Dysbiosis 101: Symptoms, causes, treatments, and natural approaches
Bloating, cramping, unpredictable digestion, and recurring discomfort — sound familiar? If your gut feels out of sync more often than not, you might be dealing with something deeper: dysbiosis. It's more common than most realize, and it's linked to everything from digestive issues to fatigue and even skin problems.
At LaCura, we know how critical gut balance is. That’s why we develop targeted solutions that support your body's innate healing capacity: GI Support essential oil, a therapeutic blend of organic fennel, ginger, lemon, marjoram, and cajeput — all carefully chosen to target the root of gut discomfort.
What is dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the microbial communities living in your gut. Think of your gut as a thriving ecosystem made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. When this community is in balance, digestion, immunity, and mood often stay in check. But when harmful microbes outnumber the beneficial ones, symptoms begin to show up.
This imbalance may happen due to antibiotics, poor diet, chronic stress, or even environmental toxins. Left unaddressed, dysbiosis can lead to larger health concerns beyond the gut.
Different types of dysbiosis
Dysbiosis can take many forms, depending on which microbes are overgrown and how they’re affecting the gut. Here are some common types of dysbiosis:
- Bacterial overgrowth: A surplus of certain bacteria can crowd out beneficial microbes and produce toxins.
- Fungal dysbiosis: Overgrowth of yeast (such as Candida) disrupts the intestinal environment.
- Parasitic imbalance: Certain parasites can contribute to microbial disruption.
- Low diversity: A lack of bacterial variety can lead to reduced resilience and poor gut function.
Understanding which type you’re experiencing can help shape the right approach to healing.
Dysbiosis vs SIBO
These terms are often used interchangeably but represent different things. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a type of dysbiosis. In SIBO, bacteria that typically live in the large intestine start to multiply in the small intestine, where they don't belong. This causes symptoms like bloating, gas, and malabsorption.
Dysbiosis, on the other hand, is broader. It can involve bacterial imbalance in any part of the digestive tract and includes fungal and parasitic imbalances too. So while all SIBO cases involve dysbiosis, not all dysbiosis is SIBO.
How does dysbiosis affect me?
Gut imbalance may seem like just a digestive issue, but its effects extend far beyond your belly. Your gut microbiome plays a role in immunity, mood, weight management, skin health, and even hormone balance. That means dysbiosis can contribute to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog and mood swings
- Frequent infections
- Food sensitivities
- Skin flare-ups (like acne, eczema)
The gut truly is your second brain, and when it’s out of balance, your whole body feels it.
What can gut dysbiosis lead to?
The list of diseases caused by dysbiosis continues to grow. Research connects dysbiosis to conditions such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Allergies and asthma
- Depression and anxiety
The takeaway? Gut health is whole-body health. Addressing microbial imbalance early may prevent more serious issues down the road.
Common signs and symptoms of dysbiosis
So what does it feel like when your gut microbes are out of sync? Here are some of the most common signs of dysbiosis:
- Persistent bloating or gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bad breath
- Food intolerances
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Skin issues
- Cravings for sugar or carbs
Women, in particular, may experience more complex or hormone-related symptoms. Dysbiosis symptoms in females can include yeast infections, acne flare-ups, menstrual irregularities, or worsened PMS.
Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial to seeking support before issues compound.
What causes dysbiosis?
There’s no single cause, but several everyday habits and health challenges can disrupt your gut flora. Here’s a list of potential causes of dysbiosis:
- Repeated antibiotic use
- High-sugar or low-fiber diets
- Chronic stress or poor sleep
- Heavy alcohol intake
- Pesticide exposure (non-organic produce)
- Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections
Conventional treatments for dysbiosis
Standard dysbiosis treatment often begins with testing (like stool analysis or breath tests) to identify microbial imbalances. From there, conventional practitioners may recommend:
- Prescription antimicrobials
- Antibiotics (if bacterial overgrowth is present)
- Antifungals for yeast issues
- Digestive enzymes
- Probiotics
While these can be effective short-term, they often don’t address the root — and may even risk further imbalance if not paired with restorative care.
