Dysbiosis also called dysbacteriosis is defined as an imbalance in bacterial composition or changes in bacterial metabolic activities. It is an ill health of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) that happens when the bacteria in the tract, as well as intestines, become unbalanced.
Our body consists of harmless bacterial colonies called microbiota which contribute to our body’s good health and smooth functioning. But when any of these bacterial colonies goes out of balance this leads to an illness called dysbiosis that happens in the GI tract. While the body can correct the imbalance on its own without treatment, if the symptoms do not subside, you must consult your health practitioner for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
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Who Is At Risk?
By and large, dysbiosis is a result of the following:
- A dietary change that increases your intake of protein or sugar
- Exposure to harmful bacteria or their overgrowth
- An accidental chemical consumption in the form of pesticide sprayed on unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Consuming alcohol in excess
- Medications, such as antibiotics, that affect the flora of the gut
- Lack of oral hygiene that causes the bacteria to become imbalanced in the body and mouth
- High levels of stress which can immensely affect and weaken the immune system
- Unprotected sex which can expose you to harmful bacteria
Symptoms Of Dysbiosis
Common symptoms of dysbiosis include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in urinating and itching
- Having trouble concentrating
- Depression
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Diagnosing Dysbiosis
Your doctor may advise an Organic acids test by collecting a urine sample and sending it to a laboratory or a comprehensive digestive stool analysis. A hydrogen breath test is also done. Your doctor will have you drink a sugar solution and breathe into a special balloon to test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,
Treatment Options For Dysbiosis
If medicines are behind the bacterial imbalance causing dysbiosis your doctor will advise you to discontinue use until the bacterial balance is restored. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacteria. If your diet is the cause of bacterial imbalance, the doctor will help you create a nutrition plan to make sure you are getting the needed nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and zinc. Your doctor may ask you to add certain foods to your diet including dark, leafy greens, including spinach and kale, and certain types of fish. Taking probiotics as well as prebiotics can also help keep the gut bacteria in balance. Talk to your doctor about which types of pre-probiotics or pro-probiotics you need to keep your microbiota balanced. Foods that you may need to stop eating include processed meats, oats, or bread, dairy such as yogurt, milk, and cheese, and foods high in sugar, such as corn or maple syrup.
Risk Factors Associated With Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis can be closely associated with the following certain diseases and conditions:
- Colitis
- Celiac disease
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Eczema
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Heart disease or heart failure
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Colon cancer
Precautions
Some points that must be kept in mind as a precautionary sake. You should only take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Try adding probiotic supplements into your daily routine to help regulate the gastrointestinal bacteria. Avoid alcohol intake as it can interrupt the balance of gut bacteria. Brush your teeth and floss them every day to prevent bacteria from growing out of control. Use condoms during sex to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and bacteria.
