Intestinal imbalance —or dysbiosis—occurs when the composition of the gut microbiome is disrupted: beneficial bacteria decrease, opportunistic bacteria proliferate, and overall microbial diversity declines. This is a common functional condition influenced by diet, stress, antibiotics, and lifestyle, and it can be corrected through targeted nutritional and probiotic strategies. Explore our range of probiotic supplements.
What is gut imbalance?
Intestinal dysbiosis refers to a qualitative and/or quantitative imbalance in the microbiome —it can affect any part of the digestive tract. It is characterized by reduced bacterial diversity, a decrease in beneficial genera (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii), and a relative proliferation of opportunistic bacteria. Dysbiosis is not a disease in itself—it is a state of the microbiome that can contribute to digestive and functional discomfort. Medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease or IBD require specialized medical care, beyond probiotic support alone.
What factors disrupt the gut flora?
Several everyday factors can disrupt the composition of the microbiome.
- Antibiotic therapy: rapid and significant depletion of the microbiome—up to 30% of diversity can be lost after a course of treatment
- Low-fiber diet: deprived of their substrate, beneficial bacteria decline in favor of opportunistic species
- Chronic stress: the brain-gut axis alters intestinal permeability and the composition of the microbiome via cortisol
- Gastrointestinal infections: Pathogenic viruses or bacteria temporarily disrupt the gut flora
- Alcohol, tobacco, artificial sweeteners, and ultra-processed foods: documented factors contributing to dysbiosis
How can you recognize dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis often manifests as functional digestive and extradigestive symptoms.
- Digestive: recurrent bloating, gas, alternating diarrhea and constipation, postprandial abdominal discomfort
- Non-digestive: persistent fatigue, decreased concentration, increased susceptibility to winter infections
- Skin-related: Certain symptoms, such as eczema flare-ups or skin blemishes, may be associated with intestinal dysbiosis
- A definitive diagnosis (metagenomic stool analysis) is performed in a specialized laboratory—by medical prescription
- If symptoms are persistent or severe, a medical consultation is essential—see our page on digestive comfort
Probiotics and prebiotics for dysbiosis?
The combination of probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotics) is the most well-documented complementary approach for restoring gut flora.
- Probiotics: reintroduce beneficial strains into the microbiome—choose identified strains (B. longum, L. rhamnosus GG, S. boulardii after antibiotic therapy)
- Prebiotics (inulin, FOS, GOS): selectively feed the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli already present
- Bifidobacteria: the probiotic genus most affected by dysbiosis—supplementation with them is often a priority
- Glutamine: supports the integrity of the intestinal mucosa alongside microbial restoration
- Restoration timeframe: 4 to 8 weeks of continuous probiotic treatment for a documented effect on microbiome composition
Diet and microbiome balance?
Diet is the most powerful and sustainable way to maintain a balanced microbiome.
- Increase plant diversity: aim for “30 different plants per week”—each species feeds distinct bacteria
- Soluble fiber (pectins, inulin) + insoluble fiber (whole grains): two types of fiber, two complementary microenvironments
- Daily fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha—a source of live bacteria and postbiotics
- Reduce added sugars, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners—documented microbial disruptors
- Adequate hydration: maintains the fluidity of colonic contents and promotes intestinal transit
How to restore your gut flora?
Restoring the microbiome after dysbiosis follows a gradual protocol.
- Phase 1 (Days 1–14): Targeted probiotics based on the cause + a gentle diet (gradual introduction of fiber to limit initial bloating)
- Phase 2 (Days 15–60): synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics), gradual dietary diversification, stress management
- After antibiotic therapy: S. boulardii as first-line treatment, followed by other bacterial strains
- Vitamin C: supports mucosal immunity during the recovery phase
- Monitoring: normalization of bowel function and resolution of bloating as indicators of functional recovery
