Update December 2023: If you are suffering from signs and symptoms of gut dysbiosis then I recommend taking a probiotic + enzyme supplement canxida restore which doesn’t contain prebiotic. Canxida Restore is the best when it comes to getting rid of gut dysbiosis symptoms. You can get it on canxida.com. You can read more about diet for gut dysbiosis here and how to get rid of it here.
There are many indications that someone might have gut dysbiosis and most of these are cross-over indicators with other, quite possibly already diagnosed, illnesses. However most of the indicators come under the classification of symptoms rather than signs. What’s the difference? Here’s a quick definition:
Symptoms
Symptoms are considered to be something subjective or something that cannot be proven. For example stomach ache would be considered a symptom, as would fatigue or foggy thinking. A symptom is essentially associated with something that someone feels rather than being something someone can see.
Signs
Signs are something which is objective or provable. For example your arm might be itching and that would be a symptom, but if the itchy area turns into a rash then you now can provide your doctor with a sign that your have a problem.
Other signs are actual tests. If you go to the doctor telling them you are tired all the time then that is a symptom. When the doctor carries out a blood test and it reveals you have anemia then that is a sign.
For ease of reading I will refer to both signs and symptoms only as symptoms for the remainder of this article
Symptoms of Gut Dysbiosis
Many people, including clinicians, think of gut dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome as being linked purely to digestive issues. For example decreased appetite, a feeling of fullness after eating, flatulence, or diarrhea. However many of the symptoms which patients experience are not due to a direct disruption of digestion but to a disruption to overall metabolism. This is because the minerals, nutrients, vitamins and other myriad compounds which are released by the digestive process when it is working properly, are not being released because the digestive system is not effectively breaking down the food we eat.
The end result of this malfunction of the digestive system means not only do we get a build up of the pathogenic microflora but also that if it is left untreated for long enough, every single part of our body can be affected. This is because the cells are simply not receiving the energy they need to function properly. And this is why, when someone is suffering from gut dysbiosis, the symptoms can be many and varied.
Most people notice when their digestion is a ‘bit off.’ They may have indigestion, suffer bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea or other clear indications that something is not quite right with their digestive function. At the same time they may also notice many other, apparently unrelated, symptoms such as diminishing clarity of thought or maybe they have recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. Some people may even feel a little low, anxious or even depressed. Such symptoms are not caused directly by the digestive dysfunction but by the metabolic process starting to fail because the rest of the body is not receiving the correct amounts of compounds it requires to function at optimal level.
If we begin to understand that the indirect effects of gut dysbiosis can affect the optimal function of any part of the body, including functions such as the immune system and hormones, then we can also see why the symptoms are many. Here are just a few of the most common symptoms which many clinicians refer to when looking for an indication of gut dysbiosis:
- Candida
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation with intermittent diarrhea
- Food allergies, intolerance or sensitivities
- Low mood or depression
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Immune system disorders
- Allergies
- Asthma or other breathing difficulties
- Fatigue
- Nutritional or vitamin deficiencies
- Brain fog
- Memory loss
- Headaches
Gut dysbiosis has also been linked to the following conditions:
- Autism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Crones disease
- Alcoholism
- SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Note: this condition is also not recognized in the UK.
If you feel that your symptoms may indicate gut dysbiosis then take action now. However be forewarned, currently the strongest message coming from contemporary medicine is that it is not convinced gut dysbiosis or leaky gut syndrome either exist, or if they do, that they do not cause any serious problems. The most recent scientific research however does not substantiate attitudes such as this. And that is why it is important that you elect to use the services of a clinician who is well informed about the problems gut dysbiosis can result in.
Here’s a chart to give you a better idea of signs and symptoms of gut dysbiosis. Please note the names have been changed for privacy reasons.
| Name | Age | Occupation | Medical History | Diet | Lifestyle Factors | Recent Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily | 38 | Corporate Lawyer | History of IBS, frequent antibiotics use | Processed foods, low fiber | High stress, sedentary, poor sleep | Gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, fatigue |
| Michael | 45 | High School Teacher | Frequent antibiotics for sinus infections, acid reflux | High sugar, fast food | Moderate activity, high stress, poor sleep | Fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, skin irritations |
| Anita | 52 | Freelance Graphic Designer | Type 2 diabetes, yeast infections | Balanced but reliant on ready-to-eat meals | Moderate activity, stress management issues, irregular sleep | Bloating, gas, constipation, lethargy |
| Raj | 34 | Software Engineer | Stress-related gastritis | Mostly vegetarian, high in carbohydrates | Sedentary, high stress, disrupted sleep | Gut discomfort, gas, bloating, mood swings |