What is Dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the organisms that live in your gut. Collectively these organisms are referred to as the microbiome. You have a symbiotic relationship with these organisms. They need you and you need them. You provide them with a home and food. In exchange, they make vitamins, help digest your food, and help regulate every metabolic process in your body. They are incredibly important to your well-being and play such a big part in your health that the microbiome is unofficially called an “invisible organ”.
In a healthy gut, these organisms can be roughly split into two categories: beneficial or neutral species, and opportunistic species. A healthy gut microbiome is dominated by beneficial species, but it is normal and healthy to have small amounts of opportunistic (pathogenic) species as well. When the opportunistic species start increasing, or when beneficial species are depleted, that’s when dysbiosis occurs.
Why do I have dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis can be the result of consuming antibiotics, proton-pump inhibitors for heartburn or GERD, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, aspirin or prescriptions, a diet high in processed foods or sugars, or psychological or physical stress.
How does dysbiosis affect me?
Just like leaky gut, dysbiosis can affect any part of your body. In fact, dysbiosis often triggers leaky gut. The microbiome has a role in intestinal cell health and in regulation of tight junctions, so when there is dysbiosis there is leaky gut.
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