What Is Gut Dysbiosis? Let’s talk about it.
The hidden gut imbalance linked to bloating, food intolerances, leaky gut, skin problems and hormone symptoms
"I eat well, but I'm still bloated." "I've cut out half my diet and still don't feel right." "Every test comes back normal, yet I know something isn't." If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone.
One of the most overlooked drivers of digestive complaints and seemingly unrelated symptoms is gut dysbiosis, an imbalance within the gut microbiome that can affect everything from digestion and immunity to hormones, skin health and blood sugar balance.
In clinic, I often see clients who have spent years chasing symptoms, including unsuccessful medical investigations, yet still without ever exploring what may be happening within their gut microbiome. The good news is that once you understand what's happening beneath the surface, it becomes much easier to make informed decisions about diet, lifestyle and testing.
Contents
What is gut dysbiosis
What causes gut dysbiosis
Common gut dysbiosis symptoms
Can gut dysbiosis cause bloating
Gut dysbiosis, food intolerances and leaky gut
Gut dysbiosis and skin problems
Gut dysbiosis and female health
Gut dysbiosis, candida and yeast overgrowth
Gut dysbiosis and blood sugar balance
Can gut dysbiosis be reversed
How to test for gut dysbiosis
FAQs
What is gut dysbiosis
Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the community of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living within your digestive tract. Your gut microbiome contains trillions of microbes that help regulate digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, hormone metabolism, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, and brain and mood health.
In a healthy gut, beneficial and opportunistic microbes exist in balance. With gut dysbiosis, that balance becomes disrupted, this may involve reduced beneficial bacteria, lower microbial diversity, overgrowth of less desirable bacteria, increased yeast activity, or altered production of beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids.
Think of your gut microbiome as a garden. When the right plants are thriving, everything works beautifully. When weeds take over and diversity decreases, problems tend to follow.
What causes gut dysbiosis
There is rarely one single cause, it usually develops over time through a combination of factors.
Antibiotics. Essential when needed, but they don't distinguish between beneficial and harmful bacteria. Research shows antibiotic use can significantly alter microbial diversity, sometimes for months afterwards.
Chronic stress. Your gut and brain communicate constantly through the gut-brain axis, and long-term stress can alter gut motility, digestive secretions and microbiome composition.
Ultra-processed foods. Diets high in refined sugars, emulsifiers and additives have been associated with less favourable microbial patterns.
Low fibre intake. Beneficial bacteria rely on dietary fibre as fuel. Without enough, many important species struggle to flourish.
Poor sleep. Emerging evidence suggests sleep deprivation may negatively affect microbial diversity and inflammatory pathways.
Excess alcohol. Frequent consumption may alter gut barrier function and microbial balance.
Hormonal changes. Perimenopause, menopause and hormonal fluctuations can all influence both the gut and vaginal microbiome.
Common gut dysbiosis symptoms
One reason gut dysbiosis often goes undetected is that symptoms can show up almost anywhere in the body.
Digestive symptoms: bloating, excess wind, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS-type symptoms, reflux, nausea.
Food intolerance symptoms: digestive reactions after eating, increased sensitivity to certain foods, unpredictable symptoms, worsening tolerance over time.
Energy and brain function: fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, low motivation. Read more on the gut-brain axis here.
It's worth remembering that microbes live throughout the body, not just the gut, we each have distinct microbiomes in areas including the skin, mouth, lungs and vaginal tract, all interacting with the immune system. This helps explain why microbial imbalances can sometimes show up as symptoms far beyond the digestive system.
Can gut dysbiosis cause bloating
Absolutely. Bloating is one of the most common symptoms associated with gut dysbiosis. When certain microbes become overrepresented, fermentation patterns can change, leading to increased gas production and digestive discomfort. Many clients describe waking up with a flat stomach and feeling significantly more bloated by evening. While bloating isn't always caused by dysbiosis, it's one of the most common patterns worth investigating when symptoms are ongoing.
Gut dysbiosis, food intolerances and leaky gut
Many people assume food is always the problem. Often, food is simply exposing an underlying issue. Research suggests gut dysbiosis may contribute to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as 'leaky gut.' When the gut barrier becomes compromised, larger food particles may cross the gut lining, the immune system may become more reactive, food intolerances may become more noticeable, and inflammation may increase. This creates a cycle where gut dysfunction drives food reactions, which further aggravate symptoms, which is why it's worth asking why you're reacting in the first place, not just which foods to remove. Read more on leaky gut here.
Gut dysbiosis and skin problems
Your skin and gut are more connected than most people realise, a relationship researchers often call the gut-skin axis. Studies have identified associations between gut dysbiosis and acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, with an imbalanced microbiome potentially influencing systemic inflammation, immune function, skin barrier integrity and nutrient absorption. If you've tried every cream, cleanser and skincare routine without success, your gut may be worth investigating. Read more on the gut-skin axis here.
