Signs of Gut Dysbiosis: Symptoms, Causes & How to Support Gut Health Naturally

What Is Gut Dysbiosis?

Your digestive system does far more than process food.

Researchers continue to investigate how the gut microbiome influences:

Digestive wellbeing
Immune function
Nutrient absorption
Energy metabolism
Overall health

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that live within the digestive tract.

When the balance and diversity of these microorganisms changes, researchers often refer to this as gut dysbiosis.

Many factors can influence microbiome diversity, including diet, stress, sleep, medications and lifestyle habits.

At Broth & Co, we believe supporting digestive wellbeing is one of the foundations of long-term health.

Common Signs Associated with Gut Dysbiosis

While symptoms can vary significantly between individuals, researchers continue to investigate associations between microbiome imbalance and a range of digestive and wellbeing-related symptoms.

1. Bloating and Gas

Frequent bloating after meals may indicate that digestion is not functioning optimally.

Some people experience:

Excess gas
Abdominal discomfort
Changes after certain foods

2. Digestive Changes

Changes in bowel habits may include:

Constipation
Diarrhoea
Irregular bowel movements
Digestive discomfort

3. Food Intolerances or Sensitivities

Some individuals report difficulty tolerating certain foods.

Researchers continue to investigate relationships between digestive wellbeing, microbiome diversity and food tolerance.

4. Low Energy

Digestive wellbeing influences nutrient digestion and absorption.

Many factors can contribute to low energy, and researchers continue to explore how gut health may play a role.

5. Brain Fog and Reduced Mental Clarity

The digestive system and brain communicate through a network often referred to as the gut–brain axis.

6. Skin Concerns

Researchers continue to investigate relationships between digestive wellbeing, the microbiome and skin health.

7. Increased Cravings

Diet quality, eating patterns and microbiome composition may all influence appetite and food preferences.

8. Reduced Resilience During Illness

The digestive system and immune system are closely connected.

Researchers continue to explore how microbiome diversity contributes to overall immune function.

9. Poor Sleep

Sleep and digestive wellbeing appear to influence each other.

Improving sleep habits is often an important part of broader wellbeing strategies.

10. Joint or Musculoskeletal Discomfort

Researchers continue to investigate the relationship between inflammation, dietary quality and overall wellbeing.

11. Changes in Weight or Appetite

Many factors influence body weight, including:

Dietary intake
Physical activity
Sleep
Stress
Metabolic health

Researchers continue to investigate the role of the microbiome in these processes.

12. Increased Stress Sensitivity

The gut–brain connection continues to be an active area of research, particularly regarding stress, mood and wellbeing.

What May Contribute to Gut Dysbiosis?

Many lifestyle and dietary factors may influence microbiome diversity.

Common contributors include:

Diets low in fibre
High intake of ultra-processed foods
Antibiotic use
Chronic stress
Poor sleep
Low dietary diversity

Most people experience several of these factors simultaneously.

Why Gut Health Matters

Researchers continue to investigate how digestive wellbeing influences:

Nutrient absorption
Immune function
Energy metabolism
Overall wellbeing

Gut health is increasingly recognised as an important component of healthy ageing.

Learn more:

👉 4 Hallmarks of Aging

Supporting Gut Health Naturally

Improving digestive wellbeing does not require extreme protocols.

Small, consistent changes often have the greatest long-term impact.

1. Prioritise Whole Foods

Focus on a wide variety of:

Vegetables
Fruit
Legumes
Whole grains
Protein-rich foods

Dietary diversity supports microbiome diversity.

2. Include Fibre Gradually

Fibre acts as a food source for many beneficial gut microorganisms.

Good sources include:

Vegetables
Fruit
Legumes
Whole grains

Increase fibre gradually and maintain hydration.

3. Include Nutrient-Dense Foods

Bone broth is commonly used as part of a food-first digestive wellbeing approach.

A serve of Broth & Co Bone Broth provides approximately 5g of naturally occurring protein together with collagen-derived amino acids including:

Glycine
Glutamine
Proline

Many people choose to include bone broth as part of nutrition strategies focused on digestive wellbeing, active lifestyles and healthy ageing.

Learn more:

👉 Bone Broth Guide

The Broth & Co Clinical Study

Broth & Co Bone Broth Powder is supported by a clinical study conducted through the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM).

The study investigated daily bone broth consumption in Australian adults experiencing lower gastrointestinal disturbances.

Researchers observed improvements in:

Digestive wellbeing outcomes
Gastrointestinal symptom measures
Quality of life measures
Markers associated with intestinal permeability

following daily bone broth consumption.

4. Reduce Reliance on Ultra-Processed Foods

Many dietary guidelines encourage replacing highly processed foods with more whole-food options where possible.

5. Prioritise Sleep and Stress Management

Researchers continue to investigate relationships between:

Sleep
Stress
Digestive wellbeing
Microbiome diversity

Helpful habits may include:

Consistent sleep schedules
Physical activity
Time outdoors
Relaxation practices

A Simple Daily Gut Health Framework

Morning

Hydration
Optional bone broth
Protein-rich breakfast

Midday

Vegetables
Fibre-rich foods
Protein

Evening

Balanced whole-food meal
Consistent sleep routine

For practical ideas:

👉 Build Your Gut Routine

and

👉 7 Day Bone Broth Meal Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gut dysbiosis?

Gut dysbiosis refers to changes in the balance and diversity of microorganisms within the digestive system.

What are common signs of gut dysbiosis?

People may experience digestive discomfort, bloating, changes in bowel habits and other symptoms, although causes vary widely between individuals.

Can diet influence gut health?

Yes. Diet is one of the most important factors influencing microbiome diversity and digestive wellbeing.

Is fibre important for the microbiome?

Fibre provides fuel for many beneficial gut microorganisms and contributes to digestive health.

Can bone broth be included in a gut health routine?

Yes. Bone broth provides naturally occurring protein and collagen-derived amino acids and can be incorporated into a balanced dietary pattern.

Final Thoughts

Digestive wellbeing influences many aspects of health.

Researchers continue to investigate how microbiome diversity, dietary quality and lifestyle habits contribute to long-term wellbeing.

By focusing on:

Whole-food nutrition
Dietary variety
Adequate protein intake
Fibre-rich foods
Sleep
Stress management

you can support digestive wellbeing and overall health over time.

At Broth & Co, we believe healthy digestion starts with simple, nourishing foods and sustainable daily habits.

Continue Reading

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