Dysbiosis & the Gut Barrier Dysbiosis and the Gut Barrier Dysbiosis is commonly described as an imbalance in the gut microbiome , the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microbes play an essential role in digestion, immune regulation, and metabolic health. However, research over the past decade suggests that the microbiome also plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier . The intestinal barrier is the protective