Gut Health Focus
Knowing you have dysbiosis isn't enough! Treatment depends on the type.
Bruna Barbosa
October 30, 2025
4 min read
28 views
See also: #guthealth, #weightloss-and-satiety, #detox-and-reeducation, #functional-nutrition
Did you know that simply identifying that you have dysbiosis isn't enough? The correct treatment...
Dysbiosis: Understanding the Different Types and Treatments 🌟
Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, can manifest in various ways, and each type requires a unique approach. Let's explore the different types of dysbiosis in more depth, how it affects the body, and how treatment should be personalized for each case.
1️⃣ What is Dysbiosis? 🤔
Our bodies are naturally colonized by a diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and archaea. These microorganisms play essential roles in the digestive process, vitamin production, protection against pathogens, and regulation of the immune system. However, when there is a qualitative and quantitative imbalance of these microorganisms in certain areas of the body, such as the mouth, skin, or intestines, dysbiosis occurs.
This imbalance can be caused by several factors, including excessive use of antibiotics, a diet low in fiber, excessive consumption of processed foods, stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins. Dysbiosis can cause a range of health problems, from digestive disorders to more serious complications such as autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. Therefore, it is essential that dysbiosis be treated appropriately to restore the balance of the microbiota and, consequently, the overall health of the organism.
2️⃣ Types of Dysbiosis 📚
Currently, the most studied types of dysbiosis include SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth), LIBO (large intestinal bacterial overgrowth), parasitosis, and IMO (methanogenic overgrowth). Each of these types of dysbiosis presents specific symptoms and requires distinct treatment approaches. Next, we explore each type in more detail:
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
SIBO is characterized by an excessive proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine, where bacteria are normally found in smaller quantities. This overgrowth can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distension, gas, and changes in bowel movement patterns, such as diarrhea or constipation. Patients with SIBO may also experience weight loss if they suffer from persistent diarrhea, or weight gain if they are constipated.
Treatment for SIBO often involves the use of antibiotics to reduce the bacterial population in the small intestine, but also includes dietary modifications, such as reducing fermentable carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs, which can feed the bacteria. In addition, it is important to consider the use of specific probiotics and supplements that help restore intestinal motility and prevent recurrences.
SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth)
SIFO, in turn, is characterized by the excessive growth of fungi, such as Candida, in the small intestine. This type of dysbiosis can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms often overlap with those of other gastrointestinal conditions, including abdominal distension, gas, diarrhea alternating with constipation, and bad breath. Other symptoms include nail fungus, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and cravings for sweets.
Treatment for SIFO generally includes antifungals to control fungal growth, as well as dietary changes to reduce the consumption of sugars and refined carbohydrates, which can fuel fungal growth. It is also important to strengthen the immune system and consider the use of probiotics to restore the balance of the microbiota.
3️⃣ Practical tip: 🍎
Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, and stress management, are fundamental to the long-term success of treatment. Without these changes, the risk of dysbiosis recurrence is high, especially in cases of SIFO, where the body may become more susceptible to relapses.
Conclusion
Knowing you have dysbiosis is only the first step. The real challenge is identifying the specific type and adopting the appropriate treatment. Follow-up with a nutritionist specializing in gut health is fundamental for effective and lasting treatment. Remember that each case is unique, and personalized treatment is key to successful recovery of gut health.
Bruna Barbosa
Nutritionist – CRN-DF 16963
Specializing in Functional Nutrition, Phytotherapy, and Digestive Health, Dr. Bruna helps people understand their symptoms and transform their health starting from the gut, based on scientific evidence, empathy, and clinical practice.
With a strong focus on evidence-based nutritional education, Bruna produces accessible and well-founded content to guide more conscious, safe, and sustainable choices. Maintaining her commitment to professional ethics, clarity, and scientific excellence, she promotes real health in a personalized and responsible way.
Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, can manifest in various ways, and each type requires a unique approach. Let's explore the different types of dysbiosis in more depth, how it affects the body, and how treatment should be personalized for each case.
1️⃣ What is Dysbiosis? 🤔
Our bodies are naturally colonized by a diversity of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and archaea. These microorganisms play essential roles in the digestive process, vitamin production, protection against pathogens, and regulation of the immune system. However, when there is a qualitative and quantitative imbalance of these microorganisms in certain areas of the body, such as the mouth, skin, or intestines, dysbiosis occurs.
This imbalance can be caused by several factors, including excessive use of antibiotics, a diet low in fiber, excessive consumption of processed foods, stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins. Dysbiosis can cause a range of health problems, from digestive disorders to more serious complications such as autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. Therefore, it is essential that dysbiosis be treated appropriately to restore the balance of the microbiota and, consequently, the overall health of the organism.
2️⃣ Types of Dysbiosis 📚
Currently, the most studied types of dysbiosis include SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth), LIBO (large intestinal bacterial overgrowth), parasitosis, and IMO (methanogenic overgrowth). Each of these types of dysbiosis presents specific symptoms and requires distinct treatment approaches. Next, we explore each type in more detail:
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
SIBO is characterized by an excessive proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine, where bacteria are normally found in smaller quantities. This overgrowth can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distension, gas, and changes in bowel movement patterns, such as diarrhea or constipation. Patients with SIBO may also experience weight loss if they suffer from persistent diarrhea, or weight gain if they are constipated.
Treatment for SIBO often involves the use of antibiotics to reduce the bacterial population in the small intestine, but also includes dietary modifications, such as reducing fermentable carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs, which can feed the bacteria. In addition, it is important to consider the use of specific probiotics and supplements that help restore intestinal motility and prevent recurrences.
SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth)
SIFO, in turn, is characterized by the excessive growth of fungi, such as Candida, in the small intestine. This type of dysbiosis can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms often overlap with those of other gastrointestinal conditions, including abdominal distension, gas, diarrhea alternating with constipation, and bad breath. Other symptoms include nail fungus, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and cravings for sweets.
Treatment for SIFO generally includes antifungals to control fungal growth, as well as dietary changes to reduce the consumption of sugars and refined carbohydrates, which can fuel fungal growth. It is also important to strengthen the immune system and consider the use of probiotics to restore the balance of the microbiota.
3️⃣ Practical tip: 🍎
Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, and stress management, are fundamental to the long-term success of treatment. Without these changes, the risk of dysbiosis recurrence is high, especially in cases of SIFO, where the body may become more susceptible to relapses.
Conclusion
Knowing you have dysbiosis is only the first step. The real challenge is identifying the specific type and adopting the appropriate treatment. Follow-up with a nutritionist specializing in gut health is fundamental for effective and lasting treatment. Remember that each case is unique, and personalized treatment is key to successful recovery of gut health.
Bruna Barbosa
Nutritionist – CRN-DF 16963
Specializing in Functional Nutrition, Phytotherapy, and Digestive Health, Dr. Bruna helps people understand their symptoms and transform their health starting from the gut, based on scientific evidence, empathy, and clinical practice.
With a strong focus on evidence-based nutritional education, Bruna produces accessible and well-founded content to guide more conscious, safe, and sustainable choices. Maintaining her commitment to professional ethics, clarity, and scientific excellence, she promotes real health in a personalized and responsible way.
