Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome — too much of certain microbes, not enough of others, or reduced diversity overall. This imbalance can disrupt digestion, immune function, hormone metabolism and the gut–brain axis.

Dysbiosis is not one problem — it’s a pattern. And understanding that pattern helps explain many complex symptoms.

Why Dysbiosis Happens

Dysbiosis often develops due to a combination of factors, including:

  • antibiotics or long-term medication use

  • stress and nervous-system dysregulation

  • low fibre diversity

  • chronic constipation or slowed motility

  • SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

  • food poisoning or post-infectious changes

  • restrictive diets that reduce microbial diversity

  • inflammation or gut barrier irritation

  • hormonal fluctuations

A healthy gut microbiome requires both balance and diversity — dysbiosis affects both.

Common Symptoms

Digestive symptoms may include:

  • bloating or distention

  • constipation or diarrhoea

  • irregular bowel movements

  • excessive gas

  • abdominal discomfort after meals

  • food reactions or sensitivities

Whole-body symptoms can include:

  • fatigue

  • brain fog

  • skin issues (acne, eczema, rashes)

  • low mood or anxiety

  • frequent infections

  • histamine symptoms

Dysbiosis often amplifies other gut conditions — which is why symptoms can feel unpredictable.

How Dysbiosis Affects Other Gut Patterns

Dysbiosis commonly contributes to:

  • SIBO

  • leaky gut / intestinal permeability

  • low stomach acid

  • food sensitivities

  • histamine intolerance

  • constipation or diarrhoea

  • yeast overgrowth

  • immune activation

It rarely exists in isolation — it’s usually part of a wider picture.

Stress & the Nervous System

The microbiome responds directly to nervous-system state.
Stress can:

  • slow motility

  • reduce microbial diversity

  • increase inflammation

  • heighten gut sensitivity

This is why dysbiosis symptoms often worsen during stressful periods.

Testing That May Help

A comprehensive stool test can reveal:

  • levels of beneficial bacteria

  • overgrowths

  • inflammation

  • enzyme function

  • yeast or fungal markers

  • short-chain fatty acids

  • secretory IgA

Not everyone needs testing — but for long-standing symptoms, it provides clarity.

Supporting Dysbiosis Long-Term

Restoring balance usually includes:

  • increasing microbial diversity

  • personalised prebiotic and probiotic strategies

  • supporting motility

  • improving stomach acid and enzyme output

  • lowering inflammation

  • gentle mind–body regulation

  • rebuilding confidence around food

Dysbiosis is highly responsive when the root drivers are addressed.

This Page in One Sentence

Dysbiosis reflects an imbalance in the microbiome — and improves most when digestion, motility, stress physiology and microbial diversity are supported together.