Gut dysbiosis and female health
The gut microbiome doesn't just influence digestion, it plays a role in female health too. Beneficial bacteria help support oestrogen metabolism, vaginal microbiome balance, immune function and inflammatory regulation. Emerging research suggests microbial imbalances may contribute to recurrent UTIs, thrush, bacterial vaginosis and hormonal symptoms. Many women are surprised to learn that ongoing urinary or vaginal symptoms may have roots extending far beyond the urinary tract itself. Read more: Recurrent UTIs: The Vaginal Microbiome Link You Need to Know.
Gut dysbiosis, candida and yeast overgrowth
While the internet often oversimplifies Candida discussions, yeast overgrowth can sometimes play a role in gut dysbiosis. Potential signs include bloating, sugar cravings, brain fog, digestive discomfort and recurrent thrush. Certain lifestyle factors may encourage yeast overgrowth, including frequent antibiotic use, high sugar diets, chronic stress and poor blood sugar control. This doesn't mean everyone with bloating has Candida, but it can be one piece of the puzzle for some individuals.
Gut dysbiosis and blood sugar balance
One of the most active areas of microbiome research is the relationship between gut bacteria and blood sugar regulation. Research suggests certain microbial patterns may be associated with insulin resistance, increased appetite, blood sugar instability and metabolic dysfunction. Meanwhile, unstable blood sugar levels may further disrupt the microbiome, creating a two-way relationship that can be difficult to break without addressing both sides.
Can gut dysbiosis be reversed
The microbiome is remarkably adaptable, and positive changes can often begin within days of changing diet and lifestyle habits.
Increase plant diversity. Aim for 30g of fibre per day and 30 or more different plant foods each week, greater diversity is associated with greater microbial diversity.
Prioritise fibre. Vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and oats.
Include fermented foods, if tolerated. Kefir, live yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha.
Support sleep. Quality sleep helps regulate inflammation, immunity and microbial health.
Manage stress. Even the best diet cannot fully compensate for chronic stress.
Balance blood sugar. Include protein, fibre and healthy fats with each meal and snack, and avoid 'naked carbs.' Read more on blood sugar regulation here.
How do you test for gut dysbiosis
Sometimes general dietary improvements are enough. If symptoms are persistent, testing can provide valuable insights.
Our Advanced Food Intolerance Assessment is useful for identifying potential food triggers associated with bloating, fatigue, digestive symptoms, skin concerns and headaches. Our Gut Microbiome Assessment provides detailed information on beneficial bacteria, opportunistic bacteria, microbial diversity, yeast markers, gut inflammation and digestive function. Rather than guessing, testing allows us to understand what's actually happening inside your gut and build a personalised plan accordingly.
The bottom line
Gut dysbiosis is increasingly recognised as a potential contributor to bloating, food intolerances, digestive discomfort, skin conditions, hormone symptoms, recurrent UTIs, yeast overgrowth and blood sugar imbalance. If you're constantly reacting to foods, struggling with bloating, or simply don't feel like yourself despite eating well, it may be time to stop guessing and start investigating. Sometimes the symptoms aren't the problem, they're the clue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gut Dysbiosis
What is gut dysbiosis? An imbalance within the gut microbiome, where beneficial bacteria become depleted and less favourable bacteria or yeast may become more dominant.
What are the symptoms of gut dysbiosis? Common symptoms include bloating, digestive discomfort, food intolerances, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, recurrent UTIs, thrush and sugar cravings.
Can gut dysbiosis cause food intolerances? Research suggests gut dysbiosis may contribute to immune activation and increased intestinal permeability, potentially making food reactions more likely.
Can gut dysbiosis affect hormones? Yes, the gut microbiome plays an important role in hormone metabolism, particularly oestrogen regulation via the estrobolome.
How do you test for gut dysbiosis? Comprehensive gut microbiome testing can assess microbial diversity, beneficial bacteria, opportunistic microbes, digestive markers, inflammation and yeast activity.
Can gut dysbiosis be reversed? In many cases, yes, positive dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly improve microbial balance and support a healthier gut environment over time.
References: Cryan JF et al. Physiological Reviews, 2019. / Valdes AM et al. BMJ, 2018. / Gilbert JA et al. Nature Medicine, 2018. / Marco ML et al. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2021. / Zmora N et al. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2019. / Byrd AL et al. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2018. / De Vos WM et al. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2022. / Muhleisen AL & Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Maturitas, 2016.
If anything in this article sounds familiar, your body may be trying to tell you something. The good news is, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Take the free Find Your FIT Quiz to discover which test or programme suits your symptoms, or book a free 15-minute Personalised FIT Health Review with Becki for a direct, no-obligation conversation about where to start.
About Becki Hawkins
Becki Hawkins, BSc (Hons), mBANT, CNHC, is the founder of FIT Nutrition & Testing Clinic and a Registered Nutritional Therapist with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in evidence-based personalised nutrition and functional testing, helping clients uncover the root causes of digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and unexplained symptoms. Becki combines clinical expertise with culinary creativity, translating complex test results into practical, delicious nutrition plans that work in real life. Her approach is simple: test, don't guess. Because guessing doesn't heal. Knowing does.