A healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, yet many people suffer from digestive issues unknowingly. Gut dysbiosis — a condition characterized by an imbalance of gut bacteria — can cause immune issues, brain fog, fatigue, bloating, and more. Left untreated, gut dysbiosis can lead to leaky gut syndrome and chronic inflammation. Fortunately, there are effective ways to support and restore gut health, including the use of targeted probiotics and gut dysbiosis supplements. Here, we'll explore what gut dysbiosis is, how to choose the best probiotics for gut dysbiosis, which supplements can help to restore your gut health, and when to seek medical advice for help with digestive issues.
What is gut dysbiosis?
The gut is home to trillions of microbes — mostly bacteria — known as the gut microbiome. These bacteria help digest food, support the immune system, and even affect your mood. Sometimes, the beneficial bacteria in the gut become outweighed by harmful bacteria, which can lead to uncomfortable and even harmful symptoms. This imbalance is known as gut dysbiosis.
While leaky gut syndrome and gut dysbiosis aren't the same thing, the two conditions are closely linked. Leaky gut syndrome can cause the intestines to become overly porous, allowing toxins and bacteria to pass into your bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and chronic illness.
Common signs of gut dysbiosis include:
- Frequent bloating or gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Food sensitivities
- Frequent illnesses
If you're dealing with the above symptoms, your gut microbiome might be out of balance, and you may benefit from probiotics and supplements designed to restore gut health.
Choosing the best probiotic for gut dysbiosis: What to look for
When you're looking for gut health products, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. There are tons of options on store shelves, and it's hard to differentiate between what works and what doesn't.
Look for the following when looking for dysbiosis probiotics.
Multi-strain formulas
Your gut contains a wide variety of bacteria, so it only makes sense that your probiotic should, too. Effective multi-strain formulas often include Lactobacillus (protects the lining of the gut), Bifidobacterium (reduces inflammation), and Saccharomyces boulardii (fights off harmful bacteria). These bacteria are well-researched and shown to restore healthy gut balance.
Clinically tested formulas
Not all supplements are created equally. Since supplements (like probiotics) aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it's important to carefully choose products that you can trust. Look for products that have been tested in human clinical trials, have proven benefits, and have been tested by third-party labs for purity and potency.
Beyond probiotics: gut dysbiosis supplements
Probiotics are vital for healing gut dysbiosis, but they shouldn't be the only tool in your arsenal.
Consider adding these supplements to further support gut health:
- Prebiotics: Prebiotics are fibers that feed the good bacteria in your gut — think of them as fertilizer that sets your gut microbiome up for success. Common probiotics include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). Many people get these from foods like onions, bananas, and garlic, but supplementing can provide you with a more targeted dose.
- Digestive enzymes: If the lining of your gut is inflamed or damaged, it might not be producing enough enzymes to break down food. This can make dysbiosis worse. Digestive enzyme supplements help support your body's ability to absorb nutrients and reduce bloating as your gut heals.
- L-glutamine: This amino acid works to help rebuild your intestinal lining, making it especially helpful for people experiencing leaky gut symptoms alongside gut dysbiosis. L-glutamine is also helpful for reducing overall inflammation in the body.
- Zinc carnosine: Many people use zinc carnosine to heal ulcers and reduce permeability in the lining of the gut.
- Herbal antimicrobials: Your healthcare provider may advise you to try natural antimicrobials, like berberine or garlic extract, if you have a specific gut health issue. It's important to only use these supplements under guidance from a healthcare professional.
When to reach out to your doctor
Supplements and probiotics can go a long way in balancing your gut health, but sometimes, it's important to reach out to a medical professional for help. Gut problems can be indicative of a deeper issue, and your doctor can help determine whether supplementation or other measures are necessary to help heal your gut.
Speak to a doctor if you experience:
- Blood in stool
- Frequent or ongoing heartburn
- Sudden abdominal pain
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Ongoing constipation
- Gut health issues that don't improve with over-the-counter treatments
Your doctor may refer you for advanced gut health testing that could involve stool analysis or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) breath tests to pinpoint the problem. They may also recommend prescription medications or a structured elimination diet.
Track patterns with Evidation to learn how to support gut health
Using tracking apps is a great way to learn more about your gut health, as well as identify triggers and find the diet that works best for your needs. At Evidation, our free app can help you see how your health-related actions affect your overall well-being.
When you download the app, you'll connect it with the health tracking apps you're already using, such as movement and nutrition trackers, hydration apps, etc. Evidation uses this information to find patterns and insights about how certain actions affect others, providing you with helpful next steps that can drive your health journey forward. Click here to learn more about Evidation and get started with improving your gut health today.
