Dysbiosis can manifest in several distinct patterns, each requiring specific assessment and targeted restoration strategies for optimal microbiome recovery.
| Type | Primary Characteristics | Common Manifestations | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beneficial Bacteria Depletion | Loss of key beneficial species (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium) | Poor digestion, compromised immunity, increased infections | Often responds well to targeted probiotic restoration |
| Pathogenic Bacterial Overgrowth | Proliferation of harmful bacteria (Clostridium difficile, pathogenic E. coli, Proteus) | Chronic inflammation, digestive upset, systemic symptoms | Requires antimicrobial treatment followed by beneficial bacteria restoration |
| Loss of Overall Diversity | Reduction in total microbial species and genetic diversity | Multiple food sensitivities, poor stress resilience, accelerated aging | Needs comprehensive diversity restoration through varied fiber sources |
| Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) | Beneficial colon bacteria migrating to small intestine | Bloating, malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, food intolerances | Requires specialized treatment and motility restoration |
Digestive and Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
Immune and Inflammatory Symptoms:
Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms:
Metabolic and Systemic Symptoms:
Comprehensive microbiome assessment goes beyond basic stool testing to evaluate the complex ecosystem of your gut and identify specific imbalances affecting your health. At Whole Gut Health, we use advanced diagnostics to map your unique microbiome and develop personalized restoration protocols.
Testing options may include:
Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Analysis using advanced DNA sequencing to assess bacterial diversity, beneficial vs. pathogenic ratios, and functional capacity of your microbial community.
SIBO Breath Testing to identify bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and determine specific gas patterns (hydrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide).
Comprehensive Stool Analysis evaluating digestive function, inflammation markers, beneficial bacteria levels, and potential pathogenic organisms.
Food Sensitivity Testing to identify dietary triggers that may be contributing to microbiome imbalance and chronic inflammation.
Nutritional Assessment including vitamins, minerals, and metabolites produced by gut bacteria to assess functional status.
Inflammatory and Immune Markers to evaluate the systemic impact of microbiome imbalance on overall health.
Metabolomic Analysis when indicated to assess microbial metabolite production and functional pathways.
We customize testing protocols based on your symptoms, health history, and suspected dysbiosis patterns to ensure comprehensive evaluation and optimal restoration planning.
Our Three-Phase Microbiome Optimization Protocol Includes:
1. Assessment and Dysbiosis Pattern Identification
2. Targeted Microbiome Restoration
3. Long-Term Microbiome Maintenance and Resilience
Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier gut health specialist doctor is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. She is a gut health specialist with training in conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health. She is an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and advanced diagnostics. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative lens to give you the clarity and support needed for long-term healing.
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of approximately 100 trillion microorganisms that inhabit your gastrointestinal tract and work symbiotically with your body. This includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that perform essential functions including digestion, immune regulation, neurotransmitter production, and communication with your brain through the gut-brain axis.
Beneficial Bacteria Depletion
Pathogenic Bacterial Overgrowth
Loss of Overall Diversity
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Digestive: Chronic bloating, irregular bowel movements, food intolerances, acid reflux, abdominal pain
Immune/Inflammatory: Frequent infections, skin issues, allergies, autoimmune conditions, slow recovery
Neurological: Brain fog, mood swings, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches
Metabolic: Weight gain, sugar cravings, blood sugar imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances
Comprehensive microbiome assessment includes multiple evaluation approaches:
Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Analysis
SIBO Breath Testing
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Food Sensitivity Testing
Nutritional Assessment
Inflammatory Markers
Testing protocols are customized based on symptoms and suspected dysbiosis patterns.
Our comprehensive three-phase microbiome optimization protocol includes:
Microbiome diversity is connected to virtually every aspect of health. Higher diversity is associated with better immune function, improved mood, enhanced metabolism, better stress resilience, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Diverse microbiomes are more stable and resilient to disruption, while low diversity is linked to increased inflammation, compromised immunity, and higher disease risk.
Yes, with comprehensive functional medicine approaches addressing root causes. The microbiome is remarkably adaptable and can be restored through targeted interventions including pathogen elimination, beneficial bacteria restoration, prebiotic support, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and lifestyle optimization. The key is identifying specific dysbiosis patterns and implementing personalized restoration protocols.
At Whole Gut Health, we take a comprehensive, science-based approach to microbiome health:
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward optimal gut microbiome health and the comprehensive wellness benefits it provides.
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