Recognize a disrupted microbiome by these symptoms

Last edited: 28-02-2025

Occasionally a fart, stomach cramps, or diarrhea; everyone experiences it at some point. But when these complaints persist or worsen, there may be something more going on. You may have already contacted your GP or a specialist to address persistent intestinal complaints. If there has been no progress, it may be useful to take a closer look at your microbiota.

An imbalanced microbiota composition can contribute to many intestinal complaints. On this page, you’ll find a list of conditions and associated symptoms that may be linked to a disrupted gut microbiota. Additionally, we describe for each condition which score(s) in the test report you should focus on.

1.       Acute diarrhea (stomach flu)

Recognized by: loose stools, watery stools, the urge to go to the toilet.

Focus mainly on your score for unwanted bacteria in the results report. A high amount of these can irritate the intestines and may lead to acute diarrhea.

2.       Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Recognized by: stomach pain, cramps, bowel issues, bloating, flatulence.

Take the IBS test from MDL-fonds to determine if you might have IBS.

Focus first on your score for unwanted types and secondly on your score for energy-producing bacteria. An abundance of unwanted bacteria can suppress the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, such as energy-producing types. Low energy production may also contribute to symptoms typical of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Do you have IBS? We recommend reviewing the report in a different order than usual. Download the relevant manual here.

3.       Gurgling intestines, flatulence

Recognized by: bloated stomach, pain or intestinal cramps, constipation, flatulence, reduced appetite.

Focus first on your score for hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria (unwanted types) and secondly on your score for gas-producing bacteria. These types produce useful gases during the fermentation process, but an excess of these gases can cause gurgling intestines and flatulence.

4.       Chronic diarrhea

Recognized by: diarrhea lasting more than three weeks.

Focus first on your score for unwanted types; a high score can eventually lead to diarrhea. Then focus on your scores for diversity and lactate-producing bacteria. In individuals with chronic diarrhea, this score is often low.

5.       Overweight or obesity

Overweight is defined by a BMI of 25 to 29; and severe obesity (obesity) is defined by a BMI higher than 30.

Focus primarily on your score for diversity, energy-producing bacteria and proteobacteria. Low diversity, combined with a lack of energy-producing bacteria, is common in individuals with severe obesity. This microbiome composition typically has reduced resistance, which increases the chance of irritation (from proteobacteria).

6.       Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Recognized by: long-lasting fatigue, concentration and memory issues, stomach pain.

Focus mainly on your score for energy-producing bacteria. These bacteria play an important role in the production of short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, and acetate), which are important for healthy gut function. A shortage of these bacteria leaves insufficient energy available to carry out various bodily processes effectively.

7.       Constipation

Recognized by: having fewer than three bowel movements per week.

Focus first on your score for diversity; this score is often low in individuals with constipation. Secondly, your score for energy-producing bacteria is important. A high score is generally the result of adequate fiber intake. Fiber promotes regular stool formation, which reduces or prevents constipation. Lastly, focus on your score for lactate-producing bacteria; this score is also often low in individuals with constipation.

With our gut microbiome test, you can find out how your microbiome is composed. Then, with the test results, you can specifically search for a solution for your gut complaints, possibly together with a professional.

More than your intestines: complaints due to a disrupted microbiome  

A disrupted microbiota not only affects your intestines. Since your microbiome is connected to your immune system and brain, complaints can also arise in other parts of your body. Some examples are:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Skin problems, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema
• Mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and autism
• Hormonal imbalances, such as mood swings, irregular menstruation, and hormonal acne.

Important: the MyMicroZoo microbiome test does not focus on these complaints and conditions, as the scientific evidence for this is still insufficient. It is also unclear which bacteria are involved and whether there is a cause-effect relationship. This research is under development, and once sufficient evidence is available, we will integrate these insights into our test report.

The test mainly focuses on gut and gut bacteria health. Read here more about a healthy microbiome and the insights the test provides.
 

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