GI Effects Dysbiosis Score Test

The Dysbiosis Score reflects how balanced (or imbalanced) your gut microbiome appears, based on the pattern of bacteria found in your stool. It looks at the abundance and diversity of beneficial commensal bacteria, as well as patterns associated with inflammation, overgrowth (including methane-producing organisms), and loss of key protective species. It is less about a single “bad bug” and more about the overall ecosystem.

Why it matters

Your gut microbiome plays a central role in digestion, immune regulation, gut barrier integrity, vitamin production, and even mood and metabolism. When this ecosystem is out of balance, a state called dysbiosis, you may have symptoms like gas, bloating, irregular stools, or abdominal discomfort, but you may also notice non-gut symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, or metabolic changes. Dysbiosis can be driven by antibiotics, ultra-processed diets, chronic stress, poor sleep, infections, or underlying conditions.

What a higher score suggests

A higher Dysbiosis Score means your microbiome pattern is further away from what’s typically seen in healthy individuals. This could reflect a loss of beneficial bacteria, overgrowth of opportunistic species, or patterns associated with chronic inflammation or immune suppression. Interventions usually focus on gradually restoring a healthier ecosystem with diet (more diverse fibers and whole foods, fewer ultra-processed foods), targeted probiotics or prebiotics, and sometimes herbal or prescription antimicrobials if specific overgrowths are present. The goal is not just to “kill bad bugs,” but to rebuild a resilient, diverse microbiome.