Dysbiosis: Causes, Consequences, and Surprising Facts

Dysbiosis is a disruption of the normal gut microbiota, and it’s becoming increasingly common among modern populations. Once considered merely a digestive issue, dysbiosis has now earned recognition as a global medical concern, impacting nearly every aspect of human health—from immune function to mental well-being. Scientific research continues to uncover the causes, consequences, and treatments of this condition. What’s new in this field? Let’s dive in.

What Is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, where the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, allowing harmful microbes to dominate. The gut microbiota is a vast community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that interact with each other and the host. They play critical roles in digestion, vitamin synthesis, metabolism, and immune system support.

Causes of Dysbiosis: Modern Factors

1. Antibiotics: Not Just an Old Threat

For a long time, antibiotic overuse was considered the primary cause of dysbiosis—and rightly so. Even a single course of antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome for years. However, new research shows that antibiotics are far from the only factor.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):

Medications like omeprazole lower stomach acidity, creating an environment where harmful microbes, such as Clostridium difficile, can thrive and cause serious infections. This disruption leads to dysbiosis.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

Drugs like ibuprofen and diclofenac compromise the gut's protective mucosal barrier, promoting inflammation and microbiota imbalance.

Artificial Sweeteners:

Studies reveal that artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can alter gut microbiota composition. They may encourage the growth of pathogenic bacteria and reduce the population of beneficial probiotics (Cell, 2024).

2. The Western Diet: Processed Foods and Consequences

The Western diet—high in ultra-processed foods, fast food, and sugar—is another key contributor to dysbiosis. According to research (Gut Microbes, 2023), such diets decrease microbiome diversity, encourage the growth of harmful microorganisms, and deplete beneficial bacteria.
Moreover, a lack of dietary fiber deprives important species like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii of essential nutrients for survival. On average, we now consume only half as much fiber as our ancestors did.

3. Stress and Sleep Deprivation: Invisible Microbiome Enemies

Chronic stress and sleep deprivation not only elevate cortisol—the stress hormone—but also directly alter gut microbiota composition. Recent studies show that as little as three days of sleep deprivation can significantly disrupt the microbiome, mirroring the effects of a diet high in unhealthy fats and sugar (Science Advances, 2024).

Myths and Facts About Dysbiosis

Myth 1: Dysbiosis Only Affects the Gut

Fact: Dysbiosis impacts not just digestion but the entire body. The gut microbiota interacts with the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. Its imbalance can lead to a wide range of health issues:

Immune dysfunction: Increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Chronic inflammation: Dysbiosis is linked to inflammatory conditions in the joints, skin (eczema, psoriasis), and even the cardiovascular system.
Mental health issues: Through the gut-brain axis, dysbiosis can influence anxiety, depression, and cognitive functions.
Metabolic disorders: Obesity, diabetes, and liver conditions are increasingly associated with microbiome imbalances.

Myth 2: Treating Dysbiosis Is Just About Taking Probiotics

Fact: Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) are only one part of the solution. For sustainable microbiome recovery, you need to:

Adjust your diet: Include prebiotics—fiber-rich foods that nourish good bacteria.
Address underlying causes: Minimize unnecessary antibiotic use, treat chronic infections, and cut down on sugar and processed foods.
Manage stress: Chronic stress alters microbiome composition through hormonal shifts (cortisol).

Myth 3: Probiotics Are a One-Size-Fits-All Remedy

Fact: Research shows that the effectiveness of probiotics varies depending on individual microbiomes. Here’s why:

Different bacterial strains: Not all probiotics work the same for everyone. For example, Lactobacillus strains may benefit some people but be ineffective—or even harmful—for others.
Microbiome uniqueness: Each person’s gut microbiome is distinct, so generic probiotics might not yield the expected results.
Drug and diet interactions: Some probiotics may clash with antibiotics or fail to colonize properly without appropriate dietary support.

Key Symptoms of Dysbiosis to Watch For:

Digestive symptoms:

Bowel movement issues: Diarrhea (frequent loose stools) or constipation. Feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Abdominal bloating and gas, especially after meals.
Gurgling or rumbling sounds in the abdomen.
Mild, diffuse intestinal pain or discomfort.

Non-digestive symptoms:

Skin problems: Dryness, rashes, allergic reactions.
Bad breath, even with good oral hygiene.
General weakness and fatigue.
Signs of nutrient deficiencies: Brittle nails, hair loss—due to impaired nutrient absorption.
Frequent fungal infections (e.g., yeast infections, nail fungus) due to weakened local immunity.

When to See a Doctor:

Symptoms persist for more than 1–2 weeks.
Presence of blood in stool, severe pain, or high fever.
Significant, unexplained weight loss.

To help counter dysbiosis caused by poor diet, antibiotic use, chronic stress, and unhealthy habits, we recommend Greespi —a product designed to support comprehensive gut health.

Learn more about how Greespi combats dysbiosis here.

References:

Yang, S., Liu, H., & Liu, Y. (2025). Understanding dysbiosis and resilience in the human gut microbiome: biomarkers, interventions, and challenges. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1559521.
Zimmerman, E. S. (2019). Study of intestinal dysbiosis: state of the problem and new trends. Pancreatic Club Bulletin, 45(4), 44–53.
Healthyliving.gr. (2021). Nutritional and medical applications of spirulina microalgae. Retrieved from [source].
Hernandez-Saavedra, D., et al. (2024). The impact of processing on the nutritional quality of plant proteins. Food Research International, 146, 110589.

Wang, Y., et al. (2019). Polysaccharide from Spirulina platensis ameliorates diphenoxylate-induced constipation by modulating intestinal microbiota in mice. Food Research International, 125, 108625.

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