Natural approaches to restore gut balance
Want a sustainable way to support your gut without relying on synthetic medications? A gut dysbiosis natural treatment strategy focuses on restoring microbial harmony through daily practices.
Lifestyle and dietary changes
Start by cleaning up your food and lifestyle routines. Emphasize low carbohydrates and healthy oils, and eliminate seed oils like canola, soy, and corn. These steps help set the stage for microbial healing:
- Eat fiber-rich, unprocessed foods
- Stay hydrated
- Prioritize sleep
- Manage stress with mindfulness or light exercise
- Avoid artificial sweeteners and additives
Fasting and gut rest approaches
Intermittent fasting can give your gut a chance to rest and repair. For example, a 12–16 hour fasting window supports the body’s natural microbial housekeeping (migrating motor complex). Gut rest can also be achieved by limiting snacking and eating lighter, easily digestible meals.
Herbal remedies
Many herbs and botanicals support microbial balance. Oregano and thyme are oils that are antiviral and antibacetrial, and research shows that they can fortify the microbiome. At LaCura, our GI Support blend brings together five of the most powerful essential oils for gut dysbiosis:
- Fennel: Supports digestion, reduces bloating, and expels gas
- Ginger: Enhances gut motility and relieves constipation
- Lemon: Calms spasms and supports symptoms of IBS or GERD
- Marjoram: Reduces inflammation and soothes gut discomfort
- Cajeput: Relieves trapped gas and calms intestinal inflammation
This 100% organic, food-grade blend can be taken daily — either mixed into water or in vegan capsules — to support gut healing naturally.
Foods to eat and avoid for a healthy gut microbiome
Your daily diet plays a huge role in gut health. Consider these guidelines to shape your dysbiosis diet:
Foods to include:
- Prebiotic foods: garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus
- Fermented foods: kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, miso
- High-fiber fruits and veggies
- Bone broth and collagen-rich foods
Foods to avoid:
- Refined sugars and starches
- Artificial sweeteners (especially sucralose)
- Processed and packaged snacks
- Excess alcohol
Consistency with diet can speed up gut repair, and it’s often the best first step.
Frequently asked questions
Can dysbiosis heal on its own?
In some mild cases, yes. If the cause (like a short course of antibiotics or dietary slip) is removed, the gut may rebalance over time. But chronic or severe cases usually need targeted support.
How long does it take to rebalance the gut?
This depends on severity, diet, and lifestyle. Some people notice changes in 2–4 weeks, but full healing may take several months.
Can children experience dysbiosis?
Yes, children are not immune. Early antibiotic exposure, formula feeding, or processed foods can disrupt their microbiome.
How to heal gut dysbiosis naturally?
The best approach combines diet, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies like LaCura GI Support essential oil blend. Avoiding triggers and nourishing beneficial bacteria is key.
Is it possible to cure dysbiosis permanently?
You can restore balance, but staying healthy means ongoing maintenance — like a clean diet and low stress — to keep dysbiosis from recurring.
How to treat dysbiosis?
Conventional treatments include antimicrobials, while natural methods focus on whole foods, probiotics, herbs, and essential oils.
How do I get a healthy gut microbiome?
Prioritize plant-based, fiber-rich meals, fermented foods, and daily stress relief. For added support, use therapeutic blends like LaCura GI Support to calm and nourish the digestive system.
The bottom line
Digestive issues can significantly affect your day-to-day life. Essential oils offer a natural, gentle, and effective way to support digestive health, providing relief from bloating, indigestion, abdominal cramps, and other common digestive discomforts.
LaCura offers a science-backed, natural way to support digestion and gut healing. Our GI Support essential oil blend is designed to work around the clock, targeting discomfort at its root and restoring your microbiome with every drop.
- Organic, food-grade, safe for internal use
- Lasts 30 days, just 8 drops daily in water or capsules
- Clinically-backed oils that work
Ready to take charge of your gut health? Explore LaCura GI Support and feel the difference.
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