmful bacteria, which upsets the microbiota balance in the gut. Other medications, including birth control pills, painkillers, may also upset the gut flora balance.

Persistent stress alters your hormonal levels and gut motility, which causes an increase in the harmful gut bacteria. Stress makes your gut lining more permeable, which triggers digestive discomfort. Irregular sleep patterns are also associated with gut microbiome disruption.

Intolerance to certain foods, such as gluten and lactose, also upsets gut microbiota as improperly digested food allows harmful bacteria to grow. It causes inflammation and digestive issues, and over time, it upsets the gut flora balance.

Chronic infections, stomach bugs, and food poisoning kill the healthy bacteria and upset the microbiome balance. For example, H.pylori (bacteria) can reduce beneficial bacteria, impact digestion, and damage the gut lining.

Gut flora diversity naturally modifies as we age, which makes the gut imbalance more common. Inadequate sleep, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption can significantly upset the health of gut bacteria.

Gut dysbiosis means imbalanced gut bacteria, inadequate good bacteria. This imbalance may impact your overall health.

When your intestinal flora is out of balance, it causes digestion-related symptoms, including feeling gassy or bloated after meals, diarrhea or constipation, stomach discomfort or cramps, acidity, indigestion, food intolerances, and diminished nutrient absorption.

Disrupted gut microbiome influences metabolism, how well your body processes the food you eat, and converts it into energy. The symptoms include reduced metabolism, irregular appetite, sugar cravings, increased fat storage around the belly, sudden weight gain, and difficulty losing weight.

When your digestion is out of balance, your emotions and mood also get imbalanced due to the gut-brain axis. It leads to nervousness, concentration problems, mood swings, low mood, and sleep disturbances.

Disrupted gut bacteria cause leaky gut, allowing harmful substances to access the bloodstream. The immune system becomes confused and may attack its own tissues, triggering autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and thyroid issues.

Imbalanced gut microbiota causes persistent low-level inflammation that can influence the entire body. It may contribute to various problems associated with digestion, skin health, metabolism, and joint pain.

Typically, the gut dysbiosis test involves assessing the bacteria in stool to check the balance of good and bad bacteria. Gut dysbiosis test India shows the gut bacteria imbalance, an increase of harmful microbes, and digestive or metabolic patterns associated with gut health.

Thinking about how to test for gut dysbiosis? Here are the common methods used by healthcare professionals:

• Symptom-based assessment

• Stool microbiome testing

• Metabolic analysis (inflammation markers)

• 16S rRNA sequencing

• Shotgun metagenomic testing

• Breath tests

When it comes to the best test for gut dysbiosis, the comprehensive microbiome test or comprehensive digestive stool analysis comes at the top.

• Shotgun sequencing is considered the most comprehensive testing option.

• The 16S rRNA test is considered most suitable to check bacterial profiling.

• A breath test is the best way to analyse small intestine overgrowth.

However, a healthcare professional can help you pick the best test depending on your symptoms, medical history, and other considerable factors. These tests are crucial to assess your gut bacteria balance accurately.

Shotgun sequencing and 16S metagenomic testing matter as a 16S sequencing check for various bacterial species in the gut. Shotgun sequencing offers a comprehensive picture of the entire gut microbiome. It can check the bad bacterial overgrowth and beneficial bacteria deficiencies.

The gut dysbiosis test in India is easily available in most diagnostic centers and laboratories. You can book common tests, including shotgun metagenomic tests, 16S rRNA sequencing, and Breath tests online. Book your microbiome test with MyDiagnostics at an affordable price.

Typically, the test reports include the various types of harmful and beneficial gut bacteria and their amount, presence of harmful microbes, digestive patterns, and potential food intolerances.

The exact cost of gut dysbiosis depends on the type of test, the diagnostic center, the number of health markers assessed, and the city.

Typically, the price ranges:

• 16S rRNA tests (INR 6000 to INR 12000)

• Shotgun sequencing (INR 12000 to INR 25000)

• Breath tests (INR 2500 to INR 5000)

You can opt for home sample collection or use at-home test kits. Although these at-home kits offer insight into your gut microbiome, they may not be completely reliable.

Here are the available options for gut bacteria imbalance treatment:

Probiotics & Prebiotics: Probiotic supplements contain beneficial bacteria that help restore microbiome balance. Common strains include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus that contribute to healthy digestion, ease bloating, and improve immunity. Prebiotic supplements are rich in fiber (whole grains, bananas, onions) that feed the beneficial gut bacteria.

Diet & Lifestyle Modifications: Reduce the consumption of processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol. Consume more fermented foods and fiber-containing foods. Get sufficient sleep, consider daily exercise and relaxation techniques for stress management.

Antibiotics: Antibiotic medications are only used for infection-related concerns and for particular bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). These must be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Here are the best foods and diets to restore gut balance and maintain a healthy gut:

High-fiber Foods: For example, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lentils, oats, and barley feed good gut bacteria and contribute to better digestion.

Fermented Foods: For instance, yogurt, kimchi, and pickles naturally contain probiotics that support a balanced gut flora.

Foods to Avoid: Fried and oily foods, processed foods, too much sugar, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.

Healthy diet, probiotic supplements, healthy lifestyle habits, adequate sleep, and proper stress management can help you heal gut dysbiosis naturally.

Consider natural supplements containing beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium to restore gut balance.

Digestive rest can help restore microbiome balance in the gut.

Practice mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing to manage your stress levels.

Proper and adequate sleep supports gut health.

If you are experiencing recurrent gut-related or metabolic symptoms, a gut dysbiosis test can help you identify the root cause and understand the actual problem.

The gut dysbiosis test can be helpful for:

• People with chronic digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome

• Individuals experiencing recurrent infections

• Women with hormonal or skin-related concerns (chin acne)

• Those experiencing unexplained inflammation, low energy levels, or fatigue

• People with food sensitivities or food intolerance issues

• Individuals using antibiotics for the long term

• People with long-term lifestyle stressors

Here’s how you can maintain a healthy gut flora and prevent associated problems:

Exercise daily, practice yoga and meditation, get enough sleep, maintain hydration, and take antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, prebiotics, and antioxidant-rich foods support a healthy human gut microbiome.

Probiotics can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements, and prebiotics can be taken through fiber-containing foods. Combining probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain a healthy gut naturally.

If you are experiencing ongoing digestive problems such as abdominal pain or discomfort, and symptoms are not improving, you should consult your healthcare provider. Moreover, if you have persistent fatigue, skin problems, mood swings, and food sensitivities, you should seek professional help.

If natural remedies are not working for you, your symptoms are still getting worse, you should talk to your doctor. They may recommend a gut dysbiosis test to check bacterial imbalances and suggest a customized diet, supplements, and treatment.

***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).