What is Dysbiosis?

About Dysbiosis:

• It is an imbalance within a community of microorganisms living together — a microbiome.
• Our bodies are host to several distinct microbiomes — communities of microorganisms that live with us and assist us in various ways.
• A balanced microbiome is one where there’s a healthy diversity of microorganisms, where no single bacteria, virus or fungus dominates. 
• It means there’s a lack of diversity and balance. When they’re imbalanced, it changes how they function in your body.
• It typically occurs when the bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract — which includes the stomach and intestines — become unbalanced.
• Cause: It can arise from infections, antibiotic use, or some aspects of a person’s diet.
• How does dysbiosis affect us?
  • In any microbiome, a lack of diversity and balance can pave the way for one type of microorganism to take over.
  • Dysbiosis makes us more vulnerable to infections from germs living inside and outside of our bodies.
  • It can also interfere with other important services that our microbiomes normally provide for us. 
• Symptoms: Though it is sometimes asymptomatic, dysbiosis may manifest in abdominal pain, bloating and vomiting.
• It is also common on your skin. It can be caused by exposure to harmful bacteria or an overgrowth of a single type of bacteria.
• Treatment:
  • The main premise of treatment is to increase gut microbiome biodiversity. Scientists have developed several ways of treating dysbiosis, including:
    • Fecal microbiota transplantation
    • Probiotic therapy
    • Microbial metabolic pathway therapy
  • If an underlying disease or condition causes it, you’ll need specific treatment for that condition.