Dysbiosis: The Imbalance in Your Gut | Integrative Family Practice
Did you know that there are over 39 trillion microbes in the human body?
These micro species are collectively responsible for helping us digest food and protecting against infections.
However, there may be cases where the level of microbes can decrease in our body. In such circumstances, we may face the risk of dysbiosis.
But what is it all about? Let’s find out…
Dysbiosis: What you Need to Know
Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the types of microorganisms thriving in different parts of the human body, especially the gut.
In a healthy state, we have a diverse mix of beneficial bacteria. However, with dysbiosis, there is a decrease in favorable bacteria (like Firmicutes) and an increase in potentially harmful ones (like Proteobacteria). This imbalance can lead to potential problems, such as damage to the gut lining and inflammation in the immune system.
As a result, dysbiosis can potentially cause threatening diseases, including IBD, diabetes, and colorectal cancer.
Impact of Antibiotics on Dysbiosis
The main factor that can disrupt the balance of the body's natural microbiome is the use of medications, especially antibiotics.
Antibiotic use has the most adverse effect on the body's natural microbiome. The intensity level, however, depends upon the dosage, frequency, and range of action of the antibiotic.
But how can antibiotics cause dysbiosis?
Well, broad-spectrum antibiotics like ceftriaxone and meropenem, which target both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, can eliminate many of the beneficial bacteria in the body, leading to an imbalance in the body.
This reduction in microbial diversity exposes the immune system to various gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammation and diarrhea.
Additional Causes of Dysbiosis
If you consume foods rich in sulfur, protein, and sugar, your gut health may be at a risk of inflammation and disruption of the mucus lining.
Apart from your diet, stress can also play a significant part in influencing the natural balance of bacteria in the human body. But why?
Stress has the tendency to reduce the level of favorable bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, and increases the growth of harmful bacteria, like E. coli, in the gut.
These changes may happen because stress fosters the production of certain pathogenic bacteria due to increase in the level of norepinephrine.
How can Dysbiosis be Diagnosed?
The early symptoms associated with dysbiosis include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating
For diagnosis of dysbiosis, an organic acid test using a urine sample is done. The urine sample can identify the levels of organic compounds produced by microorganisms in the body, particularly in the gut.
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is a more detailed stool test that gives precise information about the overall health of the digestive system.
If there are signs of inflammation such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, a biopsy might be needed to learn about the intensity and cause of the inflammation.
Can Dysbiosis Be Treated Naturally?
Most microbiomes are self-healing, meaning they can regain balance in favorable environmental conditions. This recovery can be fast-tracked by incorporating positive changes in your lifestyle, including:
Restricting alcohol and tobacco consumption,
Avoidance of exposure to intrusive pollutants in your surroundings,
Eating a balanced diet that also includes fermented food
Occasionally probiotics supplementation is recommended by dr Sypien
Also, it should be noted that the human body has diverse types of bacteria, and each one of them feeds on different plant fibers and nutrients. Hence, maintaining a healthy diet is essential to have a balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Keep your Health in Check with Integrative Family Practice…
Health is wealth.
After all, there’s no thrill to life if you aren’t in your best condition.
So, if you suffer from gastrointestinal diseases or have symptoms of dysbiosis, it’s time to get checked by a professional doctor - the likes of Dr. Sypien.
Dr Sypien has been practicing medicine since the last 20 years and is one of the most accomplished professionals in her field of subject.