The microbiota, or colonies of harmless microorganisms, are all over your body. The majority of these bacteria support your health and the physiological functions of your body. Gut Dysbiosis, however, can result from one of these bacterial colonies being out of balance. The most common cause of dysbiosis is an imbalance in the bacteria in your GI tract, which includes your stomach and intestines.
Dysbiosis can have some temporary, mild side effects like stomach upset. Your body can usually balance itself out without any help from a doctor. You’ll need to see your doctor for a diagnosis, though, if your symptoms worsen.
What is Gut Dysbiosis?
In terms of microbial ecosystems, the gut microbiome is the most well-known. There are millions of bacterial cells in your large intestine, which work with your gut to maintain its health. In fact, some yeasts, fungi, and archaea are found there too.
A microbiome that is healthy and in balance produces enough of the good bacteria to generate vital nutrients that protect the gut lining from damage and fight off invaders that could disrupt the ecosystem and lead to dysbiosis.
What are the Causes of Gut Dysbiosis?
Colonic dysbiosis and the health of your microbiome can be affected by a number of factors, with antibiotics being the most significant. Dysbiosis that lasts for months can result from even a single course of antibiotics.
Even long-term disruption of the gut flora can result from repeated antibiotic use. Your diet and way of living are other elements that contribute to intestinal dysbiosis.
Consuming a lot of whole meals, fruits, and vegetables while engaging in regular exercise would benefit your digestive system in the best way.
Surprisingly common, people who are unwell have dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. In fact, patterns of microbial dysbiosis in the gut microbiome have been identified that are linked to prevalent conditions like obesity, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Foods That can Cure Dysbiosis
The microbiome diet and the low-FODMAP diet are only two of the dietary approaches that can treat gastrointestinal problems. Modern diets are typically high in sugar and processed foods, which can result in gastrointestinal problems, including dysbiosis.
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols are referred to as FODMAPs. Dysbiosis can result from these short-chain fatty acids and sugar alcohols. IBS is typically treated with a low-FODMAP diet. It makes sense given that eliminating FODMAPs from your diet reduces gas and fermentation in the stomach.
- All non-processed meats, especially fish
- Eggs
- Fruits that are low in fructose (lemons, limes, strawberries, grapes, and pineapple)
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Collard greens
- Okra
- Kale
- Ginger
- Green tea
- Almond milk
- Water
Prebiotics and probiotics can assist in balancing the microorganisms in your stomach. These dietary supplements include cultures of particular bacteria that you can consume or use as treatment. To maintain your microbiota balance, discuss with your doctor what kinds of prebiotics or probiotics you’ll require.
What are the Symptoms of Dysbiosis?
Depending on where the bacterial imbalance occurs, your symptoms may vary. They might also change depending on the kinds of bacteria that are out of balance.
Common symptoms of dysbiosis include:
- Bad breath
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty in urinating
- Vaginal or rectal itching
- Bloating
- Chest pain
- Rash or redness
- Fatigue
- Having trouble thinking or concentrating
- Anxiety
- Depression
According to recent studies, the gut microbiota of elderly people is enriched with pro-inflammatory commensals at the expense of beneficial microorganisms, which increases the symptoms of dysbiosis as people age.
Dysbiosis Tests
For gut dysbiosis treatment, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following diagnostic tests after examining your medical history and evaluating your symptoms:
1. Organic Acids Test
A urine sample will be taken by your doctor and sent to a lab. A lab assistant will do a test to look for certain acids that bacteria can make. These acid levels could indicate that some bacteria are out of balance if they are aberrant.
2. Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)
To collect a sample of your faeces, your doctor will have you bring special equipment home. This sample will be given back to your doctor for laboratory analysis. To determine whether there are any bacteria, yeasts, or fungi in the excrement, the lab technician will test it. Your doctor can use the data to determine if there is an imbalance or overgrowth.
3. Hydrogen Breath Test
You will be asked to drink a sugar solution and breathe into a special balloon by your doctor. The presence of bacterial gases in the balloon’s air may subsequently be determined.
A bacterial imbalance may be indicated by an excess or deficiency of specific gases. For the detection of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), this test is frequently employed. To determine what germs are causing the infection, your doctor may also take a sample of tissue or bacteria (a biopsy) from the area of a current infection.
What Treatment Options are Available?
Your doctor would probably advise you to stop taking the medicine until the bacterial balance has been restored in case the medication is the cause behind bacterial imbalance. Dysbiosis treatment include medications such as:
- Antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro), which cures gut infections brought on by dysbiosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder connected to dysbiosis, is treated with the antibiotic rifaximin (Xifaxan), which also reduces its symptoms.
- Co-trimoxazole (Septrin), an antibiotic that treats dysbiosis-related gastrointestinal and urinary tract illnesses
Your doctor will assist you in developing a nutrition plan if your diet is the cause of your bacterial imbalance. This can ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients to maintain the proper balance of bacteria, such as:
- B-complex vitamins, such as B6 & B12
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Beta-carotene
- Zinc
For intestinal dysbiosis to be fully cured, it may require months of dietary changes, supplements, and/or medications.
Conclusion
Gut Dysbiosis, which is generally mild, can be treated with drugs and dietary changes. However, if dysbiosis is left untreated, it may lead to chronic disorders like IBS.
Visit your doctor right away if you’re experiencing any unusual or persistent stomach pain or skin irritation. The sooner your dysbiosis diagnosis is done by your doctor, the less likely it is that you will experience any further issues.
