Let's Demystify Dysbiosis! We hear this term being thrown around a lot - but, what actually is DYSBIOSIS!?
Our gut contains some amazing little colonies, microscopic bacteria and other organisms. Most of these bacteria are commensal – meaning they benefit from living in and on our body, without causing any harm. Ultimately, we need them to protect us - they are a part of something bigger - a healthy gut environment. BUT! If one of these bacterial colonies becomes unbalanced, it can lead to dysbiosis.
Dysbiosis occurs when we have too little “good bacteria”, or similarly, when we have too much “bad bacteria”. There is a loss of harmony and balance between these "good" vs. "bad" colonies. Think of it like your chaotic family Christmas dinner...there is always that family member or many (bless them), who talk very loud, and the other side of the family cannot get a word in!
Dysbiosis not only occurs from bacterial overgrowth, but can occur from yeast overgrowth and the presence of parasites and worms. There are numerous reasons as to why someone may have dysbiosis, but the important thing to recognise is, when you might be feeling it.
Common signs that your gut may be in a state of dysbiosis;
Burping
Bad breath (Halitosis)
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced focus and/or concentration
Fatigue
Poor immune function
Bloating
Indigestion
Upset stomach
Cramping
Nausea
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Constipation\Diarrhoea OR alternating patterns of both.
Flatulence - lots of it, and maybe so smelly it clears the family out! (One way to get rid of them!)
Common causes of dysbiosis;
Chronic Stress
Antibiotic Use
Diet factors
Candida
Parasites
Worms
Bacterial Infections & overgrowth
Certain medications
Digestion/Gut Complications
The Best Part of this Blog!?
There are numerous ways to diagnose dysbiosis and treat it Naturopathically. Yes, we can reverse and heal your dysbiosis! Remember, dysbiosis is not a disease, simply an unbalanced state within the gut. Our Naturopaths see and treat gut dysbiosis on a daily basis. Through the use of dietary + lifestyle amendments, and herbal and nutritional supplementation, we can get your guts back to glory! Furthermore, functional testing for dysbiosis can be utilised as a great tool to assess exactly what is going on, identifying causes of the dysbiosis and concurrent complications. Testing options such as comprehensive microbiome stool testing and full blood counts (to assess any consequent nutritional deficiencies), are commonly used in our practice.
If you think you have dysbiosis, please reach out - we are here to help!!
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