Identifying gut dysbiosis: What are the symptoms?

Are you experiencing various digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, or acid reflux? If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues, you may have heard about something called “gut dysbiosis”. In this blog post, we will explore gut dysbiosis and how it is identified through symptoms. 

We will discuss how to recognise common signs and symptoms of gut dysbiosis so that you can be better informed and make the best decisions on managing your health.

Understanding your Gut Health

Although digestive health is a vital component of overall wellness, most people in the UK don’t give much thought to it. Many people in the UK lack the confidence to recognise the difference between less severe gastrointestinal symptoms and those that should prompt them to schedule an appointment with their GP.

According to a report, 75% of people think about their weight, 55% worry about their teeth, 51% worry about their heart, and only 41% think about their digestion being a cause of concern. 

Most patients said their symptoms could be controlled or eliminated without needing a GP appointment, which may help explain why people have never sought medical guidance for digestive issues.

This research shows that people don’t tend to pay much attention to their digestive health due to a lack of knowledge and understanding or not having the confidence to approach their GP. Not recognising the more serious symptoms of digestive issues can potentially lead to conditions that take longer to treat.

What is Gut Dysbiosis?

Gut dysbiosis occurs when there is an imbalance in the bacterial population in the gut. This can be due to several factors, including a diet high in processed foods, antibiotics, and a sedentary lifestyle. When these factors disrupt the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, it can lead to many problems, such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and weight gain.

There are many different ways to identify gut dysbiosis. One of the most common methods is through a simple stool test. This test can help to identify an imbalance of gut bacteria, and can also reveal what types of bacteria are present in the gut. 

Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Colonisation

The gut is home to various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. This community of microorganisms is known as the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota plays an important role in many aspects of human health, including immunity, metabolism, and digestion.

The gut microbiota is established at birth and continues to develop throughout childhood and into adulthood. However, the composition of the microbiota can change over time due to several different factors. These include diet, antibiotics, stress, and illness. When the balance of the gut microbiota is disrupted, it is known as gut dysbiosis. 

What are the symptoms of Gut Dysbiosis?

There are a number of different symptoms that can be associated with gut dysbiosis. These include:

• Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramping, constipation, and diarrhoea
• Skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Brain fog, headaches
• Mood swings
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Weak immune system

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for prolonged periods of time, then it’s worth speaking to a professional to discover the root cause of your symptoms. 

Why is Gut Health so important?

A healthy gut is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. It plays an important role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Proper gut health can help you digest food more easily, improve your sleep quality, and even boost your mood. To keep your gut healthy, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Regular exercise is also beneficial for gut health, as it helps to keep the digestive system functioning properly. Additionally, reducing stress levels and avoiding processed foods can help to maintain a healthy gut. Taking the time to ensure you have a healthy gut can have a huge impact on your overall physical and mental health.

How do you fix Gut Dysbiosis?

When it comes to treating dysbiosis, antibiotics are often prescribed. Antibiotics work by killing or inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms that are causing the symptoms of dysbiosis. It’s worth noting at EternalBeing we prefer not to use antibiotics as they are overused and they tend to be the cause of dysbiosis in the first place.

However, antibiotics alone may not be enough to treat the condition. Patients may also be advised to change their diet, as dietary factors can play a role in developing dysbiosis. These changes may include avoiding certain foods (such as processed foods, dairy, and sugar) and eating more fiber-rich, nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. 

Additionally, pre and probiotics (live bacteria) may be recommended to help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Making these dietary changes can help to restore balance to the microbial population and improve overall health.

At EternalBeing, we take the approach of test first to see if you have dysbiosis, if you do, the test shows us which bacteria are overgrown and which are weak, at this stage, we tailor a program of targeted biotics and, if needed, a bespoke diet plan to repopulate your gut flora gently and naturally without the use of antibiotics. 

If you often experience gastrointestinal discomfort or other digestive issues, you may have a condition called gut dysbiosis. Understanding gut dysbiosis, including its symptoms and potential treatments, can help you and your healthcare provider develop a plan to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Speak to our specialist team today for more information.